A recent report from Japan reveals that Sony is shifting its strategy by deciding to outsource the production of its flagship Xperia smartphones to third-party manufacturers. This move marks a significant change for the company, which has previously handled the assembly of its high-end models in-house. Despite facing challenges in the competitive smartphone market, Sony aims to establish a long-term plan for its Xperia brand.
Until now, Sony has operated three manufacturing facilities in Thailand and China for building Xperia flagship handsets. However, the company's official manufacturing websites no longer list smartphones among the devices produced at these locations. The upcoming Xperia 1 VII will be the first flagship model to be manufactured by a third party. With Sony opting to outsource production, it raises questions about the impact on the phone's pricing and quality.
Sony's decision to refrain from selling its flagship smartphones in the U.S. for the second consecutive year reflects the challenges it faces in establishing a presence in key markets. The absence of carrier partnerships in the U.S. has hindered Sony's ability to penetrate a significant market share. Despite these obstacles, the Xperia 1 VII is set to be priced similarly to its predecessor, starting at £1,399 for the base model with 256GB of storage.
The global version of the Xperia 1 XI can be purchased through platforms like Amazon, offering compatibility with GSM networks. While it may not support Verizon, the phone is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G bands, including essential frequencies for the carrier's network. For consumers seeking the Xperia 1 VII, model XQ-EC64 is recommended for optimal T-Mobile connectivity.
The decision to outsource Xperia flagship phone production marks a new direction for Sony. | Image credit-PhoneArena
Network support for AT&T with the Xperia 1 VII may vary compared to T-Mobile, with certain models offering compatibility with specific frequency bands used by the carrier. Sony's struggles in the smartphone market contrast with its strong presence in the consumer electronics industry, such as being a key supplier for smartphone camera image sensors.
As Sony navigates the challenges of the smartphone market, its decision to outsource flagship phone production signifies a pivotal shift in its approach. The impact of this strategic change on Xperia devices and the company's market position remains to be seen.
