Sony sends invites for MWC event, likely launching new flagship (Update)

Update, February 10 2020 (4:05AM ET): Sony has announced that it has withdrawn from Mobile World Congress, citing the coronavirus threat. It will however be hosting an online launch at the same time as it’s originally planned MWC press conference. You can read the full story behind Sony’s withdrawal over here.

Original article, January 15 2020 (4PM ET): Mobile World Congress 2020 is right around the corner. Today, Sony sent out invites for an event it will hold at the tech trade show (via GSM Arena). At this Sony MWC event, we expect the company to launch a few smartphones.

The event is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2020, at 8:30 AM CET (2:30 AM ET that same day). The invitation says the event will also be live-streamed so you can watch it from home.

The company didn’t reveal what it will announce at this Sony MWC event, but it’s a sure bet there will be at least one smartphone on the docket. So far, we’ve already seen leaked renders for what we presume is the Sony Xperia 5 Plus, a slightly upgraded version of last year’s Sony Xperia 5.

Related: Sony Xperia 5 review: Not so compact

However, there’s a good chance Sony will also launch a new flagship phone at this event. If so, that device would likely have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G connectivity, and other high-end 2020 flagship features.

It’s also possible Sony could release another mid-range device either in addition to or in place of a flagship.

Regardless, Mobile World Congress is all about mobile, so you can expect at least one smartphone to launch at the Sony MWC event. We will have boots on the ground at the event so stay tuned for all the news about the new Xperia devices, whatever they might be.