Sony Xperia Z3 already receiving certifications?

With the Xperia Z2 (pictured above) still being a new smartphone, would it make sense for Sony to prepare the release of a successor to it, called Xperia Z3? Maybe not. But the Z2 itself was introduced about half a year after the previous Xperia flagship handset (the Z1), so the launch of a Z3 later this year shouldn’t surprise us.

Not long ago, we heard that the Xperia Z3 may be announced in September. While Sony obviously didn’t confirm anything regarding the new device, it looks like the Z3 is already receiving some certifications.

Japanese website Blog of Mobile discovered an unannounced Sony smartphone that received a TÜV Rheinland certification earlier this month (TÜV Rheinland usually tests the safety and quality of devices). The new handset goes by various model numbers: PM-0800-BV (D6603), PM-0804-BV (D6643), PM-0801-BV (D6616), PM-0806-BV (D6653), PM-0802-BV, PM-0803-BV, and PM-0807-BV. According to the Japanese website, all these model numbers could represent the Xperia Z3.

It’s not the first time we’re hearing about the D6603. Back in April, this was spotted in a benchmark test result that allegedly revealed some of its features - which appeared to be similar to the features of the Z2. However, these benchmark results are not always accurately presenting the specs of a handset (and can be faked), so they can't really confirm anything. 

Since the Xperia Z2 has model numbers of the D65xx type, a D66xx model number could certainly represent a next-gen flagship handset. Of course, we can’t be sure of anything now - except for the fact that a new, apparently high-end Sony smartphone is in testing. We’ll bring more details on this as soon as we get 'em.

source: TÜV Rheinland via Blog of Mobile (translated)