Sony Xperia ZL is finally coming to the U.S. with a $249.99 price after a mail-in rebate from carrier Cincinnati Bell. Buyers will sign for a two-year contract for this lower-end sibling of the much-celebrated Xperia Z handset. In Australia, the Xperia ZL price tag is marked $589 off-contract.

Sony Xperia ZL Release on May 1, $249.99 via U.S. Carrier Cincinnati Bell (Image: Pocket-lint.com)

Sony Xperia ZL Finally Arrives in U.S.

Blog post:Xperia ZL landing on Cincinnati Bell in the US on May 1 bit.ly/10GW07w— Xperia Blog (@XperiaBlog) April 9, 2013

The Xperia ZL handset shares most of the specs of the best selling Xperia Z in Japan. This humbler twin sibling, however, lacks the Z's waterproof and dustproof features.

The Xperia ZL features a very nice 5-inch Full HD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It is fueled by a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, with 16GB expandable storage and 2GB of RAM. Adreno 320 GPU powers the graphics, while Sony's OptiContrast technology makes the pictures look more stunning on the screen. Like the Z, the ZL display is also boosted by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2.

Sony photo hobbyists will enjoy the phone's 13 megapixel rear camera. Sony's shooting options always bring extra entertainment to its users. The main camera can also record full HD resolution video. Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Exmor RS sensor technology features guarantee an enjoyable mobile photography experience.

The Xperia ZL also supports 4G LTE connectivity and it is NFC-compatible. It will run on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. Updates are expected to arrive soon for eager Android users.

Bonus features of the Xperia ZL include 3D games compatibility, xLoud audio, and 3D Surround Sound (VPT). Sony also supports the ZL's 2370 mAh non-removable battery with its Stamina Mode technology, for a longer-lasting battery life.

The Xperia ZL is currently available off-contract in Australia for $589.00. Recommended networks are: Optus 2G, Vodafone 2G, Telstra 2G, Optus 3G 900, Optus 3G 2100, Vodafone 3G 900, Vodafone 3G 2100, and Telstra/Voda NextG 3G 850. In contast, the Xperia Z 4G LTE 16GB variant carries a $659 price tag.

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