No Xperia Z6, X series to replace Z series, Sony confirms

24 February, 2016
The confirmation came in the form of a Facebook comment by the German arm of the Japanese company.

Sort by:

  • s
  • sade
  • n{i
  • 22 Jan 2017

It`s so disappointing to know that there will be no Z6!

    • D
    • AnonD-205457
    • 3sd
    • 11 Mar 2016

    AnonD-337419, 02 Mar 2016Adreno 530 has enough amount of horsepower to crush ps3 and... moreWould be awesome to see PS like gaming in ZX Ultra, they kinda been doing this streaming with existing Z series, no?
    Yeah, but they could especially make Ultra gaming capable powerhouse and market / position it similarly to Nvidia Shield tablet, making it gaming phone phablet, that would be a reasonable idea actually and true purpose for Ultra to exist.
    Also introducing / showcasing cool Sony tech like the sound systems (which would make perfect sense for handheld Sony gaming device and compliment it when enjoying games/ media on bigger screen at home) would be great idea too on such device, it's Ultra after all, testing the limits. It would kinda replace a role of PS Vita this way.
    Only concern is: will it sell ( at least to sustain itself as a niche product) and drag attention to Sony brand in general by showcasing cool features and what Sony is capable of.
    Btw, been having a nice discussion with you, Smartass, so far. 😊
    Hopefully Ultra will finally arrive and then we will be able to see how it turned out and compare it to our dreams, visions of it's possible existence.

      • D
      • AnonD-337419
      • P@$
      • 02 Mar 2016

      AnonD-205457, 29 Feb 2016I am glad you agree with me on G Flex2. Wow, nice waterpar... moreAdreno 530 has enough amount of horsepower to crush ps3 and xbox 360 graphics with ease. If in case, sony manages to bring official support to play ps3 and ps2 games in so called x ultra it can be a super turning point for them but a lot of effort is needed. They are masters in sound engineering too so they should do something interesting for x ultra like award winning magnetic fluid technology for crystal clear sound by sony.

        • D
        • AnonD-87500
        • 6cb
        • 29 Feb 2016

        AnonD-111968, 24 Feb 2016It's an engineering failure that Sony engineers cannot fit ... moreyes, I think what's great is Z3, 7.3mm of thickness with 3100mAh..
        X Performance is too bulky for its battery life :(

          • D
          • AnonD-205457
          • 3sd
          • 29 Feb 2016

          AnonD-337419, 28 Feb 2016I had the black one and as per your theory if it is right w... moreI am glad you agree with me on G Flex2.
          Wow, nice waterpark experience, I am happy to see that Z Ultra had ability to shine in at it's best, in water habitat, it's element. Not many phones can do that. Linda interesting that GFlex2 also has this "impression" quality, yet it does it so without requiring special conditions for show to happen: just being weirdly banana shaped or triggered by flexing it flat.
          This kinda reminds me of 2 guys, 1 being under cover like some secret agent, being casual and then jumping into action, or should I say diving into, while other is flexing muscles it and gaining attention on him gradually, just by having good looks and muscles, not that the other guy wouldn't also look great in it's suite. So both good looking and capabke to impress, yet they do it both in different way.
          // Kinda went too long on filosophy stuff here// Anyways,..

          Yeah, I also see that this year would be good opportunity to reintroduce Ultra concept from Sony again.

          And with 4k stretched in bigger diagonal than current Z Premium won't impress anyone.
          They don't have chance to be first with newest processor, unless there will be new made.
          I am not so sure if they would go with bigger RAM amount, cuz it's also expected from Note6 with 6GB of RAM and soon Vivo to be first to feature this, not that I am against RAM, the more the better, but seeing X series have only 3 while rest of competition goes for 4, not so sure.

          So where Sony could improve is camera department, perhaps bringing some new tech.
          Or display, perhaps, bumping resolution past 4k, that wouldn't make much sense, especially that they didn't go with 2k as it seems they could do it with ease, but skipped to 4k, because it makes sense then, cuz video formats do utilize that resolution.

