Let’s face it. It’s hard to differentiate yourself in the smartphone space. Even when manufacturers want to be different, they are met with the same negative accusations, tagging them as some sort of copycat, or unmotivated to match growing expectations. Sony is one of those rare companies that really stand out. Actively producing updated flagships on a non-standard update pattern, focusing on dust and water immersion, camera optics, and superior battery life. These are the foundational elements the Japanese stalwart builds its brand on.
Seemingly months ago, the Xperia line was ridiculed for not producing a Quad HD panel (1440 x 2560) for their latest handset. Often reviewers would praise the uniquely different device, but bring into question the continued production of the 1080p display. Of late, details have emerged about Sony’s newest flagship, the Sony Xperia Z3+. Shockingly, the company has decided to press forward with the almost perfected 1080p panel that is now considered “dated.” In recent years, Android producers have developed a rat race mentality, producing bigger, better, faster will always generate more sales. Pioneers like Motorola have shown bucking this trend can prove to be just as profitable. Jonathan Lin, Sony Mobile’s GM, stressed the importance of releasing that resolution jump for the company. Stating when we “can make significant improvements in display quality and digital image processing technology.” Adding, at the rough average of 5.5″ panels being produced, there isn’t any real benefit. You display aficionados out there might disagree, but it’s hard to argue the results of Sony’s BRAVIA technology implemented on a 1080p display.
This year, Sony will continue to build its platform on tweaking elements outside the screen. The upcoming Z3+ touts two-day battery life (which they routinely justify and back up thanks to using the same non QHD LCD panel), a slimmed down chassis, further dust and water resistance, upgraded camera internals, an industry leading 64-bit Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of ram, rapid charge technology, and that familiar candy bar design sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass. No matter where you stand on pushing pixels, it’s hard to accuse Sony of wanting to stand out from the crowd.