Sony to use more MediaTek chips for its low to mid-range phones this year

According to sources from Taiwan's handset supply chain, Sony is looking to use more chips produced by MediaTek in its low to mid-range models this year. MediaTek is known for its low priced processors that are favored by many value priced smartphone manufacturers in China. For example, let's look at the just announced Sony Xperia E4. As an entry-level model, Sony will pack the device with a quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6582 CPU. The phone will be assembled by Arima and three million units of the 3G connected phone have been ordered.

Foxconn and Compal are said to be building 4G enabled handsets for Sony Mobile that will feature MediaTek's MT6752 processor. This is a 64-bit octa-core CPU that will be found driving these low to mid-range models.

Sony's next flagship phone is expected to be the Sony Xperia Z4. Under the hood of this top-shelf phone will be the 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 CPU. That chip will be powering a large number of flagship models including the HTC One (M9) and the LG G4.

With the Xperia Z4 originally expected to be unveiled at MWC next month, it now appears that Sony does not have a media event scheduled for Barcelona although it will attend the show. Instead of releasing a new flagship model every 6 months as originally believed, it appears that Sony is returning to the one-a-year schedule. With the Sony Xperia Z3 unveiled last September 3rd, an introduction of the Xperia Z4 at MWC would have fit in perfectly with the twice-a-year format.

Sony originally claimed that going to a twice-a-year schedule allowed it to stay more competitive with its rivals. But 70% of those consumers responding to a poll said that they would rather see slower, but more inclusive updates.

source: DigiTimes