Sony Ericsson announces the Xperia Ray for the US; unlocked phones available for $425

Sony Ericsson has just announced that the Xperia Ray (see our hands-on) will now be available for US customers as unlocked, contract-free devices.  Checking in at $425, it's quite a nice package -- 3.3-inch screen, 8.1MP camera (Alex says the new S.E. camera's are top notch), front facing camera for video chat, 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 512MB RAM, and all wrapped up in a stylish aluminum body.  Not the highest specs we've seen, but the Ray should be more than capable.

The Ray is sold unlocked and will work on any GSM carrier worldwide, but here in the states if you want 3G connectivity, you'll need to use AT&T, as the Ray lacks the T-Mobile 1700MHz AWS frequency band.  You can grab one at online retailers (like Amazon or Newegg) soon, and they will be available in gold, black, white, and pink.  Sounds like a great option for those who aren't interested in a contract, and Sony Ericsson knows how to treat Android developers right.

Jerry Hildenbrand
Senior Editor — Google Ecosystem

Jerry is an amateur woodworker and struggling shade tree mechanic. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him writing and speaking his loud opinion on Android Central and occasionally on Twitter.