FollowIt has become a trend of sorts for manufacturers to first launch a smartphone device and then follow it up with a mini and max version of the same. Samsung did that with its Galaxy S4 (launched S4 Mini and the Note 3), HTC did that with its HTC One device (launched the One Mini while One Max is waiting in the wings) and now it is the turn of Sony to repeat the above feat. Sony has long been associated with developing a mini version of its Xperia Z1 device, which it had named Xperia X1 f. The company though has announced it plans to launch the gadget as Xperia Z1 f in the Japanese market alone where it is to be retailed by NTT Docomo. Unconfirmed bit of news is that Sony is planning to introduce this device into other markets as well, but with a changed name.
Evleaks, known for their close to authentic information before the official announcement happens has mentioned the name of this new mini version of the Xperia line of product from Sony as Xperia Z1S (the ‘S’here should stand for ‘small’). Evleaks also mentions the date of release of the device to be somewhere around end of this year itself which tallies well with the expected launch of the device in the Japanese region which is around December. Evleaks has also put up a leaked photograph of the Xperia Z1S. By looks it resembles the Xperia Z1 f and it remains to be seen if the two are similar in their features as well.
Readers who have come in late may like to note the general specifications of the Xperia Z1 f which should be close to if not exactly the same as that of the rumored Xperia Z1S. The 4.3 inch 720p display is based on Triluminos technology. Powering the device will be the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad core chip clocking at 2.2 GHz. The OS is Android 4.2.2 and battery pack is of 2300 mAh rating. Other features of the device include support for LTE network, is Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac compatible and NFC compliant too. The Smartphone has dual camera, with the rear facing one of 20.7 MP having BSI feature and the front facing being 2.2 MP. Going by the above specs, what seems evident is that Sony does not wish its mini smartphone version to be seen as a downgrade over the flagship model. It may sport a slightly smaller screen but that it is going to be a powerhouse of a device is all too evident.
