Sony Ericsson (SE) has unveiled two forthcoming smartphones, the Xperia neo and the Xperia pro, at the Mobile World Congress currently underway in Barcelona, Spain. 

 

Both of these run on version 2.3 (Gingerbread) of Google's Android operating system.

 

 

Like the recently announced SE Xperia arc, the Xperia neo also sports a Reality display, although smaller at 3.7". This capacitive touch-screen is scratch-resistant and features a high resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, beating the Samsung Galaxy S II’s 480 x 800 (although the S II is much larger at 4.27”).

 

There is also built-in HDMI, enabling users to showcase their high-definition still images and HD videos on their HDTV, with Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA Engine also included.

 

The pocket-friendly (116 x 57 x 13 mm, 126 g) neo is powered by a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 and also features the company’s Exmor R sensor to enable users to capture very good quality still images and HD videos even in low light. Furthermore you’ll find a 3.5 mm audio jack, GPS with aGPS support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 320 MB of internal memory which is upgradable via a microSD card (up to 32 GB, 8GB card included).

 

 

SE’s other Android 2.3-running smartphone is the Xperia pro. Just like X10 mini and the X10 mini pro, there is no discernible difference between the Xperia pro and Xperia neo, except for a slide-out QWERTY keyboard on the Xperia pro. Due to this the pro is a little bigger (120 x 57 x 13.5 mm) and heavier (140 g) than the neo. SE also pre-loaded with Office Suite Pro, enabling users to view and edit office documents directly on their phone.

 

“We want to be a leader in Android and with Xperia neo and Xperia pro, we are now are offering excellent, innovative Android choices for consumers,” sated Steve Walker, head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. “These latest devices combine stunning design with state-of-the-art Sony technology and a new faster messaging experience on the Xperia pro, creating an entertaining smartphone experience.”

 

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia neo will be available worldwide in selected markets from end Q1, whilst the Xperia pro will be released around the end of Q2. Local release dates and recommended retail prices are still to be confirmed.

 

The company also released more details about its Xperia Play gaming mobile (PlayStation Phone) during MWC2011. A video of the neo follows after the break.