Have you had a conversation with your friends or peers about a phone that you could use as an external monitor? Here at PhotoBite HQ we certainly have had the conversation and it was only a matter of time before a brand made the first move. Well, here it is the Sony Xperia Pro, the worlds first mobile phone with an HDMI input! Let’s get into the details!

The World’s First Smartphone with HDMI Input

Xperia PRO is the world’s first smartphone with a dedicated HDMI input – allowing users to enhance their workflow by connecting the device to an Alpha camera or any other HDMI input equipped camera to enable a 5G data link to broadcast video in real-time. Using compatible third-party live streaming applications, Xperia PRO can stream video content from a camera that is connected to the HDMI input to an RTMP server or directly to popular social media platforms.

The Xperia PRO HDMI input can also transform the device into a high-quality 6.5-inch 4K OLED monitor through the pre-installed External Monitor feature. The External Monitor feature features a screen lock function, screen brightness adjustment, zoom capabilities, adjustable grid lines and more.

Stable High-Speed Data Transfer for a Seamless Workflow

A wired Ethernet or USB connection enhances the speed and stability of still image file transfer between the device and the camera. Users simply need to connect an Alpha brand camera to the Xperia PRO mobile device through the wired Ethernet or USB connection and the still images will automatically transfer to an FTP server – allowing content creators to spend less time manually transferring and more time focussing on capturing the best shots.

“After successful roll-out in both the US and Japan, we are excited to launch Xperia PRO in our key European markets. Xperia PRO opens up expansive opportunities for content creators that were simply not previously possible. We continue to innovate using Sony expertise in optical technology from our Alpha series and have incorporated this into a powerful communication device for professional content creators, photographers and videographers alike. Connectivity and speed are key thanks to 5G and HDMI input. Xperia PRO is designed to deliver an extremely efficient workflow and real-time content broadcasting, and distribution. We have created and are introducing a portable and professional solution for creators within markets that are progressively adopting 5G connectivity.”

Tsutomu Sato, Director of Mobile Product Marketing, Sony Europe.

Optimised Design for Dependable Reception

The Network Visualiser feature developed for Xperia PRO provides easy-to-understand visualisation of the signal reception status, communication method and communication speed of the device to help camera operators on location locate the best spot for live transmissions. This feature shows the current signal reception, indicates the reception status of the 5G signal that is being received and provides communication throughput. A shortcut key is located on the side of the Xperia PRO, which can be assigned to launch a frequently used feature including Network Visualiser.

Outstanding Imaging Technology for Content Creators

Xperia PRO packs in all of the same imaging technology as the Xperia 1 II smartphone, which makes it – even as a standalone device – a powerful tool for photography and video content creation. Because the Xperia PRO is always with you, professionals and other content creators will never miss an opportunity to create high quality, professional-level content or share that content in real-time – even without a professional camera on hand.

Developed in combination with Sony’s Alpha camera engineers, the Xperia PRO integrates technology such as Real-time AF [autofocus] on both humans and animals. It also features an interface designed to meet the demands of professional photographers with a variety of manual controls, the capability to shoot up to 20fps with 60 times per second autofocus/auto exposure calculations and RAW support.

Drawing on the expertise of Sony’s Digital Cinema Camera engineers, the Xperia PRO offers a range of tools to enhance filmmaking. Users can get creative with Look colour management presets, 21:9 movie recording, 4K HDR in 24p, 30p, 60p and 120fps slow-motion and Intelligent wind filter. The 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display features a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio and supports the BT.2020 colour space.

With Creator mode “powered by CineAlta”, and a specially calibrated D65 white point, it references the colour reproduction of Sony´s professional colour monitors.

Xperia PRO features ZEISS optics calibrated specifically for Xperia with the ZEISS T* coating to reduce reflections. The Sony Xperia PRO also features a triple-lens camera with a 16mm ultra-wide-angle lens, 24mm lens wide-angle lens and 70mm telephoto lens for true creative freedom.

Reliable Performance

Robust and durable, the Sony Xperia PRO combines IP65/68 rating water and dust resistance with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front for protection.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform and the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF system empowers the user to game, capture, cross-task and connect with staggering multi-gigabit 5G speeds and improved performance from a 25% faster CPU and GPU than on the previous Xperia model.

With a long-lasting 4000mAh battery, the Xperia PRO gets the job done. It is compatible with the optional UCH32C Fast Charger to quickly top up when the battery is running low. It also has two technologies to keep the battery healthy longer. Battery Care prevents the phone from overcharging, while Xperia Adaptive Charging monitors the phone as it charges to make sure the battery isn’t overworked.

 We’re very excited to get our hands on the Xperia Pro and see what it’s made of. Is it a great alterantive, is it practical, is it worth the money!? Well stay tuned to find out!

Pricing and Availability

The new Xperia PRO 5G device will be available from today to the 13^th of May 2021 at £2,299. Customers can pre-order the Xperia PRO online at Wex Photo Video, the UK’s largest online photographic specialist and its nine stores throughout the United Kingdom and receive an exclusive pre-order kit worth £287 that includes:

1. Sony ECM-W2BT Wireless Bluetooth Microphone
2. Manfrotto MH492LCD-BH Micro Ball Head
3. Manfrotto PIXI Universal Clamp