Phones

Sony Mobile Officially Announces Pink Xperia Z5

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 12, 2016 | 4 comments

Leaked, teased, and now officially announced, the pink Xperia Z5 is the latest color variant offered by Sony on their flagship line. Besides the color change, the pink Xperia Z5 is the same smartphone you’ve always known.

As of February 2016 the family of Xperia Z5 smartphones will be gaining a new member in the form of a warm, sophisticated pink variant of Xperia Z5 designed to round out the options for prospective Xperia owners and provide customers with new ways of expressing their style.

The new variant uses the same frosted glass finish as the existing phones and combines this with a light dusky pink colour palette designed to provide a natural complement to the existing green, white and black options.

A few more tidbits and a lot more pictures after the jump.

Sony Mobile Teases Pink Xperia Z5?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 11, 2016 | 0 comments

Just before heading to CES, pictures leaked of what appeared to be the Sony Xperia Z5 in pink. Seeing how Sony in the past has launched pink and purple phones around the January/February time frame and the Xperia Z6 isn’t expected for at least another 6 months, it appeared a safe bet that we’d see the new color at announced at CES 2016.

Unfortunately for pink enthusiasts everywhere, no new Xperia Z5 in that color scheme was shown at the mega tech event. However, Sony has now taken to their Instagram feed to tease a series of pink photos that likely hint at the phone’s arrival. Best yet, whatever is set to be announced will take place tomorrow, meaning that a pink Xperia Z5 is likely right around the corner.

More pink photos for you, after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Family Overview

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 7, 2016 | 0 comments

By now, you’re all likely quite familiar with Sony’s Xperia Z5 family which consists of the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium. However depending on where you live, like those of us in the US, you might not be getting the Z5 series for some time, if ever.

Having had a chance to finally see Sony’s flagship family in person, I decided to film a quick overview.

Pink Sony Xperia Z5 to Arrive in January?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 31, 2015 | 0 comments

Your prayers have been answered. Have you been clamoring for the Sony Xperia Z5 but couldn’t find it in your favorite color, pink? Well you’re in luck as the flagship smartphone is set to debut in pink sometime next month.

The new Pink Xperia Z5 is said to be an exclusive to Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan, but there’s a good chance we could see this appear in other regions too. The new Pink Xperia Z5 will arrive just in time for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

More talk and a few more pictures after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z6 Lite to Launch With a 5-Inch Display?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 30, 2015 | 5 comments

I usually prefer to talk about successor products even before the current iteration is released (please read with sarcasm). So seeing how the Sony Xperia Z5 family (pictured above) has been out for a few months now seems like an especially great time to see what the future can hold for the flagship series. We’ve already seen, thanks to a leak from T-Mobile, that Sony is looking to reduce their lineup in 2016 but if current rumors hold true, Sony will actually be adding one new model in the mix – the Xperia Z6 Lite which will

feature a 5-inch display and will fall between the Xperia Z6 Compact and the Xperia Z6

Besides the new display size, the phone is believed to be made out of new material with a metal rear panel.

The smartphone is also said to house the hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 SoC, formerly known as Snapdragon 618. The device is also expected to cost $385 (roughly Rs. 25,500) and hit the shelves in May next year.

This is where things fall apart for me a little when price point and release talk starts to pop up way in advance of a product’s arrival. Guessing the next processor is a much easier safer affair in Android world where most devices share similar components. So are the rumors true? Hard to say, but there are more details after the jump.

Sony Mobile to Simplify Xperia Lineup in 2016?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 17, 2015 | 0 comments

Not more than a few days after rumors of two new Xperia smartphones set to arrive in the first half of 2016 and we already have more to report on Sony Mobile. This time around though, instead of what may be coming, it’s about what may not be coming. Specifically, if the rumors pan out, Sony will introduce fewer phones in 2016 compared to previous years.

The company has released 10 or more smartphone models each year since 2012. Sony Mobile only launched four models back in 2010, the year the company first produced an Android smartphone with the launch of the Xperia X10 series. Well, it looks like Sony could be back to a similarly sized portfolio in 2016 judging by a latest report from Digitimes.

I’ve always argued that Sony Mobile has offered far too many devices, making it hard for consumers to choose and even harder for them to convince carriers which models they should carry and promote. Fewer smartphones from them will not only solve both of those issues, but also make inventory management and a whole host of other infrastructural challenges for Sony much easier.

Sony Mobile to Continue Testing Marshmallow Concept Trails Into 2016

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 16, 2015 | 0 comments

If you’ve been running the Android Marshmallow Concept trails on your Xperia phone then you’re in for an early Christmas gift from Sony. The company has announced that they plan on extending the trials past New Year and don’t have a specific date for bringing it to a close. Initially the trials were set to conclude by weeks end. Apparently Sony thinks the trials are

going in a good way and think it would be a pity to end it already

Well pity it won’t be now. More after the jump.

