Sony’s not going to be left out of the rush to release a miniature version of its newest big-screen smartphone, or at least according to a new leak it isn’t. A Chinese website has published a picture showing two Xperia Z1 smartphones, announced last week at the IFA tech show, alongside a smaller model with a very similar design. It’s believed to be the Xperia Z1 Mini.
Accompanying the snap is a set of possible specifications, and here’s where Sony could win itself some fans, as it’s not all that different to the Xperia Z1. Apparently, the quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor will remain, as will the 2GB of RAM, and the super-special 20.7-megapixel camera. It’ll only earn its Mini name by having a 4.3-inch, 720p screen, instead of the 5-inch, 1080p panel fitted to the full-size phone.
If it’s all true, and Sony only intends to shrink the screen, then the Xperia Z1 Mini will certainly standout. However, the trade-off will be price, as ultimately, the One Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini are all about offering similar designs to their top spec brethren at a lower cost. By retaining the quad-core chip and high-tech camera, there probably won’t be anything small about its price.
It’s not the first time we’ve heard about the Xperia Z Mini (although last time, it was leaked under the Sony i1 Mini name) so we have to assume Sony is preparing something along these lines, but the specification does sound a little too good to be true. We’ll remain skeptical on this leak for now, but would be happy if it was proven correct if the phone is launched. The source of the leaked photo says Sony is planning to announce the Xperia Z1 Mini during CES 2014, so we’ve got some time to go before we find out.
