Unless Sony Mobile has been able to transform their internal structure drastically in the last few months, a lack of leaks for what will eventually be the Xperia Z4 is likely confirmation that Sony will not be showing off a new flagship smartphone at Mobile World Congress 2015. In the past, Sony has used CES and MWC to announce new smartphones and with CES behind us with a lack of new devices, many had hoped that MWC would be when Sony would reveal a new flagship smartphone. If Sony is indeed planning on passing on MWC which fits in with their traditional time frame of releasing a new phone, when could we see the Xperia Z4?
We discuss that and more after the jump.
Besides a lack of leaks, inside sources have been whispering for some time that Sony would likely not announce a new phone come MWC 2015. Though Sony plans to attend the event, much like CES, they will likely use the show to once again highlight their current flagship, the Xperia Z3. While disappointing for those hoping to see a new flagship model from Sony, the time frame and surround events make sense. We in the past had pointed out that Sony releasing a new flagship smartphone every 6 months was a foolish tactic and it seems that the upper brass in Sony agrees.
With the Xperia Z3 having been only launched in last Fall in the US, a new smartphone announcement would deflate any progress Sony has made with consumers and its wireless partners who would have to start restocking and retraining employees on the new model. A delayed timeframe also gives Sony more time to push what’s already a very well-received phone. Truth be told, I don’t find Sony’s lack of success in mobile due to a lack of compelling devices and find the blame purely on a lack of partnerships with retailers, carriers, and horrible marketing.
With the Xperia Z4 skipping a debut at MWC 2015, its believed that Sony will instead take a cue from Apple by hosting their own special event that’s dedicated to Xperia Z4. If such an event takes place, Sony would likely target a Summer timeframe which could see the phone in stores a month or two prior to the next iteration of iPhone which tent to be released in the September/October timeframe. Other possibilities for Sony include attending and revealing the Xperia Z4 at CommunicAsia which takes place on June 2-6 though that seems doubtful, seeing how it’s a show that Sony typically doesn’t attend.
Further complicating this story is news that the Snapdragon 810 processors have been plagued by overheating issues which could be another reason we’ve yet to see anything on the Z4. While still a rumor, it’s believed that even Samsung is retooling their flagship Galaxy S6 and will supposedly use an Exynos processor instead though counter news points to Qualcomm tweaking the 810 to address the over heating issues.
As a recap, as it stands, with a lack of leaks and trouble from Qualcomm, Sony could indeed be releasing the Xperia Z4 later than expected. While others might be quick at jumping to the conclusion that the Xperia Z4 is delayed, I offer the simple retort that an unannounced product cannot be delayed. Equally, if Sony is indeed planning on announcing and releasing the Xperia Z4 during the Summer timeframe, this allows them skip the glut of Android smartphones that tend to be revealed in the Spring while also not competing head to head with Apple and the iPhone.
A prolonged timeframe also allows Sony to better align their mobile division with a yearly flagship product cycle while getting the most they can out of their already fantastic Xperia Z3. If you’re wondering what exactly is going on with Sony Mobile, Jonathan has a fantastic article on the ramifications of Kaz Hirai’s statements on the division from CES 2015.
Discuss:
Would you be disappointed if Sony didn’t reveal a new flagship smartphone at MWC 2015?
[Via XperiaBlog]