Unlocked Sony Xperia C5 Ultra Launches in US

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 3, 2015 | 0 comments

Now where have I read this story before? An unlocked Sony phone is launching in the US. Could it be the unlocked Sony Xperia Z3+ that launched in the the US last month at a ridiculous $499 price tag? Well, Sony is at it again, this time releasing an unlocked Xperia C5 Ultra. Unlike the Z3+, the C5 Ultra which is more or less the Z5 Ultra is being offered at a more affordable $349 price tag and is available in black (other countries also got mint and white color options) with a full year warranty from Sony. Thanks?

If unlocked devices are your way, this frankly isn’t a bad deal, especially if you’re looking for a phablet sized device, seeing how the Xperia C5 Ultra has a 6-inch display. Like the Z3+, this likely won’t move many units for Sony as that’s not how Americans shop for phones. Hopefully this is more of a exercise for Sony as they prepare for a more meaningful take on the US market because the C5 Ultra isn’t a bad phone when you consider it’s mid-tier status. In fact, for a non-flagship device, there is a lot to be liked about the C5 Ultra. Better yet, the C5 Ultra on a carrier contract which can help knock down the price even more would be a pretty enticing offer.

After the jump, the Xperia C5 Ultra specs await you.

Firmware (23.4.A.1.264) Brings Stagefright Exploit Fix to Sony Xperia Z3 Series

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 1, 2015 | 1 comment

Another day and another firmware update. This time, the update targets the entire Xperia Z3 series (Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact) and brings with it a full Stagefright exploit fix. If you need to download the new firmware or are wondering what the heck the Stagefright exploit is, then meet me after the jump.

Future Update Will Fix Camera & GPS Issues on Sony Xperia M2

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 30, 2015 | 2 comments

Updates both giveth and taketh away. While designed to bring new features and address some old ones along the way, they tend to have unforeseen complications that can only be realized when released into the world where thousands and thousands of devices are running them.

The Sony Xperia M2 is no stranger to this, having seen its camera quality and GPS reliability take a hit with Android Lolliipop. Luckily Sony is aware of the issue.

Sony Xperia Z5 Receiving New Camera App UI

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 27, 2015 | 0 comments

For the Xperia Z5 series which includes the Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium, Sony is releasing a new camera app with a refreshed UI. The new Camera 2.0 update

brings a minimalist interface and new features designed to make capturing the best shots and accessing Xperia Camera apps even easier.

More after the jump, including what the new app does and the weird limitations of it.

Purchase the Overpriced Sony Xperia Z3+ or Z4 Tablet & Get a $50 PSN Gift Card

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 25, 2015 | 4 comments

Sony sure knows how to kick off the holiday shopping frenzy. While the team at PlayStation has things covered, having just announced 30.2 million PS4 units sold, Sony Mobile continues to struggle on, well, everything. Last week, it was revealed that for some reason or another, the Sony Xperia Z3+ would be sold as an unlocked device through B&H Photo with a $499 price tag. Nothing says we truly don’t give a damn like releasing a 7-month old device (and not their newest Z5 flagship series) at full price on a site that most people have never heard about. Luckily they’ve since added Amazon but that’s also a hot mess that you’ll see after the jump.

Honestly, will Sony even move a thousand of these? I doubt it. If they could, there would be some carrier support here. At any rate, if you’re interested in the Xperia Z3+ or the much better designed and highly under appreciated Xperia Z4 Tablet, then Sony is looking to sweeten the pot by giving you a $50 PSN gift card. Details after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Lands in More European Countries

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 20, 2015 | 0 comments

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium was always going to arrive after the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact. With the flagship phone having launched last week in the UK via Carphone Warehouse, more European countries and carriers are now starting to offer the phone.

Offers and availability currently vary with Clove and Unlocked Mobiles carrying the Z5 Premium while 02 has exclusivity (though likely not for a long period of time) on the gold model.

Unlocked Sony Xperia Z3+ Launches in US

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 17, 2015 | 2 comments

I’m not even sure what to make of this. An unlocked Sony Xperia Z3+ has just launched in the United States. Carried by B&H Photo, a big partner of Sony since they exited the US retail space and shut down their online portal, the semi-flagship phone is available in an unlocked variant for $499.99 in black and white with a generous (?) 1-year warranty.

More thoughts after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact & Premium to Launch Exclusively on NTT docomo

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 16, 2015 | 0 comments

As of now, the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact is available in Japan. According to Sony, NTT docomo will be the exclusive carrier of the Xperia Z5 Compact and the Xperia Z5 Premium. The latter of the two phones, however, won’t be launching till later this year. The Z5 Compact however is now available for purchase.

Info pertaining to Pricing and color options can be found after the jump.