Sony Xperia Z1 f Mini Rumours

Images have been rapidly circulating the internet of what appears to be a smaller version of the new Xperia Z1 flagship known as the Z1 f. The latest leaks allgedly come from a brochure from Japanese network DoCoMo indicate that the device is a 4.3-inch screen with 1280 x 720 resolution, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal memory, 2300 mAh battery and comes with the Z1’s premium F2.0 Sony Lens G. Sources indicate January 2014 CES release. Will this be an Xperia Z1 Mini?

The IFA trade show in Berlin finished just last week, where Sony presented its newest flagship, the luxury Xperia Z1. Already we are hearing rumours of new phones from the Japanese giant and this one suggests a ‘mini’ version of the luxury Z1 known as the Z1 f.

The 8GB internal memory seems appropriate for a ‘Mini’ of the flagship, though 2GB of RAM seems generous considering that the full version itself has 2GB of RAM. Perhaps the RAM is needed for extra features and software optimizations and to command a premium price. The 720p screen would be an expected gentle reduction from the Z1 1080 x 1920 resolution.

A January 2014 launch seems a long time after the Z1, considering the time-lapse from September for the Z1 launch to a possible Mini launch at CES would be four months later. If Sony Mobile continues its recent pattern of releasing phones, a new flagship could come out in January too and may render the possible Z1 Mini slightly less attractive to some. Sony commented that the Xperia Z success unexpectedly consumed Xperia T sales. It would be a return to the past (in a good way), to have Sony minis again. While the previous flagship the Xperia Z didn’t have a ‘mini’ version, past flagships like the Xperia X10 (2010) and Xperia Arc (2011) did.

Update – More hints and rumours of a mini are appearing courtesy of Chinese website CNMO (China Mobile). A user there has supposedly taken a screenshot of a Japanese website (even the rumour has a rumour) with this image:

Update 2 – Further leaks are appearing, this time allegedly coming from a brochure of the Japanese network DoCoMo which, shows a ‘mini’ as the Xperia Z1 f (SO-02f) alongside the Z1.