LAS VEGAS — Sony got its feet wet with water-resistant phones last year after debuting the Xperia Z. Now, it's taking the idea to new depths, quite literally, with the Xperia Z1S, which will be exclusive to T-Mobile in the U.S.
The new Xperia phone has an IP58 rating, so it can withstand immersion in water as deep as 4.5 feet for 30 minutes (the Z could only go down as far as 3 feet). If you have a tendency to accidentally take your phone with you into the shallow end of your local pool, the Z1S is the smartphone you've been looking for.
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Sony also improved on the water-sealed design. Whereas the Xperia Z had a rubberized cover for the headphone connector, the Z1S makes the connector itself waterproof, so there's no cover needed (and no cover to forget closing). There's also a dedicated camera button, enabling underwater photography (since the screen doesn't register finger taps underwater).
The 5-inch display is the same as the Xperia Z, although the overall size is larger to accommodate a bigger battery (rated at 3,000 milliamp-hours). It's rated at up to 15 hours of talk time, and there are modes to extend the life by two or three times.
Mashable reviewed the international version of the Xperia Z1, finding it to be a very capable phone, although its 20-megapixel camera took disappointing photos in low light. At least with the T-Mobile version, you also get a few extras such as a Lytro-like ability to adjust and emphasize focus in your photos ... after you take them.
Preorders for the Sony Xperia Z1S begin Jan. 13, and the phone officially goes on sale Jan. 22. Buyers can get one for no money down and 24 monthly payments of $22.

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Image: Mashable, Christina Ascani
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