The handset has been available in Barcelona since 29 February 2012 after the Mobile World Congress,[1] and in United Kingdom since March 2012[2] at a MSRP of 399 GBP[3] or 449 EUR in France,[4] in Singapore at $700, and in Malaysia at RM1899.

The rear camera has 12 megapixels with Exmor R for low light capturing and is capable of recording video at 1080p (Full High Definition) with stereo audio.,[6] both unveiled in 2012.

[7] The device is equipped with a dedicated physical shutter button for capturing photos and speedily launching the camera.

[6] The device features a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage, a micro-USB connector that also supports USB On-The-Go and a micro HDMI port for viewing pictures and videos from the device on a TV screen.

[7] At launch, the Xperia S was praised for its hardware, its distinctive design, high-definition display, efficient camera and voice clarity but was criticized for its lack of removable storage and battery.

[15] The 2012 June update to the newest Android version, 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), was well received and added its own improvements.

[16] Despite the Xperia S and the iPhone 4S sharing similar Exmor R camera sensors, Natasha Lomas of CNET UK preferred the iPhone 4S camera for its colours, exposure, focus and noise reduction,[17] (some comments on Natasha's article criticised that the test was biased and unfair whilst others felt that the conclusion was justified), but for Basil Kronfli of recombu, the Xperia S was nearly tied with the HTC One X for the best camera, for its physical button and detailed picture quality, ahead of the Nokia N8, itself above the iPhone 4S.