Sony is turning its focus to 4K high-definition video recording in its new Xperia XZ2 smartphone to differentiate itself from rivals that have caught up in camera technology.

Announced at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress on Monday, the Sony XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact feature Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back and a longer 18:9 ratio display which reduces the size of the bezels on the front of the handset.

The smartphone will record video in 4K HDR - a quality previously only available in the top-of-the-range camcorders, senior Sony Mobile product manager Adam Marsh said.

The device also includes super slow-motion in 1080p high definition resolution, he said. Sony introduced super slo-mo in its XZ Premium last year ago, a first that was copied by market leader Samsung in its Galaxy 9 unveiled on Sunday.

Sony's device can also upscale SDR video to near HDR quality video, using technology developed with engineers working on the company's Bravia televisions.

Xperia XZ2

The flagship Xperia XZ2 has an extended 5.7" HDR Full HD+ 18:9 display. Not only can you watch existing HDR content, using Sony's BRAVIA TV technology, X-reality for mobile, it will up-convert content to near High Dynamic Range (HDR).

The XZ2 uses Sony's new Dynamic Vibration System which analyses audio data and lets you feel the action in your hands. It comes with front facing stereo speakers featuring S-Force Front Surround.

High quality audio is also provided using Sony's audio expertise with the Hi-Resolution Audio together with DSEE HX technology for upscaling.

Motion Eye camera is pushed to the extreme and gets an upgrade with the 1st 4K HDR Movie recording in a smartphone. Super slow motion video recording is also upgraded with 960fps now possible in Full HD. Motion Eye camera brings you all the still photography features you expect from Xperia with its intelligent control features such as Predictive Capture with motion and smile detection, Autofocus burst and Predictive Autofocus.

The 3D Creator application is now available with greater flexibility for 3D scanning. Not only can you create 3D scans of objects or friend's faces in less than a minute using the main camera, you can also now create 3D scans of yourself using the front camera. Post-processing is now available to achieve greater quality of 3D scans. Plus once you've finished your 3D scan or selfie, you can now post directly to your Facebook timeline within 3D Creator.

In terms of design, the Xperia XZ2 has a fluid 3D glass surface built with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, alogn with a metal frame to add extra durability. It comes in four different finishes - in Liquid Silver, Liquid Black, Deep Green and Ash Pink. Certified IP65/IP68, the XZ2 is also is designed to withstand splashes and spills.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform with X20 LTE, XZ2 will provide connection speeds of up to 1.2Gbps with the second generation Gigabit LTE solution.

The XZ2 is powered by a 3180mAh battery and offers all day usage. Xperia's battery features are also included such as Smart Stamina, STAMINA mode, plus Battery Care and Qnovo Adaptive Charging technology which help the battery stay healthy to give you a longer battery lifespan. For effortless charging you can also use the wireless charging dock (WCH20), and other compatible Qi chargers, by placing your XZ2 on the dock to power up without the need to plug in.

Xperia XZ2 Compact

The XZ2 Compact delivers big screen entertainment in the palm of your hand with its 5" HDR Full HD+ extended display.

It also has a multitude of updates found in its big brother XZ2, such as all of the Motion Eye 2018 upgrades including 3D Creator for selfie and Full HD Super slow motion as well as its still image capture. It's also packed with Sony's audio enhancing technologies such as Hi-Res Audio and front facing stereo speakers. This small smartphone is all powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform.

The XZ2 Compact has the same design philosophy as XZ2 with its curved body. Durability is ensured with a tough exterior including Corning Gorilla Glass 5, anti-scratch hard-grade polycarbonate, IP65/IP68 and metal frame. It is finished in four colours: White Silver, Black, Moss Green and Coral Pink.

Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are available globally from March 2018 both will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo.

Accessories

A range of supporting accessories will be available including covers Style Cover Touch and Style Cover Stand in corresponding colours for both models. Also available are charging accessories Wireless Charging Dock (WCH20) for fast effortless charging and Quick Charger UCH12W providing hours of battery time by plugging in for just a few minutes.

The new 2-way Style USB Audio & Bluetooth Headset (SBH90C) allows you to enjoy music and talk wirelessly in high quality as well as via a wired USB Type-C Cable option that offers Hi-Res Audio with direct USB digital output. It will also charge from Xperia whilst you're listening so you can switch easily between wireless if your battery is running low.

Open-ear Stereo Headset (STH40D) offers lightweight dual listening, and Xperia Ear Duo utilises Sony's acoustics leadership to deliver wireless 'open-ear' stereo headphones, so you can listen to music, access information and communicate whilst simultaneously hearing sounds from the world around you.

A USB Type-C 2-in-1 Cable (EC270) is also available for enjoying audio with non-Bluetooth headphones and simultaneously charge your phone.

Xperia Ear Duo launches from Spring 2018

Sony Mobile also today announced that Xperia Ear Duo is rolling out from Spring 2018.

Xperia Ear Duo features Dual Listening technology, so you can listen to music and receive notifications, whilst simultaneously hearing environmental sound or conversation.

The Spatial Acoustic Conductor, developed by Sony's technology incubator Future Lab Program, allows the sound generated behind the ear by the unit's driver to be transmitted directly into the ear. The ring supporter surrounds the ear canal so your music can blend with sounds from your environment.

The volume intelligently adjusts based on your surroundings and background noise, with Sony's Clear Phase audio technology eliminating sound dispersion.

Driven by Sony's low power consuming "CXD5602" chip and a multi-sensor platform, the "Daily Assist2" feature will recognise time, location and activities to offer relevant information throughout the day - reminding you what time your next meeting is when you reach the office or narrating the latest news headlines.

Xperia Ear Duo also responds to head gestures - the sensors allow you to answer or decline incoming calls by shaking or nodding your head, or skip through music by shaking your head left and right. You can also control your music and volume by simply tapping and scrolling on the device.

Voice control is also built in with flexible access to the personal assistants you use most, whether it's Google Assistant or Siri. Quad microphone beam-forming isolates the sound of your voice, filtering out external noise to help you set reminders, send messages, make calls or launch an application, all freely and easily.

Made from stainless steel and soft rubber, Xperia Ear Duo sits under the ear to avoid interference with glasses or accessories. The open-ring supporter comes in three different sizes, and IPX2 splash proofing means it's comfortable enough to wear all day, every day.

You'll be able to enjoy up to four hours listening on a single charge, and the compact case doubles as a charger, providing up to three times more power when you're on the move. What's more, the case offers a fast charging feature, giving you one hour of listening with just seven minutes of charging.

Xperia Ear Duo rolls out from Spring 2018 in sleek Black and Gold styles - the companion application will be available for free download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.