A report from tech site PocketNow discussed more new features likely to be found in the Sony Xperia S, the Japanese manufacturer’s first smartphone to be released after its buyout of Ericsson late last year.

At first, the features may not sound like a big deal – PocketNow mentioned an anti-stain shell and a faster than usual charging time. Nevertheless, these are sure to please more than a few customers.

The first feature mentioned should be a boon for users who are big on cleanliness, while the second should please users on the go who have little time to wait for their phones to complete charging. According to the source, ten minutes charge time would be equivalent to one hour additional longevity, which is quite impressive compared to other smartphones.

In addition to the above two features, the Xperia S should be attractive for a number of other reasons. These would include the handset’s 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 1 GB RAM, 4.3-inch HD display (340 ppi resolution), 12.1 MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front camera, 32 GB internal storage and Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. An upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is said to be launched by Sony in the second quarter.

Release date rumors have varied for the Xperia S. It has been speculated that the handset would see a UK launch on January 30, but others are disputing this claim and putting the phone’s launch closer to March 2012. Most seem to be agreeing on a first quarter 2012 release, which is not far away at all.