It looks like Sony is getting ready to release a smartphone to take on the Galaxy S4 Zoom and the Nokia Lumia 1020, in the form of Xperia i1. The smartphone reportedly has a 20-megapixel camera and images and details of the device have just leaked,
Sony recently announced the 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra, that looks to be targeted at the upcoming Galaxy Note 3, HTC One Max, and LG G2 in the phablet world. Meanwhile, a new Xperia smartphone going by the codename "Honami" has leaked and if rumors are to be believed, it's packing a 20-megapixel Cyber-Shot camera and will be a threat to Galaxy S4 Zoom and Lumia 1020 in the 'cameraphone' market.
Techtudo got to spend some time with the device and posted some images and a few details about the upcoming smartphone. The site could not confirm the size of the display on the smartphone, but it's larger than the 5-inch display of the Xperia ZQ it is pictured next to. It may be noted that the build of the device is not final, but it is very thin, and both the front and back of the smartphone is all glass. It appears that Sony is using its Omnibalance design found on the Xperia Z, but it's not clear if this device will also be water and dust-resistant.
The site claims that the Xperia i1 is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. The 20-megapixel camera will reportedly use a new imaging technology called BIONZ Engine, that is described as a unique image processor that suppresses any noise of light and color, and enhances color reproduction and clarity of the pictures it takes. The site was very impressed by the images it was able to take and described them as being "incredible." The smartphone also has a microSD expansion slot on its side to increase storage.
Techtudo could not confirm the release date of the smartphone, but current rumors claim the Xperia i1 will be released sometime in Q3 of this year. If true, Sony looks to have a very impressive smartphone lineup in the next few months with the Xperia Z Ultra, a refreshed Xperia Z with a Snapdragon 800 processor, and now the newly leaked Xperia i1 with a 20-megapixel camera.
