Xperia VL (SOL21) now available in Japan from AU by KDDI

by XB on 02/11/2012

in Xperia - Japan Models, Xperia V


The Sony Xperia VL (SOl21) finally went on sale today through Japan’s AU (KDDI) mobile operator. The Xperia VL is the Japanese variant of the Xperia V (LT25i) and comes with CDMA compatibility. The other Japanese variant of the same phone, the Xperia AX is due to go on sale through NTT DoCoMo on November 16.

It looks like the version on sale does not come with the Small App feature as can be seen from the picture below. Hopefully, this will be fixed in a future firmware update. See some hands-on pics from the Xperia VL below. Let’s hope the international version of the phone (LT25i) makes its way to the market soon.

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

Xperia VL released

No Small Apps?

Xperia VL released

Via Octoba.

Thanks @musumappa!

Tagged as: KDDI, Xperia V, Xperia VL

  • FlowXT

    It looks good, but the front would look better if it had the top and bottom slightly arched ) like the original arc, instead of completely straight lines with rounded corners.

  • Loken

    looks like the same model for china version

  • cesar suarez

    lack something the logo of Sony Ericsson liquid energy ):

  • http://twitter.com/Gitaroo236 Gitarooman

    thought its basically the xperia V, but looks different to me.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000161402224 Jas Pang

    A True Sony Smartphone dude.

  • paul4id

    Side by side to the Arc the Arc looks superior. Those on-screen buttons are such a fail — just because Google comes up with a fad does not mean Google is right.

  • paul4id

    “It looks like the version on sale does not come with the Small App
    feature as can be seen from the picture below. Hopefully, this will be
    fixed in a future firmware update.”

    I very much doubt that many people will care about this.

  • dereknobuyuki

    “comes with CDMA compatibility” may be a bit misleading for some readers.

    CDMA2000 for 3G is different from the CDMA used for 2G and different from the WCDMA also used for 3G but the big point is that AU phones run that CDMA2000 on a different band than others.

    AX reportedly has a mini uSIM and VL here has a micro UIM (SIM card).

    For 3G, the VL runs on CDMA2000 1xMC and 1xEV-DO RevA for voice. However, it runs at 800/2000 which is not really compatible with other CDMA2000 networks in the world. It also roams on to the ubiquitous WCDMA but on 850/2000 (so compatible with only those bands).

    The AX on the other hand is made for WCMDA so it does its 3G on 800/850/1700/2100 providing compatibility of a wider variety of networks globally.

    For 2G, the VL roams on to GSM 900/1800/1900 bands but the AX roams on 850/900/1800/1900. (Incidentally, there is absolutely no GSM in Japan)

    Finally, for 3.9G/4G LTE both devices support FDD-LTE with the VL running on 1500/800 (Bands 11/18) and the AX running on 2100/1500/800 (Bands 1/11/18).

    A lot of users will want that support for 2100 LTE so the AX will have better odds of being able to be on another 2100 LTE network.

    Basically, AU has a slightly odd or “unique” network. To be able to connect to it and use it comes at the cost of support for more bands both in the WCMA and FDD-LTE areas. Unless you are on the AU network, you’re better off with the Docomo AX.

    But if you use another CDMA2000 EV-DO RevA network than can use UIM cards and runs on 800 or 2000 bands, then I’d love to hear about it.

  • Slut

    Stupid SONY! U should release this phone (XVL not XV) worldwide.

  • http://twitter.com/mundy725 Murad

    i get jealous why not first in worldwide , i was looking so long time :( (btw tx and j is aviable in here )

  • bva

    did the xperia T release with the small apps or did it get it with a firmware update on release??

    and the charging dock comes along with the unit or is that a seperate purchase and does it work lyk a TV dock?? coz it says it connects to the smart app in the sonymobile site…

    please clarify! waiting for this phone!! btw hw much will the charging dock cost appx. if seperate purchase?

  • MyLive

    True.. xperia V looks sexier than this somehow..

  • MyLive

    Yeah.. Is it just me or on the 6th photos of the back cover, the center of arc shape is not on the middle of the phone, it’s a lil bit lower?

  • ProWeirdo

    Fuck you, Sony! Making money on European gaijins and making such a cool things in Japan only. What’s the fucking difference from MY hardly earned money and hardly earned money of some Japanese guy!?

  • Evita

    VL show much more stylish than V somehow!

  • Evita

    VL show much more stylish than V somehow!

  • ROman

    OMG, that’s an ugly piece of shit!

  • http://twitter.com/Gitaroo236 Gitarooman
  • sonywhy

    Late announce but fast get :

  • FlowXT

    Some users already complain that the display is yellowish, dark and inferior to the one in acro HD:
    http://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000428826/#tab

  • Pingback: Sony Xperia V will be available in January 2013 with Jelly Bean in France | Xperia Blog

  • Pingback: NTT DoCoMo confirms November 16 release for Xperia AX (SO-01E) | Xperia Blog

  • Miles Bader

    Dunno what those users are smoking; I’ve seen the VL and its display is beautiful, bright, and sharp. Nothing “yellowish” about it.

    [Indeed, the beautiful display (along with the light weight) is one thing that really makes it stand out compared to other phones around it.]

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