SONY

Sony reassures fans that it is not done with Xperia smartphones just yet

The vultures have been circling Sony Xperia smartphones for a while. The last to feature 3.5 mm jacks in a modern flagships, Sony's Chief Financial Officer has now attempted to quash rumours that the company plans to pull out from the smartphone market altogether like LG before it.

Sony has moved to reassure fans about its Xperia series following recent speculation about the smartphone brand's future. Speaking during the company's August 7 earnings briefing, Sony Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tao Lin described Xperia as 'a very important business for us' and confirmed that the company intends to continue developing smartphones under the brand going forward.

Quoted by CNET Japan, Tao Lin explained that Sony still sees the smartphone as a foundation for future innovation across its other communication technology businesses. In other words, Sony considers Xperia smartphones a cog within its broader businesses. With that being said, Tao Lin decided against confirming whether the Xperia 5 would be returning to the Xperia lineup.

As it stands, Sony appears to have no interest in challenging the likes of Apple or Samsung in the US with the Xperia 1 VII. Potentially, the company could return to the mid-range market with the Xperia 10 VII though, which was spotted in late spring as the XQ-FE44. Currently, the Xperia 10 VII is anticipated to arrive this October. Please see our Xperia 1 VII launch article for full details about Sony's most recent flagship smartphone.

Return to Brazil...Sony held an event in Brazil on July 18th to announce new professional cameras for the domestic market. However, in the following weeks, news emerged announcing a possible return of the company's smartphones to the country.

After all, will the Japanese manufacturer really bring its Xperia smartphones back to Brazil? What is known about the situation?

The information emerged through a press publication, which stated that the Japanese brand would relaunch its cell phone line in Brazil, featuring advanced models and devices with Artificial Intelligence, as well as 8K Smart TVs.

Furthermore, it stated that Sony's intention would be to win over the technology consumer who is connected and has higher demands. However, it did not provide details about the models or availability of these products in the Brazilian market.

In the following days, other websites began reporting the information, with details including possible approvals of Xperia smartphones by Brazilian regulatory agencies, such as Anatel, and even mentioning the Xperia 10 VII model, which is expected to launch internationally in October of this year.

The head of Sony Professional Solution Brazil, Luiz Fernando, stated on the date that, even after closing its factories in 2020, the company has operated since 2021 as an independent entity, focused on professional products for TV broadcasters, producers, and content creators.

The presentation also confirmed the arrival of the FX2 cameras and the XM6 series of headphones in Brazil, through imports and without local manufacturing. The first will begin sales this August, while the second is still awaiting pricing and availability.

Sony also reinforced its previous partnership with Multi to market its headphones and highlighted the diversification of its distributor network, including its official store on Mercado Livre. However, there's no mention of any return of Xperia smartphones.

Regarding Bravia Smart TVs, availability is currently limited to the professional segment, with Bravia Pro monitors sold for commercial and corporate solutions. Furthermore, there's no forecast for the return of the home TV series, nor has there been any mention of a potential return to the smartphone segment.

On Friday morning (8), Sony's press office responded to our contact and reinforced what we've already explained throughout the text. In other words, the reports about the company's return to the mobile phone market that have been circulating since last week are untrue.

The company also emphasizes that it only plans to launch the FX2 camera and the XM6 series headset at this time, as already explained at the company's last event. See the full statement:

Sony Professional Brazil clarifies that the recently released information about the brand's alleged return to the Brazilian market with 5G smartphones, 8K televisions, and smart devices is untrue.

There is currently no official forecast for the relaunch of smartphones and TVs in the country, nor have any plans in this regard been announced through official Sony channels. Information such as the arrival of the Xperia 10 VII, the launch of 8K televisions, or the expansion of the consumer electronics portfolio in Brazil are false and not supported by the company's institutional positions.

We emphasize that the only accurate information cited in the circulating reports is regarding the FX2 camera, expected to be available starting in August 2025. Furthermore, new headphone models in the XM6 line are in the logistical definition phase, with plans to gradually expand the professional portfolio in Brazil.

Sony Professional Brazil reaffirms its commitment to transparency and recommends that all information about the brand's products and launches be verified through its official channels.

Sony Professional Brazil

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