Mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson today announced its new Xperia arc smartphone would hit Australian shores by early April and would be available through Optus and Vodafone — but Telstra won’t get a look-in.

Following the Mobile World Congress conference held in Barcelona earlier this year, giant telco Telstra already secured the exclusive delivery on its Next G network of Sony Ericsson’s Xperia neo, promising to make the smartphone available in the first half of 2011. Today, Sony Ericsson revealed its Xperia arc would shortly hit the Australian market and would be instead available on the networks of rival telcos Optus and Vodafone.

Sony Ericsson Oceania managing director Brendan Johnston said his company was proud to bring its latest technology Down Under. “Our 2011 Xperia devices are the only smartphones that gives customers access to the worlds of Android and Sony in one stylish device and we’re proud to be bringing that to Optus and Vodafone customers in Xperia arc,” he said in a statement.

Aesthetics seemed to have played an important role in the manufacturing of the new Xperia arc, with Sony Ericsson claiming the device was created from premium materials and designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand, thanks to its arc-shaped body. Pictures show the new Xperia arc is slim and light, being just 8.7mm at its thinnest part and weighing 117 grams. Also it has a 4.2” multi-touch screen and a powerful 8.1 megapixel camera.

It sports the latest version of Android for smartphones, Android 2.3 and Sony has built in features that it says will make the handset’s display striking. “Xperia arc is a premium smartphone that will appeal to users who want an exceptional entertainment experience, visual brilliance and the latest version of Android – all in a striking design,” Johnston said.

Furthermore, the smartphone features Sony’s Exmor R mobile sensor which allows capturing and recording high-quality pictures and videos that can also be shared in HD on a television with a built-in HDMI connection. “The best of Sony technology is inside Xperia arc,” the company said in a media release. “The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience.”

Neither Sony Ericsson or the telcos have released information about pricing and plans; however, the press release stated they would be announced close to launch. The only certainty is that the new Xperia arc would be on the Australian market in one colour only, ‘Midnight Blue’ — with no hope being left for the ‘Misty Silver’ option.

Image credit: Sony Ericsson

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