(Update: 4K Display?) Rumor: Sony to unveil an Xperia Z5 Premium in addition to the Z5 and Z5 Compact?

Update 2: It seems the 4K “tip” may have originated from this Tweet by Evan Blass (evleaks) dated August 26th. In it, he posts specs from a Facebook page of “Sony Georgia” then follows up by saying it “doesn’t seem to be an official account.” Take a look at the screen capture:

For reference, the “Sony Georgia” hyperlink no longer works. Given the reasoning detailed in this post, we advise our readers to approach this 4K claim with sufficient skepticism. It is highly likely that an Xperia Premium, if it is announced, will feature a QHD resolution display.

Update 1: In the hours since we originally posted this story, Phone Arena has now updated its story to reflect an interesting detail: Apparently the Xperia Z5 Premium will have a 4K display giving it a screen resolution of 801-805ppi.

We advise our readers to approach this latest bit of information with even greater skepticism. Recall that the General Manager of Sony Mobile Taiwan was literally quoted earlier this year, stating there were no plans to release a QHD smartphone panel. Despite this, the Verizon Z4v was announced and is the first smartphone in the OEM’s entire history to make use of QHD. To imagine a bump up to 4K – when QHD was basically skipped entirely – seems quite unusual, especially given the fact that, according to PA’s tipster, the standard Z5 will only have a Full HD screen.

While it’s entirely possible that this could turn out to be true, the sudden claim of a 4K display seemingly calls into question the entire legitimacy of the tip itself, and thereby the existence of an Xperia Z5 Premium. Unfortunately we may need to wait until Wednesday to know for sure.

Original Story:

In the past few weeks, the Xperia Z5 flagship has been the subject of some very legitimate looking leaks. This past week in particular Sony itself allegedly goofed and posted some press shots before they were subsequently pulled. Not one to be overlooked, the smaller sibling, the Xperia Z5 Compact, has also been touched upon. Still, for some time now rumors have circulated that a truly premium model would be coming down the pipeline eventually. Now, perhaps, we have a better idea of just what is in store.

While Android Authority can not confirm the legitimacy of this new information, a tipster over at PhoneArena has provided some potentially sizzling new details regarding Sony’s alleged plans for IFA this coming week: there will be three devices unveiled on Wednesday.

The Xperia Z5: The device will make use of a 5.2-inch Full HD (1080 X 1920) display.

The Xperia Z5 Compact: This device will have a 4.6-inch Standard HD (720 X 1280) display.

The Xperia Z5 Premium: This device will have a larger 5.5-inch, QHD (1440 X 2560) display.

According to the tipster, Sony has selected a 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 Octa-core SoC with Adreno 430 GPU. There will be 3GB of RAM on-board and 32GB of internal storage. They will include a 23-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. The phones will all include an integrated fingerprint sensor built into the now flat power button on the right side of the phone.

The report also reiterates the fact that the volume rocker has been moved down to the bottom portion of the device’s right side, and also specifically mentioned that the Z5 Premium would be able to record 4K video with its’ rear camera. (It is likely that all three models will include the feature however, especially given that even the current Z4/Z3+ already does it).

Finally, the following picture was supplied along with the tip:

Three Z5 devices?

While it’s important to take this entire report with a healthy dose of sodium (possibly iodized), the strategy would make major sense for Sony if it pans out. Last year’s Xperia Z3 Compact was very well received given that it broke ties with the disappointing trend of smaller devices using even smaller specs.

The Xperia Z5 Premium also makes a lot of sense: Sony doesn’t have a phablet-sized flagship, and hasn’t for some time now. This is one major area where competitors like Samsung have a major advantage over it, and indeed given the fantastic camera set up that Sony uses on the Z-line, many larger screen aficionados have been lamenting the lack of choice.

Opting for a QHD panel on the Z5 Premium also makes a lot of sense. For one thing, it strengthens the ability to compete with rivals like the Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5/Galaxy S6 Edge+ and LG’s G4. At the same time however, it gives further legitimacy to a device that would obviously need some other critical point to differentiate itself from the standard sized product. This latter point is all the more pressing given that Verizon Wireless is poised to release the Xperia Z4v, which does in fact, include a QHD panel.

Stand up for Sony

Assuming this report of an Xperia Z5 Premium is the real deal, Sony may truly be able to deal some major damage against its OEM rivals this fall. The camera, the screen sharpness, the waterproofing, the microSD support, and now the fingerprint sensor will make for a very attractive package to any customer shopping for a phablet. Moreover, it will also be a great find for anyone who is still reeling over Samsung’s decision to drop some staples.

The question then, will truly be just how well Sony can push and promote this terrific trio. Outside of Japan, the Xperia brand’s market share is relatively low when compared to other legacy OEMs. Part of this is, and has been, due to what many argue is a total lack of marketing push from Sony, in addition to poor decisions like carrier exclusivity.

Given that the CEO of Sony Mobile was extremely optimistic when interviewed earlier this summer, this could very well be a golden opportunity for the Japanese giant to make major in-roads in its’ push to regain dominance in the consumer electronics market.

Suffice to say, there will definitely be some major attention paid to whatever products are formally announced this Wednesday. Hopefully, the Xperia Z5 Premium will be one of them.

What do you think? Would a phablet-sized Xperia Z5 be a major candidate for your hard earned money? Is the larger screen size and resolution-bump enough to justify the name “Premium” or would it need a new build to boot? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!