Sony has unveiled the world’s first smartphone to be equipped with a 4K definition high dynamic range screen – technologies which until now have been limited to premium televisions.

The inclusion of ultra-high definition and colour contrast on Sony's Xperia XZ Premium will allow users to download and watch movies and TV in 4K directly on the device's 5.5-inch screen.

The water-resistant device also packs an improved camera which is capable of shooting slow motion video at 960 frames per second - which Sony says is four times slower than any other smartphone.

It is set to go on sale in the spring - but some tech experts say they are reserving judgement on the device until they know how much it will cost.

TechRadar news website's early verdict read: "A strong phone from Sony with excellent innovation in the screen.


"However, it all depends on how much this monster of a phone will cost, and whether the streamed 4K footage actually looks good on here at all."

Image: The device was launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Announcing the Xperia XZ Premium at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Sony director Hideyuki Furumi said: "We've continued to evolve and transform our smartphone portfolio, with an unwavering focus on delivering the most advanced technology in elegantly designed products.

"Whether it's a memory-stacked camera system capable of super slow motion capture or the world's first 4K HDR smartphone display, we're delivering experiences that connect with users in emotional and meaningful ways like never before."

As well as announcing the Xperia XZ Premium, Sony unveiled two mid-range smartphones.

Image: The Xperia Touch will go on sale this spring

The Xperia XA1 and larger screen XA1 Ultra will both come with 23 megapixel rear cameras and high-end 16 megapixel front-facing cameras.

The tech giant also revealed an interactive projector, Xperia Touch, which can turn any flat horizontal or vertical surface into a HD touchscreen for playing games or watching movies.

The device, which can connect with Android smartphones and tablets, is priced at €1,499 (£1,278) and will go on sale this spring.

Image: Users can control Sony's Xperia Ear through head movements

Meanwhile, there was also an update to Sony's Xperia Ear - an earpiece which users can control through head movements to listen to music and send messages to friends.

The device's new "open-style concept" enables users to listen to music and have messages read to them, while still being able to hear sounds around them.