          Well.
          I would take for granted even decently great together assembled combination of:
          Processor, even if it is SN820 as the rest.
          RAM, 4GB would be fine, but if processor is same, then would make sense for 6GB..
          Display, it would be very ok wit 4k and improved brightness/contrast etc.
          Camera, same story here, Sony already debuted new Predictive Hybrid auto focus technology on X series and I am fine if they will carry it over new Ultra.
          Design/Body.. Well I expect waterproofness for granted from Sony, and design could either be align with X series or what is more likely with new Z series(I have feeling new Z series might also bring new design for very least rounded edge are likely) or something in between.

          But that would just be Z Premium with 6'4 inch size...
          For Ultra to exist it has to feature some surprising technological features.
          So there are seemingly 2 areas here: Display and Camera.
          It is doubtful that display could be any different than Z Premium, which also would feature same technology and resolution of 4k, unless they decide to push even more pixels, but that wouldn't make sense, next industry standard is 8k UHD and 4k is already rare, but would be possible to push more on bigger diagonal, but idk about this.
          Camera is only real improvement area, it would make perfect sense to for number of reasons like seeing Samsung, LG and even Chinese OEMs like Oppo is even making big steps in this department here, it was also rumored that new Ultra would feature great camera, and it's very likely that with having camera, similar as that on Nokia 1020 with 41MP sensor, would make sense, because like so it could differentiate itself from other Sony lineup, not just by bigger screen.
          Granted it will be top performing processor, 4 or yet better 6GB of RAM, waterproofness, good battery life.
          4k display is likely, just FHD would be disimprovement.
          And perhaps, maybe some other technology.

          Well. Either way, I just hope it will exist in any form factor, so I can buy one.
          And yeah.. Flexing for GFlex2, waterproofness, newest soc and size for Ultra...
          What Ultra 2 could have truly could be some awesome camera.
          Sony does produce one of the best camera sensors in world and does lead industry.
          So would make perfect sense to showcase that on new Ultra, wit some great sensor, manual camera controls and truly nailing it to have the best camera compared to others.
          Naturally having sexy looking design, best processor and paired with at least 4GB RAM.
          And of course showing best of it's display tech too, even if it matches Premium.

          I kinda have this kind of vision of NEW ULTRA. Hope you had reed, cheers.

            • D
            • AnonD-337419
            • P@$
            • 28 Feb 2016

            AnonD-205457, 28 Feb 2016Z Ultra. And it's spiritual successor. Your comment made m... moreI had the black one and as per your theory if it is right with 4k and with unique innovativation kinda first of its kind, it will destroy note 6. I am believing strongly that sony is planning something badass phablet this fall. What you said about g flex 2 is damn right. When i went to a water park 1 week after the purchase of z ultra i just took it to swimming pool without any case on it and the people got stunned by its looks which was even more enchanced with water and sunlight falling on it. Many people asked me regarding it and made me feel that i am holding something premium

              • D
              • AnonD-205457
              • 3sd
              • 28 Feb 2016

              AnonD-337419, 24 Feb 2016agree with you. on the day when i saw an advertisement in n... moreZ Ultra. And it's spiritual successor.
              Your comment made me rethink Z Ultra meaning a lot deeper.
              Ok, so here I go.

              Z Ultra was launched alongside Sony Xperia Z, which itself set new design standard for upcoming Sony flagship series featuring omni-balance slim body with glass back.

