Skip to main content

Sony breaks rank by merging 4K and OLED, launching Xperia Z superphone

Image used with permission by copyright holder

CES 2013 CoverageWe knew going into CES that 4K and OLED technologies would factor heavily into this year’s announcements, and so far, major manufacturers haven’t disappointed. After LG and Samsung opened the day with models representing both technologies, Sony followed suit at the Las Vegas Convention Center with its own unique take on both, plus a slew of products in virtually every other category, true to Sony style. Here’s the quick take.

TVs

While LG and Samsung matched wits with similar 55-inch OLED models slated for production in the immediate future, Sony broke rank and showed a far-fetched prototype that one ups both. Sony’s super TV measures 56 inches, and crucially, sports both OLED display technology and 4K resolution – an astonishing 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

Recommended Videos

For those of us less content to dream and more content to buy, Sony will also leverage its significant foothold in movie production to debut a 4K content distribution service this summer, helping eliminate the current lack of native 4K content that will hobble all the Ultra HD TVs shown as this year’s show. Of course, you can also expect a new 4K TVs to accompany that content – the 55- and 65-inch X900A series.

sony-ces-2013-4k-speakers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mobile

Check out our review of the Sony Xperia Z smartphone.

While CES 2013 has proven to be a dry show for smartphones, Sony bucked the trend of waiting for Mobile World Congress by debuting the Xperia Z on Monday – a flagship device with a massive 5-inch, 1080p display. Other features include an edge-to-edge glass display, spill-proof design, and a whopping 13-megapixel rear camera.

For those who love to dabble with a tablet or smartphone as they watch TV, Sony also launched its new SideView app, which connects to Sony TVs and Blu-ray players to display additional information about the content you’re watching.

sony-xperia-z-ces-2013
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cameras

Sony’s camera additions this year were less aggressive than in other categories, but by no means stagnant. The $199 Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 was a clear standout, offering built-in Wi-Fi capabilities with an affordable price tag, in an apparent shot across the bow at Samsung. The company also debuted the rugged TF1, long-zoom H200, and two budget models under $150.

sony-ces-2013-cybershot-dsc-wx80
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Computers

Like its selection of cameras, computers took a back seat at CES 2013, but Sony did show off the new T15 Ultrabook, which boasts a 15-inch 1080p display with 10-finger multitouch. Sony also sells its T14 with an optional touchscreen now, and will sell its Duo 11 sliding hybrid in silver in addition to black.

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Editor in Chief, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team covering every gadget under the sun, along with…
You won’t regret splurging on this Sony Bravia XR A95L OLED TV deal
Sony A95L QD-OLED Review

There are TV deals for those who want a new screen while on a tight budget, but if you're willing to spend a hefty sum to create the most amazing home theater setup possible, there are options for you too. We highly recommend setting your sights on this one from Best Buy: the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV with a $603 discount that brings its price down from $5,000 to $4,397. It's definitely still not what we would call "affordable," but if you want one of the best premium TVs money can buy, this is an offer you shouldn't miss.

Why you should buy the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV
With a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a spot in our list of the best OLED TVs, it's safe to say we think very highly of the Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV. Its 77-inch screen features the QD-OLED technology, which combines the intense brightness levels and wide color gamut of QLED TVs with the ability to achieve perfect black levels of OLED TVs. If you're stuck deciding between QLED TVs versus OLED TVs, you won't need to make that choice with the Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV.

Read more
Don’t miss this chance to get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for just $45
The 2023, second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

There are a variety of reasons why you'd want a streaming device, even after you just received your purchase from TV deals, and if you think you need one, you may want to consider Best Buy's offer for the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. From its original price of $60, it's down to an even more affordable $45 following a $15 discount. It may return to its regular price as soon as tomorrow though, so if you want to pocket the savings, you're going to have to finish your transaction for the streaming device right now.

Why you should buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Are you still using a non-smart TV? Do you find the operating system of your smart TV confusing or lacking? Would you like to add your TV to your Amazon ecosystem? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you can't go wrong with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Featured in our list of the best streaming devices, it's very easy to set up -- just plug it into your TV's HDMI port, plug in its power adapter, switch to your TV's HDMI input, and follow the onscreen instructions, which include connecting to your home's Wi-Fi network.

Read more
Get this 65-inch Insignia 4K TV while it’s on sale for just $300
The Insignia F50 Series QLED 4K TV with the Amazon Fire TV interface on the screen.

At its original price of $450, the 65-inch Insignia F50 Series 4K TV is already pretty affordable for its size. However, you can currently get it with a $150 discount from Best Buy, which drops its price to just $300. If you're on the hunt for TV deals to upgrade your home theater setup, but you don't want to go overboard with your spending, this is an offer you wouldn't want to miss. You need to act fast in completing your transaction though, as we're not sure how much time is remaining before this 4K TV's price returns to normal.

Why you should buy the 65-inch Insignia F50 Series 4K TV
The Insignia F50 Series 4K TV is the first smart TV that's powered by Amazon's Fire TV platform with a quantum dot-based display, which offers improved color accuracy, a larger color volume, and better vibrancy. Alongside 4K Ultra HD resolution for sharp details, support for all the most advanced HDR formats, and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for a cinematic experience, this 65-inch TV will deliver memorable nights of entertainment for the whole family.

Read more