Sony ships Xperia advance to the US, offers unlocked ruggedness for $300 or less

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/09/sony-ships-xperia-advance-to-the-us-offers-unlocked-ruggedness/)

Americans who likes the [Sony Xperia go's](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/xperia-go-xperia-advance-hands-on/) approach to lifeproof smartphone design won't have to live vicariously through their overseas friends anymore. Keeping up its recent habit of selling [unlocked versions](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/27/sony-xperia-tipo-and-tipo-dual-reach-the-us-in-unlocked-form/) of niche devices, Sony is selling the toughened smartphone in the US as the Xperia advance. The 3.5-inch handset won't initially be a surprise to those who've had a peek at an international version, right through to the out-of-the-box Android 2.3 installation -- you'll be sitting in line for a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich or [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/sony-to-start-xperia-upgrades-to-jelly-bean-by-mid-q1/#comments) like everyone else. For most, the advantage will rest in a dust- and water-resistant phone that can wield its 3G on AT&T or Straight Talk while being free to use at least basic GSM calling abroad. Be sure to shop around before committing to an Xperia advance, though. While Newegg's $250 price makes a reasonable case, the $300 official cost has our minds wandering to the much more powerful (if more fragile) [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fengadgetmobile+(Engadget+Mobile)).

[Continue reading _Sony ships Xperia advance to the US, offers unlocked ruggedness for $300 or less_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/09/sony-ships-xperia-advance-to-the-us-offers-unlocked-ruggedness/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Sony](http://www.engadget.com/category/sony/)

[Sony ships Xperia advance to the US, offers unlocked ruggedness for $300 or less](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/09/sony-ships-xperia-advance-to-the-us-offers-unlocked-ruggedness/) originally appeared on [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com) on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:15:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds](http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).

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