Japan's Sony Unveils First 5G Smartphone... Enhanced Camera Features

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] Sony of Japan, which held a market share in the global smartphone market in the 0% range last year, has unveiled its first 5G flagship model. The device features enhanced camera capabilities and is scheduled to be released globally this spring.

According to economic broadcaster CNBC on the 24th (local time), Sony announced new products including the 5G smartphone Xperia 1 II through a YouTube video conference. The Xperia 1 II is Sony's first 5G device. Based on 5G, which enables ultra-fast and large-capacity mobile communication, the camera functions have been enhanced. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch 4K HDR display, among other features.

CNBC reported, "It is the first 5G model from a major Japanese IT company," adding, "Sony's expertise in camera sensors is reflected in features such as a triple lens that allows adjustment of some settings typical of professional cameras, and HDR technology that makes images on the screen appear more realistic." Japanese media reported that the Xperia 1 II includes a triple camera equipped with ZEISS lenses and a high-speed burst shooting function capable of up to 20 frames per second.

Sony plans to start global sales of the Xperia 1 II from this spring. It will be available in three colors: black, purple, and white.

Through the launch of this 5G flagship model, Sony aims to turn around its previously sluggish mobile business division. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 5G is estimated to account for 15% of the global mobile network by 2025.

However, Sony's mobile business performance has not been favorable. Looking at Sony's quarterly results released in December last year, mobile phone sales shrank by about 16% compared to the previous year. Its global market share remained at 0.3%, far behind Samsung Electronics, Apple, Huawei, and others.

Paulo Pescatore, a technology, media, and telecommunications analyst at PP Foresight, said, "Sony is lagging behind Asian competitors in smartphone sales competition. Competitors are launching new products with new features at effective price points, posing a huge challenge," and evaluated, "Not including 8K video capture and recording functions in the new product is a huge mistake."

The new product unveiling was unusually conducted via YouTube. This was a consequence of the cancellation of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020 in Barcelona, Spain, two weeks prior, due to the threat of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that has alarmed the world. Sony had originally planned to introduce the new products at MWC during this period.

On the same day, Sony also introduced the Xperia 10 II and Xperia PRO.