Xperia Z1 Release Date in the US: Available Now From Sony - Unlocked Price, Specs, and Features

The Sony Xperia Z1 is one of the more powerful smartphones available on the market today, and tech fans have been waiting for Sony to officially release the device to the U.S. market since it was originally launched overseas. Now, Sony is selling the smartphone unlocked through its U.S. retail website, along with the massive Xperia Z Ultra phablet and the Smartwatch 2.

Sony is currently offering the Xperia Z1 in the unlocked GSM model for $669.99. The phone is available in all three colors (black, white and purple). The smartphone has a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, making it extremely fast, along with a 5-inch Full HD (1920x1080) resolution LCD screen for the display.

Recently, the Xperia Z1 was spotted with T-Mobile branding, so if the price tag is too hefty for some readers there is the possibility that the device will be offered at a reduced price along with a subscription plan from Verizon, though nothing has been confirmed.

The Xperia Z1 also packs a 20.7-megapixel camera, Android 4.2.2., and, because this is an Xperia smartphone, the device will also be water and dust resistant.

If users are looking for a smartphone/tablet hybrid, the Xperia Z Ultra is another solid option to check out. The device is now being offered in a GSM non-LTE model for $649.99, while the LTE version of the phablet will cost $679.99.

The Xperia Z Ultra will have the same 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor as the Xperia Z1, but has a much bigger 6.44-inch LCD screen with Full HD at a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The display also is designed to work with real pencils and metal pens instead of a stylus, so users do not need to worry about losing their stylus and can just use the real deal to mimic writing on the Xperia Z Ultra.

It is unclear if Verizon, Sprint, or even T-Mobile will begin carrying the device in the United States, which is a shame considering that Sony's massive phablet is one of the top devices of its kind now available on the market. Perhaps these service providers will carry the device in the future, but for now users will just have to settle with buying the device at full unlocked price from Sony.