Sony Xperia Z3 release date, specs, features, price: global launch sees flagship Xperia Z4 renamed
Sony's new flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z4, which was recently launched exclusively for Japan, has now been renamed as the Xperia Z3 and released for the global market, with a sleeker design, faster processor and better front camera in comparison to its predecessor, the Z3.
Just last month, Sony had officially announced the Xperia Z4 and unveiled details of the smartphone on its Japanese website. The Xperia Z4 has been available only in Japan and Sony had not provided any information regarding its global release or price. Since the Xperia Z4 was only announced in Japan, it sparked rumors that the smartphone was a Japan-only device. However, there had been rumors that Sony would launch the Xperia Z4 with the Xperia Z3 moniker outside Japan.
Sony's Xperia Z4 is a minor upgrade over the Xperia Z3, with both devices having matching specifications, apart from the front-facing camera and processor. Since the Xperia Z4 is more or less similar to its predecessor, the new smartphone is not really a flagship model, which had indicated that it could be launched globally with the name Xperia Z3 .
Sony has just confirmed these rumors by quietly launching the Xperia Z3 with little fanfare. The Xperia Z3 appears almost similar to the Xperia Z3, with matching features, such as full HD 5.2-inch screen, 3GB of RAM, and a waterproof and dustproof case. The Xperia Z3 is powered by a Snapdragon 810 series Octa-core SoC (System on Chip) and runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS, packing a 2930 mAh battery. The new Xperia Z3 sports a 20.7-megapixels rear camera, same as the Xperia Z3, but promises to deliver better images due to improved software for the "auto" mode, which automatically adjusts all the settings.
Sony has confirmed that the new Xperia Z3 would be released globally in June 2015 in both single and dual SIM options, and will be available in four colors – Black, White, Copper and Aqua Green. Sony has not yet revealed the pricing details of the Xperia Z3 , but revealed that the smartphone's price tag "will reflect the premium quality".