The handset is available at £69 ($105 / €80) on contract

Feb 28, 2013 13:51 GMT  ·  By

Today, wireless carrier Three UK announced the immediate availability of the Sony Xperia Z smartphone on its network, with a price tag starting at £69 ($105 / €80) on the carrier’s £34 per month plan.

Users interested in the purchase of this smartphone will also be able to grab it on the carrier’s £36 per month plan at the same cost, or at £449.99 ($683 / €520) on Pay As You Go with a £10 or a £15 add-on.

Officially unveiled back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the device was put up for pre-order at Three UK on February 1.

This is the new Android-based flagship device from the Japanese mobile phone maker, packing a 5-inch full HD screen, a quad-core processor inside, and a 13-megapixel photo snapper on the back.

“The Xperia Z brings together the best of Sony’s technology to deliver a precision engineered full HD smartphone with a 5” full HD display, long battery life and water resistance so you can text in the rain,” Three UK notes.

The specs list of the device also includes a front camera for video calling, 2GB of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, NFC, GPS receiver, and the usual set of sensors.

Xperia Z measures 7.9 mm x 139 mm x 71 mm and weighs 146 grams. Its battery should be able to provide users with up to 660 minutes of talk time, or up to 550 hours of standby time.

Xperia Z is not just slim and sleek, at just 7.9 mm, with a reflective glass surface, it’s also crafted to be sturdy and durable,” Three UK notes.

“Don’t worry about getting it wet or dusty as it’s water and dust resistant (IP57 & IP55), with durable tempered glass on front and back with anti-shatter films, so you can text from the bath and take pictures in the rain.”

Those who would like to purchase the Xperia Z from Three UK will find it available on this page on the wireless carrier’s website.