              Z Ultra set itself apart from any regular smartphone in 3 areas:
              1. Having new display tech from it's manufacturer: Triluminous display, that provided better viewing angles than original Xperia Z, also it was very responsive and featured X Reality engine, that was successor to previous BRAVIA engine.
              2. It was first to have newest processor from Qualcomm: SN 800, which was significantly better than previous SN 600 and was coupled with 2GB or RAM, also top for the time.
              3.1. And all wrapped as gsmarena said: Sexy design: not only looking stunning and having glass on the back, but also being one of first to be so slim, ow and did I mention, it also was waterproof: IP58 certification.
              3.2. Being right on the edge of being a phone or a tablet.
              4. Camera, ow yeah, that's a letdown, only 8MP, average, sucks that Sony said: It wasn't our priority when making Z Ultra, well I understand that bigger sensor can't be added due thinness of device, but at least would be good enough for the sensor.

              Anyways.
              There is actually similar device, that kinda is spiritual successor for Z Ultra:
              LG G Flex 2.

              1. It likewise Sony Z Ultra had display tech to amaze and showcase what it's manufacturer is capable of: display that could flex and all the technology behind it.
              2. Ow and it did come with newest Snapdragon too, this time 810, yet unluckily this wasn't performing way better than previous chip due overheating issues, later resolved with OTA update from manufacturer.
              3. It also had unique design, this time uniqueness lies into being flexable and having healing capability. Ow and it also was a phablet, not pushing limits with it's size, but with it's unique form factor.
              3.1. Ow and display size this time around is well found by phone manufacturers sweet spot of 5.5. inches.
              4. This one had actually quite great camera, as good if not better than the previous LG's flagship.
              * Bonus points for having new features software wise too. And dual screen/ multitasking enchanting features are always welcome for me and I particularly liked small nuances like ability to manage software keys.

              But I hope that we will still see successor for Z Ultra from Sony eventually and it should really come this year or next, else just too late in terms for those that have bought first one and still waiting for upgrade.

              Well this year is slightly more promising than others, cuz this year alike the year when Z Ultra launched first Sony had refreshed it's lineup with all new design philosophy introducing Z series, this year likewise there are new X series launched.
              So I have small hope that, maybe, the new Z Ultra could be X Ultra.
              And if it turns out reality then my guess would be it will have:
              *Big screen, as the original Ultra had, around same size.
              *4K or maybe bigger resolution, but 4k fine too, to showcase Sony's display tech.
              *Design language similar to X series or new Z series.
              *This time it missed on chance to be first smartphone to feature new SN820, but would be nice to still have top performing processor, unless newer and better version coming this autumn and then it could have it.
              RAM, well guess 4GB would be fine, unless Sony would want to impress us more.
              Camera could be one of the things where Sony could showcase something new and exciting this time as it was rumored to be, if so we might see maybe a hump on the back that delivers awesome photos, well, I'd be fine with regular, but well performing camera that Z and X series has, if they decide to keep it flush.

              And that concludes my dreams.
              TLDR. I wish Z Ultra successor to do become reality and as original Ultra to bring some wow factor with it, this time size won't do, so it might be either display or camera tech and top performing performance in good looking device as the original Z Ultra was for it's time.

              Goodbye, and have a nice day.

                • D
                • AnonD-205457
                • 3sd
                • 28 Feb 2016

                AnonD-337419, 24 Feb 2016agree with you. on the day when i saw an advertisement in n... moreGood to hear, btw what color do you have? I myself really liked the Purple version, the white looks clean an black is just classic. If new true successor to Z Ultra will exist, hopefully it will be as stunning or even better looking than original. I myself would like Sun setting brown/golden color or Teal or Green, but as sparkling as original. But would be happy about any color they choose, just if the Z Ultra 2 would be real.

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • IVM
                  • 27 Feb 2016

                  Art, 27 Feb 2016SONY appears to be totally brain-dead, and has no interest ... moreXperia is the best, try the Z5 they MAKE and you will BELIEVE. I am not trolling or slander.

                    • A
                    • Art
                    • kTQ
                    • 27 Feb 2016

                    SONY appears to be totally brain-dead, and has no interest in listening to or satisfying the needs of its customers. WTF ?....no release in the USA? What are you thinking SONY? Again you dump on the world's largest, most important and most affluent marketplace, the USA.....no release in Europe either. Are you really that brain-dead? You deserve to go out of business!

