Sony shows off two new Xperia phones at Mobile World Congress.

Sony has launched its "first ever" smart phone range - the Xperia P and U - at the first major event at Mobile World Congress 2012.

The phones are the first to be launched under the Sony brand following the recent separation of Sony Ericsson.

The powerful Xperia P and the lighter U join the S to make a comprehensive triptych for all levels of smart phone users.

The slick, black phones feature an unusual clear antenna at the base and they synch with Sony TV, PlayStation and tablet.

The announcement aims to bring Sony lovers back to the brand, playing heavily on the way Sony's latest product can synch, link and improve each other when used as a suite.

Sony said they want to be known as a "content powerhouse", and played up the content features of the phones in the presentation.

Each Xperia is PlayStation certified, has unlimited access to 15 million songs and Sony's Oscar-winning film catalogue.

For the irritation of train passengers, or the partyfication of any event, the Xperia has powerful surround sound loudspeakers.

An emerging theme at Mobile World Congress is the use of smart phones to power your TV experience. The Xperia plugs into the smart dock, which charges the phone, acts as a mobile dongle for your TV and gives you large-screen access to the videos and images on your phone.

The smart dock also turns the phone into a mobile office. Connect a BlueTooth keyboard or mouse and a large screen via the dock, and you have a mobile work station.

Xperia is already making waves with design aficionados - it has just scooped four iF awards. The iF product design awards were awarded to the whole Xperia range, Xperia ray, Mix Walkman and Xperia mini pro.

Three will cary the Xperia U in the UK on pay as you go.

Xperia P:
4” Reality Display with powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine
WhiteMagic™ ultrabright screen
1 GHz dual-core processor
16GB storage
8MP camera, fast 2D and 3D panoramic capture
HD recording
HDMI, DLNA connectivity to any screen.
NFC, Xperia SmartTags
Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread),
Upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter of 2012.

Xperia U:
Five megapixel camera and 720 HD recording
1 GHz dual core processor
3.5”FWVGA Reality Display with mobile Bravia Engine
Colour matching illumination
Exchangeable colour caps