Sony Japan has announced that it will release a SIM-free version of the Xperia 1 II, which will come with a boost in specs versus the international model. Up until now, the Xperia 1 II was available only through two carriers in Japan (NTT docomo and au by KDDI). The new variant with model number XQ-AT42 is expected to arrive on 30 October 2020 at a cost of 124,000 yen (£892, €987, $1168).
The two major differences versus the current international model is that 1) this new variant will come with 12GB RAM (the international model comes with 8GB RAM), and 2) a new ‘Frosted Black’ colour option will be available. This new colour is more of a matte black compared to the current glossy black option, and will be much less of a fingerprint magnet. We imagine it will be similar to the frosted colour schemes of Sony’s older Xperia Z5 models. The Frosted Black option will only be available in limited quantities. Other colour options include White and Purple.
This new model (XQ-AT42) is much better specced compared to the domestic carrier models available in Japan. It will have dual SIM support vs the single SIM models through docomo and au. Remember, the carrier models in Japan also only came with 128GB versus the 256GB in the international models – this new variant also has 256GB of storage. Most other specs are the same as the international version.
Sony Japan also announced SIM free versions of the Xperia 1 (J9110) and Xperia 5 (J9260), which also supports dual SIM. Both handsets will be available on 28 August, with the Xperia 1 costing 79,000 yen and the Xperia 5 costing 69,000 yen. The Xperia 1 will be available in Black and Purple, while the Xperia 5 will be available in Blue, Gray, Black and Red options.
The RAM on each of the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 remains at 6GB RAM, but the storage has increased from 64GB in the domestic carrier models to 128GB in these SIM free versions. Pre-orders open on 18 August.
Hands-on images of Frosted Black Xperia 1 II
– Images via Engadget Japan
Thanks Joschi and Silv.Pascal A.S!