Sony is launching their forthcoming phones, including Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, and X1, on August 30. As we are nearing the ultimate launch event, we decided to do a quick recap of everything we know about these smartphones.
It isn’t long ago since Sony launched their current high-end phone – Xperia XZ Premium. However, unfortunate as it seems, the device failed to catch the attention of the smartphone buyers mainly due to the uninspiring design; thanks to the huge ugly bezels on the top and bottom of the display. Sure, the phone packed the best-of-the-line processor, 4GB of RAM, 4K display and several camera gimmicks, but still, it failed! And, we expect the same fate to befall the upcoming Xperia XZ1 if the latest leak is legit.
When it comes to the smartphone market, Samsung still dominates with a whopping 22% market share in Q2 2017. On the other hand, Sony has virtually no market share in any major countries including US, Europe, and China. What’s even more disappointing to see is that the so-called Japanese tech giant has a mere 17.5% market share in its home country, with the majority of consumers either using an Apple or Samsung device.
While we thought Sony would make a strong comeback in Q3 this year, it’s worth noting that the latest leaks have proved otherwise. Latest leaked live pictures allegedly showcasing the upcoming Xperia XZ1 have a different story to tell, unlike the one we’ve heard before. Based on the pictures, Sony will retain the same old design on the Xperia XZ1 with enormous bezels hanging around the sides of the display. And, we strongly believe that none of the high-end hardware it’s gonna pack inside is going to help save the handset from falling into the same fate as the XZ Premium.
The phones in the pictures – presumably the Xperia XZ1 (with model name G8841) and XZ1 Compact (with model name G8341) – feature a similar body design as the Xperia XZ Premium. However, the pictures suggest that the XZ1 will come with a rear mounted fingerprint sensor, unlike the side-mounted one on the XZ Premium. And, that’s pretty much the only difference you’ll notice between the two handsets.
Besides that, both the forthcoming Xperia XZ1 handset and its compact variant will bring high-end specs on board, including Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB RAM. While the XZ1 is said to pack a 5.2-inch FullHD display, the smaller XZ1 Compact should feature a 4.6-inch HD display. The specs of the handsets have been confirmed via a GeekBench and AnTuTu listing, so they are likely to be true. Further, the listing has also confirmed that these devices will run Android 8.0 ‘O’ out of the box.
Talking about the camera department, the upcoming Xperia XZ1 should feature a 19MP sensor on the back and a 13MP snapper on the front. Besides that, the phone is rumored to be backed by a 3000 mAh battery.
After the launch event scheduled for August 30th, the three smartphones – XZ1, XZ1 Compact, and X1 – will reportedly go on sales starting September 30. In addition to that, several rumors have tipped that the high-end model, Xperia XZ1, will carry a price tag of $859 in the US market. Meanwhile, the compact variant is expected to be priced at $737 and should pack a much smaller 2800 mAh battery.
