Sony is streamlining its smartphone arm and has officially dropped its Xperia Z, M, E, and C lines to focus on its Xperia X range. This line though, according to Sony Mobile EVP of Global Sales & Marketing Hideyuki Furumi, will include a “range of X series, top to bottom.” The company is also attaching the Xperia name to other categories like the Xperia Ear and Xperia Projector. We’ve seen other brands try to focus on a specific line and perhaps it might work for Sony. Furumi told Tech Radar that the other products will still be on sale but don’t expect any new Xperia Z’s heading your way.
The two newest members of the Xperia X line are the Xperia XZ and the X Compact. The XZ is the line’s first flagship and it’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 3GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB internal storage, single or dual Nano SIM options, up to 256GB expansion via microSD, 2,900mAh battery, and a 5.2-inch Full HD 1080p TRILUMINOS display. And yes, it’s water-resistant, too. The X Compact, on the other hand, has a 4.6-inch HD 720p TRILUMINOS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, up to 256GB expansion via microSD, and 2,700mAh battery.
Both phones run on Android M and feature USB Type-C connectors and top-notch cameras—at least that is what’s promised for the latter. The Xperia XZ and X Compact both have a 23-megapixel triple image sensing technology, which makes use of Sony’s original Exmor RS mobile image sensor, autofocus, and Predictive Hybrid AF. Sony promises quicker startup for the camera and clearer shots. The XZ comes with 4K video recording support and has a 13-megapixel front camera with low-light support for up to ISO 6400 and 22mm wide-angle lens with F2.0 aperture. The X Compact, meanwhile, has Full HD video support (up to 60fps) and also has the same 1/3.06-inch Exmor RS sensor, low-light support, and wide-angle lens as the XZ but with a 5-megapixel front shooter.
The Xperia X Compact will launch globally this month, while the Xperia XZ will launch next month.