Nearly a month ago, a rumor spread that come MWC 2017, Sony Mobile would be looking to introduce a handful of new phones, including a flagship model with a 4K display. Now this ran contrary to previous leaks which pointed towards two to three mid-tier devices launching at MWC with flagship models being reserved till likely summer or fall.

Frankly launching five different phones at one event made little sense, seeing how much Sony struggles with inventory and marketing. Now, Elyse Betters from Pocket-lint is putting a lid on previous rumors and reporting that we in fact won’t be getting new flagship models until IFA, which is what the birdies I’ve spoken with indicated as well.

 A few reports have suggested in recent weeks that Sony will debut a premium device with a 4K display at a press conference in Barcelona on 27 February, but according to Twitter user @Ricciolo1, who has reliably leaked mobile news in the past, that’s not going to happen. While the company is developing what is largely considered a successor to the Xperia Z5 Premium from last year, we shouldn’t expect it at the MWC.

The leakster specifically described the upcoming handset in the tweet as a “premium flagship”, but then included hashtags for Xperia, Sony, Z5 Premium, and successor. He also slyly hinted that the handset could be seen behind closed doors at MWC. In other words, Sony may show prototypes of the device to its partners or maybe even journalists in secret meetings at the show. 

Things worth noting – if the phone Sony plans to replace their flagship model with won’t be launching till later, why would Sony want to show it to press and risk leaks? They might as well either announce it or wait until it’s ready.

Another piece of news that’s been floating around for the past month deals with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S8 and how the South Korean giant is gobbling up all Snapdragon 835 processor supplies. If true, this could be another reason why we won’t be seeing a flagship phone from Sony at MWC 2017 though really, I think it’s simply that the phone isn’t ready.

Do you think we’ll see a Xperia flagship phone at MWC or do you think it’s coming at a later date?