The vain among us will be rejoicing at Sony’s confirmation that it is to launch “the ultimate selfie smartphone”, the Xperia C3.
Smartphone users all over the world are already snapping themselves on a variety of devices, but Sony claims it has created a handset that will set itself apart for those wishing to capture their precious moments - be it at the top of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, at the Dubai Mall or simply relaxing on a sun-soaked UAE beach.
The Xperia C3’s selfie capabilities include being able to fit more people in the frame, and, if you’re having a bad hair day or your make-up isn’t quite right, photos can be retouched before being shared on social media.
“The rise of selfies shows no signs of abating – its usage has increased by 17,000 per cent since 2012 with the word officially being added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013,” said Spyridon Gousetis, director of marketing at Sony Mobile Communications MEA.
“We’re excited to offer Sony’s first ‘PROselfie Smartphone’ and play a part in this global phenomenon.”
However, priced at Dh1,199, the Xperia C3 needs an aggressive price tag to target users other than the younger crowd, according to Roberta Cozza, a research director at Gartner in the UK.
“The concept of the selfie appeals to youngsters so the price is important. Maybe Sony could have bundled the phone with other content offerings, which they will have to do to attract other users,” she told The National.
“The addition comes in a crowded mid-range market where Sony is competing with the likes of LG and Nokia and, although the Xperia C3 has strong image features and effects, it is brand, content, price, battery life and speed of connection that are the main drivers.”
The phone has a 5MP wide-angle front camera and a “unique soft flash which allows flattering photos day or night”, according to a statement from Sony. The front camera also makes video calls on a 5.5 inch HD display, while the 7.6mm device weighs 150g.
The Xperia C3 is set to be in UAE stores at the end of August.
The smartphone market is increasingly looking to diversify, with devices such as the dual-screen YotaPhone and curved LG Flex going against the grain of the popular handsets such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series.
“What will come next is a smartphone that will be the hub for other smart objects and devices,” said Ms Cozza.
“It will be more aware of its user and behaviour and will help them in their every day tasks with smart assistance.”
ioxborrow@thenational.ae
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