Sanyo has announced the new Katana DLX, complementing the recently released Katana II and sharing a similar look and feel. The Katana DLX features upgrades not seen in the Katana II though, positioning it higher in the market and allowing it to compete more favorably with other mid-range devices.

While the look is similar, the Sanyo Katana DLX is thicker and heavier than its brethren. The trade-off to this is the presence of a microSD memory card slot for memory expansion up to 4GB and a 1.3MP camera, which is a significant improvement over the VGA unit seen in the Katana II. High-speed EV-DO data is also present on the Katana DLX, meaning compatibility with Sprint's Power Vision services such as the Sprint Music Store, Sprint TV, and Sprint Navigation when it appears on the network in the coming weeks.

Other features of the Katana DLX by Sanyo are similar to the Katana II, with an MP3/AAC/AAC+ compatible music player, speakerphone functionality, and PIM applications such as a calendar, world clock, and stop watch. To boost the device's music playback usability, Bluetooth 2.0 with the A2DP stereo headset profile has also found a home in the higher-end Katana DLX.

While there is currently no word on availability from Sprint itself, Sanyo has confirmed it will appear on the network soon. Three colors will be available for the Sanyo Katana DLX at launch: Platinum Ice, Pink Satin, and Champagne. Watch for a full review of the Katana DLX from MobileBurn soon.