Sony is an interesting manufacturer. Like Samsung, they tend to prefer the idea of releasing two flagship devices a year. However, unlike Samsung, whose twice-a-year flagships consist of the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S ranges, Sony like to release two flagship devices from the same range each year, the Xperia range of devices. It was only September, when the last Xperia device landed, the Xperia Z3 and this was following on from the previously early 2014 launch of the Xperia Z2. However in spite of their preference to release two a year, it was expected that Sony were looking to take their foot off of the pedal, stepping away from the idea of two-a-year, due to a general lack of sales. Instead opting for a more ‘normal’ one Xperia device per year. This seemed to be further evident from the delay in arrival of the latest incarnation, the Xperia Z4. Which is now expected to land sometime around May.
Well, the latest coming in, is that it now seems Sony might actually be planning to continue their two-per-year routine, with rumors circulating that they are intent on releasing the next successor, the Xperia Z5 in the fourth quarter of this year. Although, the same source also suggests that there is a chance Sony may have to wait until early 2016, but not through choice. One of the rumored specs to be included on the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Ultra is the inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor (the follow-on to the highly controversial 810 processor). However, that in itself is not due for release until later in the year. As such, the source suggests if the 820 is not ready in time, this will see the delay to early 2016 of the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Ultra. Otherwise, if all is on time, then all three devices will be unveiled this year.
Although, most of the specs for the Xperia Z5 devices are not given, the unnamed source does suggest that as well as the 820 processor, the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Ultra will come with 4GB RAM and QHD displays. In particular, the QHD displays will be a welcome addition as it is currently expected that the Xperia Z4 will not come (in all markets) with a QHD display. Instead, some variants will come touting an FHD display. Not to mention, the reports also states that the Xperia Z5 devices will come with a “completely new design”. Not forgetting that the report also suggests the Ultra will come sporting a fingerprint scanner. Very little has been mentioned about the Z5 Compact, as the source does not seem to have much information on this device, besides its rumored release date. Of course, with the Xperia Z4 not actually being officially unveiled yet, all of these rumors are simply at the moment rumors. That said, they are interesting ones.