                    The specs on the X-line are mid-range at best. If you expect to compete with the big dogs it's way past time for you start acting like a big dog. The X looks like a cheap phone, although I have not yet seen it in real life. I guess I never will because SONY has foolishly decided not to release it in the USA.....again!

                    SONY needs a high-spec high-end flagship phone with all the top-end bells & whistles (but you can drop the PS4 remote feature, dinosaurs in the background, pressure sensitive touch screen, and 4K rez...all worthless gimmicks that only make the phone cost too much). Needs a better faster camera to rival iPhone, 4GB RAM minimum just to be competitive, more reliable fingerprint scanner placed in a better ergonomic position, a clearer brighter screen (maybe AMOLED), better more durable construction with zero plastic, less bloat, front-facing good stereo speakers, wireless quick charging, USB-C, SD820 SoC, external memory slot, waterproofing, and so on. And you need 2 sizes, regular and compact.

                    You also need to release your phones worldwide in one model all at the same time, and on at least 2 if not all US carriers. And most important get your worthless customer service and warranty support up on its feet. I should be able to take my SONY phone to ANY authorized SONY repair center worldwide and get warranty service, no matter where I bought your damn phone, with no mumbo-jumbo double talk. Your customer support really sucks the big one SONY. On SONY products, you can only get warranty service in the country where you bought it. What a POS warranty program you have!

                    Honestly, I don't see how much longer you can hold on to your mobile division the way you run it now. You need some new people who know how to market a product, run a business, and think outside the box. You need people who know how to listen to customers, and how to compete in this business.

                    You need help. Do you need my help?

                      AnonD-345578, 24 Feb 2016No, they do not lack 4k video recording, that's only intend... moreThere are so many competitors trolls here, they don't do this they will jobless.

                        Lex79, 26 Feb 2016You do have dibs on yourself, I'll give you that! I'm Ke... moreWait what? hey mate don't take it seriously, I'm just kidding. u ok?

                          Lex79, 26 Feb 2016You do have dibs on yourself, I'll give you that! I'm Ke... moreplease don't be that guy.. Lex

                            • L
                            • Lex79
                            • 3Jd
                            • 26 Feb 2016

                            DenisXD, 26 Feb 2016I do have a lot of free time that's true. As a writer I don... moreYou do have dibs on yourself, I'll give you that!

                            I'm Keen to get back on topic whenever you feel ready to stop the silly shenanigans.
                            My original posts in this thread were very much relevant to the topic at hand, yet you seemed to take it upon yourself to take issue, and succeeded in both degrading the conversation to some silly argument and dragging me down to your level.

                            Should I have let that happen, no, I should know full well by now what people can be like on this site, but you live and learn eh?

                            Thanks for the lesson, it's not the one you are patting yourself on the back for thinking you delivered, but I have learned something.

                            Nuff said on this nonsense now eh.

                              • D
                              • AnonD-367917
                              • v61
                              • 26 Feb 2016

                              DenisXD, 26 Feb 2016Sorry.. what kind of android are you? What's your operati... moreDo I have a point?

                              (Well sadly this topic digresses further....)
                              Yes, I was replying to someone who felt that this webpage exists solely for their own need.
                              And I was letting them know that I DO NOT WRITE FOR THEM.

                              I do, however, like the threads to remain on topic and pointful, and possibly useful to people reading through them to learn a little about the devices involved.
                              (Yes we see the same handful of commentators in most threads, I put to you, webpage statistics would probably confirm many many more people READ these webforums on GSM arena)

                              Am I an Android? Cyborg possibly
                              Not sure whether listing my excitement for getting Marshmallow installed on my current phone (what OS am I using), is fruitful to a discussion on Sony using 'X' as series branding going forward.

