Sony Xperia XZ1 spotted at Geekbench with Snapdragon 835

Just when you though Sony was finally consolidating its smartphone strategy, along come rumors of models that seem to contradict the company's earlier statements. First there was the appearance of what is allegedly the Sony Xperia XZ Compact. And although Sony has not exactly ruled it out, seeing what is claimed to be an Xperia XZ1 at Geekbench seems to prove that Sony still hasn't changed its ways.

Back in May, Sony was reported to have shown investors some slides that described its future smartphone strategy. It admitted that its "premium standard models", namely the Xperia X and the Xperia X Compact, didn't perform well in the market as they had hoped. Sony effectively canceled that line, leaving only its Flagship and Mid-Range lines intact.

Earlier this month, however, it seemed that Sony still has a Compact model planned. The Sony G8441 appeared at Antutu with a 5-inch HD screen, which designated it as a smaller phone. It's Snapdragon 835 processor, however, would suggest it isn't a mid-range model.

Now a certain Sony G8341 has also popped up, this time on Geekbench. Unfortunately, aside from the Snapdragon 835 and its test scores, as well as 4 GB of RAM, there is not much else to be gleaned from this benchmark entry. Given how things are going, it is believed to be signs of an Xperia XZ1.

The two's use of the Snapdragon 835 would suggest that Sony intends them to join the Flagship line for 2017. However, it already has an Xperia XZ Performance as well as an Xperia XZs, both of which already trace their roots to last year's flagships. But since this is Sony, it probably doesn't mind having more smartphone models than it can sell.

VIA: Playfuldroid!