Sony has unveiled two new premium Walkman WM1 series audio players, the NW-WM1AM3 and the NW-WM1ZM3. The devices feature a 5.5-inch Full HD touchscreen and run on the Android 16 operating system. Users can choose between 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. The battery life for FLAC format playback is rated at up to 33 hours.
The primary differences between the models lie in their build materials and pricing. The NW-WM1AM3 uses an aluminum chassis with copper components, while the flagship NW-WM1ZM3 is constructed primarily from gold-plated copper. The NW-WM1AM3 is priced at $3000, and the NW-WM1ZM3 costs $5900. Shipping for both models is scheduled to begin in January.
The use of gold-plated copper in the ZM3 model increases its weight to 670 grams, compared to 425 grams for the AM3. Both devices share identical dimensions of 15.8 by 8.6 by 2.3 centimeters. Sony notes that the copper construction aims to reduce interference and enhance sound quality across frequency ranges.
Regional variations affect the headphone amplifier output. European versions are limited to 1.1 mW, whereas models for other markets provide up to 250 mW per channel via a 4.4 mm jack and at least 60 mW via a 3.5 mm jack. Both players support streaming applications and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones.
