Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray and Active smartphones launched

Sony Ericsson continued its strategy of releasing varied Android-based smartphones today, with two new Xperia handsets launched. Both have something to distinguish them from the typical touchscreen designs we see all the time.

The Xperia Ray is the more conventional looking of the pair, though even it comes in four colours – for the more fashion-conscious – and has a front-facing camera – for egotists who like to take photos of themselves or those who fancy a bit of video chat. It’s multimedia capabilities are further boosted by an 8.1-megapixel rear-facing camera.

It’s only 9.4mm thick and has a 3.3in display (with a 854×480 resolution) and ships with the latest version of Android (2.3 Gingerbread). This is further enhanced by the recent Xperia Facebook additions, for slicker integration with the popular social networking service. Technically it’s pretty ho-hum, though, with a single-core 1GHz processor and 300MB of internal storage for installing apps.

Next up is the Xperia Active, which has a distinctive hook to attach it to a lanyard. Most phones wouldn’t survive being bounced around on your belt, especially during outdoor activities, but the Xperia Active is both dust and water resistant.

This compact but chunky phone has a 3in touchscreen – with scratch resistant glass of course – but only a moderate 320×480 resolution. Apparently the phone has ‘wet finger tracking’ so that it’ll work even when you and it are drenched; it also comes pre-laoded with sports apps and can work with the usual ANT+ range of heartbeat sensors.

We’re looking forward to seeing review samples of both later this year – with a release pencilled in for Q3 2011.