While they used to have a number of pretty good budget smartphones, Sony isn't such a big player in the budget smartphone segment now. This is probably why they've announced the Sony Xperia E4and Xperia E4 dual sim smartphones quietly. The device looks like the slightly better version of the existing Xperia E3 budget device. The E4 features a Mediatek MT6582 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3GHz with 1GB of RAM onboard. There's 8GB internal storage which is further expandable via MicroSD card. The 5-inch display on the front features a modest quad HD resolution. The phone comes with a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front shooter. It supports basic features such as auto scene recognition, image enhancement features along with other camera functions. There is a 2300 mAh battery inside the device which the company claims can last up to 2 days on a single charge. Users can tweak between the battery stamina mode and the ultra-stamina mode for the best battery life. The Xperia E4 runs on the old Android 4.4 KitKat OS. But since the company advertised Android 5.0 for the device earlier, the device could be soon upgraded to Lollipop. The phone also features Sony's Xperia transfer application which easily transfers messages, contacts, bookmarks and other info from Android, iOS and BlackBerry devices. The E4 will be available in black and white colors. No exact Malaysia release dates or pricing details but it should be sold from mid-February.

Sony Mobile is currently offering selected Xperia smartphones, tablets and accessories with various offers as part of it's Spring to a Great Start with Sony promotion. Available from 3 February to 17 February 2015, users can get extra gifts worth up to RM98 which include 16GB and 8GB microSD memory cards with free Limited Edition Xperia 2015 Chinese New Year Shirts. These products include the Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia Z2, Xperia C3, Xperia E3, Xperia M2, Xperia M2 Aqua and Xperia T3 and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Other notable products available include various companion products such as Bluetooth headsets and speakers but for more details check out the promo pics below or the Sony Mobile Facebook Page.

Versatile, powerful and affordably priced, the ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) is currently one of the most well-balanced and versatile smartphones in the Malaysian market. So, what more could you ask from ASUS? 4G LTE? A non-Intel processor? This is exactly what ASUS hope to answer with the release of the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE smartphone. While the ZenFone 5 LTE bears practically the same design how does it perform compared to it's 3G Intel powered smartphone sibling? To find out the answer to this and other questions, do check out our review of the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE (A500KL) below.

Despite all the leaked images, Sony has finally revealed it's latest Sony Xperia Z3 and Sony Xperia Z3 Compact smartphones along with the Sony Xperia E3. True to their word, the new Xperia Z3 was released in 6 months after the Xperia Z2 and while the Z3 Compact skips a number it is even more capable than the Xperia Z1 Compact. Overall, these two new smartphones don't change much in terms of design but they are more compact and lighter. The Xperia E3 on the other hand is designed for the entry-level market with 4G LTE connectivity. Check out their respective tech specs below:

• Sony Xperia Z3
• 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor
• 3GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 5.2-inch display (TRILUMINOS, X-Reality engine, 1920 x 1080)
• 20.7MP rear camera (Pulsed LED Flash, Image Stabilizer, ISO 12800, 4K video record) + 2.2MP front camera
• features IP65 / IP68 waterproof and dust resistance, PS4 Remote Play, Sony 3D surround sound, Digital Noise Cancelling
• supports 4G LTE, NFC, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0
• 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm | 152g
• 3100 mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat

• Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
• 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 4.6-inch display (TRILUMINOS, X-Reality engine, 1280 x 720 pixel resolution)
• 20.7MP rear camera (Pulsed LED Flash, Image Stabilizer, ISO 12800, 4K video record) + 2.2MP front camera
• features IP65 / IP68 waterproof and dust resistance, PS4 Remote Play, Sony 3D surround sound, Digital Noise Cancelling
• supports 4G LTE, NFC, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0
• 127 x 64.9 x 8.6 mm | 129g
• 2600 mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat

• Sony Xperia E3
• 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB storage + up to 32GB microSD
• 4.5-inch display (scratch resistant, 854 x 480 pixel resolution)
• 5MP rear camera + VGA front camera
• features FM Radio
• supports 4G LTE, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0
• 137.1 x 69.4 x 8.5 mm | 143.8g
• 2330 mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat