Sony Xperia Z release date: when can you get it and where?

The new Sony Xperia Z has turned a few heads with a top-end spec list…so how can you go about getting it?

The handset caused something of a stir at CES 2013, mostly because it saw Sony finally releasing a phone that wasn't a couple of generations behind the competition.

This means a massive 5-inch full HD display, which pushes closer to the edge of the screen so you're not left with a comically huge phone dwarfing your hand.

It's also water- and dust-resistant, comes with top-end Bravia tech and offers an impressive camera too – so which networks will be stocking it?

Update: Clove has been in touch and informed us the SIM free price of the phone will be £528 - putting it squarely alongside the low-capacity iPhone 5 and other top-end handsets.

On top of that, we've done some digging and found a couple of Sony Xperia Z release dates for you to chew over. We've spoken to sources who refuse to be named but firmly believe the first wave of stock will be available on 28 February, getting the jump on 1 March dates being bandied about:

O2

The effervescent provider tweeted at stupid o'clock in the morning to confirm it would be bringing the handset to market, and it offers the earliest release date too: its 'coming soon' page says it will launch in February.

Oh, it is coming in 'Exclusive Purple'. That may mean it's only landing on O2 in that colour, or it's the actual name of the hue - you know, like Ranging Green or Megalithic Blue.

Three

The numerical network also confirmed it would be stocking the Sony Xperia Z but apart from it 'coming soon', there's not a lot more information floating around.

Vodafone

Let's get these out of the way along with Three: there's very little on offer here info-wise apart from confirming that the handset will be appearing on ol' Big Red in the future – although it has done a blog post outlining some of the specs you'll have read about loads already.

EE / Orange / T-Mobile

Nothing from this tri-headed behemoth as yet, but we've asked the question and have been promised to be furnished with details as soon as they become available.

Phones 4U

The independent retailer is already open for pre-registration on this top-end phone, but doesn't offer up a price as yet. However, it is betting its boat on a March 1 Sony Xperia Z release date, so you can circle that date in your diaries if you've got nothing else on.

Carphone Warehouse

We're going to get a little quote-y on yo' asses now: "Carphone Warehouse, has confirmed that it will be stocking the brand new Sony Xperia Z from launch in February." Saves us from writing that.

The retailer also confirmed that the Z will be available in later February to purchase, so could beat Phones 4U to the punch of actually getting it into the hands of consumers.

We're going to be updating this piece with prices and any more definitive release dates as and when we get them – stay with us during this difficult time.