                              I DID however comment some of my worldly wisdom about Sony and what X series might mean; suggesting we might get better grade solder (for clear and crisp audio transmission), and reflected on the sound quality improvements that Sony could utilise (S-Master would be awesome) and that these design decisions could lead to the name change to 'X' series. (Very much on topic)

                              I did research on the LDAC, found out it is just a funky name for their new Bluetooth transmission protocol, and decided not to post it here as it didn't really help the discussion.

                              Sorry if my posts take up too much reader time.. I gather it would be better if I wrote twenty little posts (would get my post count up), which in turn a typically the stuff of light fluff that voters like to 'upvote' (would make me look like a know 'something', potentially validating my comment, by peer review).

                              You know,.. Like yours seem to do.
                              Does your comment grow the above topic? If not, no reply needed. (I didn't see a way to personal message you this message or I would have kept it out of the public forum on the Sony X series)

                                AnonD-367917, 26 Feb 2016Maybe I am bored, so I will 'bite'. ("Don't feed the tro... moreSorry.. what kind of android are you?
                                What's your operating system? Really man you are not interesting with these replies.
                                Do you have a point here?

                                  Lex79, 25 Feb 2016Really?? So you started an argument with me as an effort t... moreI do have a lot of free time that's true. As a writer I don't do anything else than writing.
                                  I wanted to stop you from arguing.. so just.. do it.

                                    • D
                                    • AnonD-367917
                                    • v61
                                    • 26 Feb 2016

                                    Anonymous, 24 Feb 2016Better your post your comments in newspaper dude, too long ... moreMaybe I am bored, so I will 'bite'.

                                    ("Don't feed the trolls", they say)

                                    It is true, I do write a few lines.
                                    I do generally try to stay on one topic, and my intention is to write for the reader.
                                    Which may not be you.

                                    It has given me a chuckle for the last day or so that you would come on a forum and say this (I know a lot of people may think it).
                                    You know this is a forum.
                                    A place people come to to read what others are saying and to add further to the discussion.

                                    From what you wrote I take it:
                                    A) You don't like reading
                                    B) You would prefer if people had nothing to say, and, taking the next logical step; you would prefer it if people on read and agreed with your sentiments.

                                    Given you cannot even bother to log in, or prefer to hide behind Anominity, you have devalued your voice further (you yourself are not willing to be accountable for it)

                                    And without us being able so see your arguments evolve, by way of continued posts using the same name/avatar, I can only conclude you have little positive to commit or share, and are in fact what is commonly referred to as 'a troll'.

                                    The reason I write a few paragraphs, when commenting, is to reduce errors with interpreting my viewpoint, or 'opinion' when presented.
                                    I feel if I qualify aspects of my writing I can save a whole slew of short 'back and forward' comments where I feel I need to defend my half assed poorly conveyed opinion.

                                    In all honesty I do feel my opinions are half assed and poorly presented, and I thank anyone who endures to read my comments, and do hope that I have contributed something worthwhile to the thread/forum.

                                    As I am not paid or remunerated for my efforts, I just do not give 100%.

                                    I do however support this site as being a great place for people to get some clarity with regards to mobile technology.

                                    (PS I also post as 'whitedragem', on occasion I could not log in)
                                    Good day to you

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-507177
                                      • msq
                                      • 25 Feb 2016

                                      AnonD-111968, 25 Feb 2016Thanks, for the explanation, i thought the X series now rep... moreI don't know is Z series dead or not....all i said that xperia x performance is not flagship device...official video from Sony on YT points out that xperia x performance is upper midrange phone like M5 was....everybody thinks that it's a flagship because of SD820 and similar other specs to Z5 but there isn't any confirmation from Sony.

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-111968
                                        • UGm
                                        • 25 Feb 2016

                                        AnonD-507177, 25 Feb 2016Sony implements way more hardware in their devices than sam... moreThanks, for the explanation, i thought the X series now replaces the Z series.

                                          1 of 9