Sony Mobile Communications is enhancing the competitiveness of its the mid-range smartphones by rolling-out more water-resistant models and is likely to make waterproof a standard for its mid-range models in 2015, according to industry sources.

Sony Mobile's recently launch Xperia M2 Aqua sports a 4.8-inch 960 by 540 qHD IPS display, Qualcomm 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 CPU, 8-megapixel camera and IP68 waterproof and dust-resistant capabilities.

The Xperia M2 Aqua can stand being immersed in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and supports LTE technology, yet is priced below EUR250 (US$330).

Sony Mobile's ODM production partners in Taiwan, including FIH Mobile, Compal Electronics (Compal Communications) and Arima Communications have been developing waterproof models in line with the requirements from the vendor.

Other handset vendors including Samsung Electronics, HTC, Lenovo and Coolpad are expected to follow Sony Mobile's steps to add waterproof capabilities to their mid-range smartphones, the sources added.

The ratio of waterproof models to total smartphone shipments is expected to ramp up 20-30% in the next two years, the sources estimated.