Sony Xperia Z1S and LG F3Q device launches scheduled for January 22nd on T-Mobile

We heard rumors that Sony would be releasing a T-Mobile variant of the Xperia Z1. Indeed, Sony confirmed as much at its press release at CES this year. The Z1S is a T-Mobile exclusive and features slightly different specs compared to the Z1. It has a 5-inch, 1080p Triluminous display (not IPS), a larger 3,000mAh battery, 20.7 megapixel camera, Snapdragon 800 processor and 32GB storage. Because of the bigger battery, it’s also slightly bigger in size and is also IP58 certified to be waterproof up to 4.5ft for up to 30 minutes.

The device is set to be release on January 22nd and will cost $528 outright, or $22 per month on EIP. There will be an online pre-sale scheduled for January 13th.

If you’re looking for an early hands-on and first impressions, Engadget has an article complete with video and high-res images as does CNET. Looks like a great phone. And, it’s an exclusive to T-Mobile, so no other carrier will have it.

Alongside it on January 22nd is the rumored QWERTY-equipped LG F3Q. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve seen any company release a horizontal-sliding QWERTY, and yet LG is set to do so. Sadly, unlike the likes of the T-Mobile G2 and G1, it’s not at all a flagship or premium device. Instead, it’s a mid/low-end model designed for heavy texters who just can’t give up their keyboards.

So that’s two new phones coming before the end of this month. Of course, I’m more excited about one than the other. Although something in me still wants a full QWERTY-equipped smartphone. I miss using a physical keyboard. Do you?