Confirmed: Sony's next gen phones to feature an all-new design

Sony‘s smartphones have looked very much alike for several years now, underscored by the company’s OmniBalance design principles. While many other manufacturers have tried to re-invent their phones every 24-months or so (at least), Sony has stuck with the same basic aesthetic.

The thing is, that hasn’t really helped it in terms of unit sales, as its mobile business has also for several years been only a minor contributor to its bottom line. And, I can attest at least anecdotally, that Sony’s recent phones haven’t been talked about as excitedly as those from other major Android OEMs.

According to news from The Indian Express (via Phone Arena), however, the company might finally be seeking a different approach.

Sony India’s managing director Kenichiro Hibi, told The Indian Express, “We have deployed an OmniBalance design as long as the X series continues to be available in the market. Also, we are planning to launch [a] new generation of products and you can expect a complete new design from the devices.”

Sony has previously been rumored to be ditching OmniBalance with new devices coming at MWC in 2018, and it’s a notion that would make sense if Sony wants to get a greater grip on smartphone market share. Though to be honest, that doesn’t even seem to be the company’s aim.

One possibility for Sony’s new approach would be to go down the bezel-less route. Apple, Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi have all delivered products to feature such displays, and HUAWEI has one on the way. Add to that a dual-camera setup and an AI assistant and suddenly Sony would be looking like a contemporary smartphone manufacturer again.

What direction do you think Sony should head in with its next smartphones? Give me your thoughts in the comments.