Several weeks before the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, a new Xperia smartphone reportedly appears in leaked images.
According to the report by GSM Arena, the device has been identified based on a case maker's alleged press images. In the report, the device looks like the Xperia E1 II that made the rounds late last year. As a result, the report aptly refers to it as the new Xperia E4.
In the report, the device comes with a 5-inch display with a measly qHD (960 x 540) resolution, though that feature is acceptable given the phone's entry-level specs.
Other rumored specs of the device include a MediaTek chipset of unknown build, a 1GB RAM for decent multi-tasking performance, 5GB of internal memory, a 5MP primary camera and a 1.9MP selfie shooter in front.
The images, which come from a Chinese website, Digi-Wo, feature the Xperia E4 wearing two types of phone cases - one with a smart cover and leather look, while the other is a snap-on plastic case.
Based on current market shares, Sony is slowly losing its grip on the Android market, particularly in Asia that is dominated by Chinese and Korean brands. The Japan-based company will aim at the mass market in order to regain its market presence.
Last year, the Japanese manufacturer launched the Xperia E1 a few months after it announced its previous flagship, the Xperia Z2. That means the phone manufacturer may release the same successor for the entry-level handset, while the Xperia Z4 is also expected to make a debut in the March event.
Based on rumors, the Xperia Z4 will go with the flow and boast the same QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, either a 3GB or 4GB RAM, and a Snapdragon 810 chipset.
However, it will be interesting whether Sony will stick to its 20.7MP camera or upgrade it in order to be one step ahead of the competition. Most Android flagships and other high-end phones released last year boast 13MP and 16MP sensors, and so it will be impractical for those manufacturers to skip a camera upgrade.
Aside from the camera, the Xperia Z4 is also expected to boast the same tri-luminous display, an all glass case, and thin frame. However, for the past years, Sony has continued developing phones which are too large to fit the pockets, and this year could see that trend continue.
Other specs which are rumored to hit the Xperia Z4 include a massive battery, a better resistance to dust and liquid, and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop.
