Sony to discontinue mid-range "premium standard" line up

Sony Mobiles is discontinuing the Xperia X and Xperia X Compact line up, or any other smartphones, which it considers "premium standard" or upper mid-range models. The announcement was made at its 2017 Investor Day.

The devices in this category are said to offer the same specs as the flagship models but at a reasonable price point. This means both Xperia X and X Compact won't be getting successors anytime soon. The shift in strategy comes after Sony's global sale of smartphone in the "premium standard" category were lower than expected.

Instead Sony will focus on flagship and mid-range devices going forward, that includes the top end Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZs, and the mid-range Xperia XA1 and Xperia X1 Ultra.

Sony also confirmed that it will launch at least two flagship devices later this year, which would be in the same category as the previously announced Xperia XZ Premium and XZs. Sony usually unveils its flagship devices at IFA in September, so it is most likely, the company's next flagships will arrive at that time.

With the latest move, Sony is seeking to try and recover market share in 2017, and hopes to differentiate its products "with technologies that only Sony can deliver". It will also only focus on markets, where it can leverage its brand strength, and these include Japan, East Asia, APAC, Middle East and Europe. 

Source