Sony yesterday announced a broad update to its Xperia device portfolio, including a brace of new smartphones and the first tablet from the vendor to use this brand.

In a statement, the company said that its Xperia smartphones are “at the heart of Sony’s mobile strategy of delivering a consistent user experience across devices, enabling consumers to easily and quickly access the world of entertainment that Sony delivers”.

The devices unveiled include the Xperia T (pictured), which is described as “new global flagship model, providing Sony’s best HD smartphone screen, camera and easy ‘one-touch’ functions enabled by NFC (Near Field Communications)”. An Xperia TX variant will be offered available in some markets.

The Xperia V is said to share many of the features of the Xperia T, but also gains LTE connectivity and “comes with the highest level of water resistance in a smartphone”.

Both of these devices are powered by Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), with an upgrade to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) promised for the future.

The smartphone line is rounded out by the Xperia J, a mass-market device which has an “eye-catching design with a stand-out screen size for consumers looking to combine great style with affordability”.

Joining Sony’s tablet line is the Xperia Tablet S, which has a 9.4-inch screen, is powered by a quadcore Nvidia processor, and runs Android 4.0.3. The company promises “various experiences with original applications and Sony’s network services”.