Sony's Xperia S comes to America! Video

Sony's Xperia S comes to America! Video Transcript

Hi this is Brian -- for cnet.com and today we're taking a first look at the Sony Xperia -- Now some of you out there may know that Sony announced this phone back at CES in January 2012. At the time I thought the Xperia S would never officially make it to US shores. Remaining an untouchable global phone available for purchase everywhere on the planet except for the states. Well now that has changed with Sony offering the Xperia S for sale in America directly through its online store. With a sticker price of 559. However an unlocked phone doesn't come cheap so what exactly does this -- bring to the table. First off the Sony Xperia -- looks striking it comes in hues of -- like the one I have here and a more conservative black. Its design is also very futuristic with a rectangle -- chassis chiseled in sharp angles plus an illuminated clear bar running along the phone's base. In front is a large four point three inch LCD screen with a 720 Ph.D. resolution. Above the display is a one point three megapixel front facing camera and notification -- the left side holds and micro USB port covered by -- flap. On top is -- 3.5 millimeter headphone Jack and power button placed on back as the phone's twelve megapixel camera with -- flash. Sitting on the right side is an HDMI port also -- -- flat. Along with a trim volume rocker here too is a dedicated camera button which shutter bugs will appreciate. Holding down the button fires of the Xperia s's camera even when the phone -- -- -- Using the button to wake the camera also immediately snaps a picture for fast capture. You can disable this function though if you just want to rely on the button to jump to the camera. The phone's camera is snappy to capturing pictures and under a second and there are lots of scene and shooting modes to choose from. Other worthy features including dual core one point five gigahertz processor driving the Xperia s's Android Ford auto Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Sony also has loaded apps for its music unlimited and video unlimited digital storefronts. They let you rent and buy movies and TV shows plus download and stream audio tracks right from the device. There are some things that don't throw me about the Xperia S its screen is not very impressive with lower contrast and washed out colors compared to other Smartphones. Performance feel sluggish to and the screen doesn't respond as quickly or S movie as I would like. I'm Brian Bennett and this has been a first look at the Sony Xperia -- be sure to check out our full review at cnet.com.