Sony aims to make a splash with its latest smartphone

Dust and water resistant and featuring cutting-edge photo and video technology, the latest Xperia smartphone handset could be the ideal holiday companion.

The-Xperia-ZR-can-be-submerged-in-water-for-up-to-30-minutes-and-is-also-dust-resistant-making-it-ideal-for-the-beach-Photo-AFP

Dust and water resistant and featuring cutting-edge photo and video technology, the latest Xperia smartphone handset could be the ideal holiday companion.

Announced just in time for summer vacations, the Xperia ZR has a manageable 4.6-inch full HD display and some of the best stills and video camera technology currently available squeezed into its slim form. And although clearly focused on capturing images that were until recently the preserve of a dedicated camera, the ZR is also a serious smartphone complete with quad-core processor and 4GLTE mobile internet.

Sony claims that it is the most water-resistant smartphone available on the market -- it can be submerged in 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes -- and as it is also highly dust-resistant it is the perfect beach-side companion. So much so it has dedicated camera controls so that the user doesn't have to fumble with lock screens and home keys to start shooting HD video or capturing 13 megapixel snap shots, a definite advantage when fingers are covered in sunscreen.

Using the same OptiContrast panel technology found on its TVs, the Xperia ZR's screen can be viewed clearly even in direct sunlight, while its Stamina technology actively prolongs battery life by shutting down apps every time the screen fades to black.

Available in four colors (black, white, pink and mint green), the Xperia ZR will officially launch in North America and Europe at the end of June.