(Update: more images) Alleged Xperia Z4 render shows familiar design

Update, March 17: @onleaks has published a slew of other images that allegedly show the Xperia Z4 from multiple angles.

Original post, March 16:

Sony has been a hot topic this year in the mobile world, though admittedly for all the wrong reasons. The Xperia line has been around for years now, yet has failed to gain a mainstream following in any country but its home (Japan), where any given subway ride will inevitably turn up close to a dozen-or-more branded smartphones. One of the chief complaints the flagship Xperia Z line has endured is a bi-annual refresh rate that does little more than anger the very customers who buy the “latest and greatest.” However, word has it Sony has decided to rethink this habit.

Finally, today we have our first look at what claims to be the Xperia Z4, courtesy of OnLeaks, although there is one oddity that we’ll talk about in a little bit. First, let’s dive in and look at the leaked image (seen above).  The source has claimed that the dimensions of the Z4 will be 146.3 x 71.9 x 7.2 mm thus indicating it will be a svelte product despite packing some serious hardware.

The endless supply of rumors can’t seem to conclude as to if the device will be QHD or standard Full HD, although judging from the dimensions seen here it would seem Sony has decided against a larger, 5.5-inch display. Other rumors include a new camera sensor along with the possibility of a Snapdragon 810. For additional details, please make sure to check out our rumor roundup. If the specs on the recently announced Z4 Tablet are anything to go on however, a QHD display and Snapdragon 810 will be on-board.

In terms of the phone’s design, there has already been criticism suggesting it looks too similar to the Xperia Z3, as well as the recently announced M4 Aqua. With respect to the latter there are some key differences in that the phone depicted in the leak’s top speaker (and presumably the bottom as well) are positioned along the edge of the device, the sensors’ positioning has been reversed, and it lacks the port seen on the right side of the Aqua:

Those suggesting the Z4 looks like the Z3 should re-familiarize themselves with the product in question, as if anything the Z3 looks like the Aqua:

In terms of the oddity mentioned earlier, one point must be raised about this leak: The screen simulation itself does not appear legitimate. Notice the app tray icon’s position: it’s about half-way up the phone which would suggest this device has a screen closer to 3 inches than a phablet. Still, when we examine the other recent leak claiming to be pictures of the Z4’s frame, the right-side does mesh with this new render:

On a final note, barring any dramatic changes, it’s safe to say the Xperia E4 isn’t going to be a design reference for Sony this year:

So there you have it. Assuming this new leak is legitimate, are there any thoughts on the design? While the product is seemingly more One M9 than it is Galaxy S6, if the camera sensor and screen quality are superior to the already-impressive paring on its predecessor, the Xperia Z4 might indeed be a phablet to watch out for. Now if only Sony could find some way to market it…