No fingerprint sensor for the US Xperia Z5 or Z5 Compact

The US versions of the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact, which will be officially launched in the US next month, will not feature a fingerprint sensor. The sensor, located conveniently in an elongated power button on the side of the phone, was one of the unique selling points for the new Xperias. But it won’t be in America.

Sony confirmed the absence of the fingerprint scanner to us, explaining “it was a business decision”. We’ve asked for further clarification and will update this post with any new details. While this is a surprise move to be sure, it doesn’t bode well for the success of the Z5 series in North America.

There surely must be a valid reason for the omission, but removing one of the most popular features on a new flagship line when it’s about to launch in a major market is not exactly a wise move.

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Sony needs to get things back on track in the US, considering the myriad problems the Xperia Z4v had getting a US launch, problems which resulted in Verizon ditching the device entirely and Sony releasing it months later under the Xperia Z3+ moniker on Amazon and B&H. But it looks like Sony wants to risk yet another bungled product launch instead.

The question now is: why would Sony remove one of the main features on its new flagship device? We’re sure the answer will be more interesting than our guesses, so we’ll hold out for an official explanation.

Why do you think Sony would do this? Will the Z5 be successful without it?