Sony Mobile Communications has announced the local availability of its latest Android-powered Xperia smartphone - the Xperia L - which is available from Vodacom for a recommended retail price of R3 800.

The Xperia L is a midrange smartphone that boasts a 4.3" (480 x 854; 227 ppi) TFT display with scratch-resistant touch panel cover. This Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8230 dual-core processor clocked at 1 GHz per core, which is backed up by 1 GB of RAM.

Happy midrange snapper

In terms of optics users have access to an 8 megapixel autofocus camera that sports

Sony’s Exmor RS for mobile sensor technology. According to the company, the latter allows for more vivid colours, enhanced photo clarity, and the ability to capture HDR (high dynamic range) shots. The job of capturing a photo is further made simpler thanks to the presence of a dedicated camera key on the right side of the device.

Also onboard is a front-facing VGA selfie snapper, FM Radio with RDS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, a 1750 mAh embedded battery, and Sony’s xLoud audio filter technology for an enhanced audio experience.

Unlike the rest of the Japanese company’s devices including the Xperia Z1 (review) and Xperia V (review), the Xperia L is not fit for users with active lifestyles since its not dustproof or waterproof.

In other mobile related news, Strategy Analytics recently revealed that global smartphone shipments increased by 45% year-on-year to reach a record 251 million units within Q3 2013.