Sony strangely starts selling the Xperia Z3+ in the US

Just when you thought Sony has finally gotten its act together, it makes another mind boggling move that makes you wonder what the Japanese manufacturer might be drinking. Despite being lambasted in the media for overheating issues, and despite already having a better and more recent flagship model, Sony has decided to still launch the embattled Xperia Z3+ in the US. And not only that, it is also selling it a price more worthy of flagships smartphones, a good $500, despite perhaps not being one.

Spec-wise, the Xperia Z3+, which was launched first as the Xperia Z4 in Japan, wouldn't even have made a dent in the news. It was for all intents and purposes just a small step forward from the Xperia Z3. That was part of the problem, as it set up expectations because of its name, expectations was never able to meet.

As if adding insult to injury, the only significant change to the smartphone, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, was a dismal failure for the phone. Overheating complaints hounded the Xperia Z4/Z3+ and detracted from any benefit it might have possessed. It also served to confirm rumors that the mobile chipset itself was to blame. Both Sony and Qualcomm took big hits from this product.

Given that history, it is inconceivable that Sony would still decide to sell the Xperia Z3+ in the US, a very picky and almost unforgiving smartphone market. Especially when the Xperia Z5 trio is still hot in the market. Although Sony does continue to sell the Xperia Z3+ under different names in different countries, it was merely presumed that it would actually stop introducing it to new ones.

And how much is Sony asking for this part of history that is probably best forgotten? $499.99. That almost as much as the Xperia Z5 Compact, which does almost have the same specs but with a less problematic chipset. Since Sony has stopped selling devices directly online, those still interested in the Sony Xperia Z3+ will have to get their fix from authorized retailers.