14 DAY TRIAL // The smaller version of Sony Xperia Z1 is already available on the market, but for the time being only customers in Japan can choose to purchase one.
The smartphone has been recently launched in Japan and Android fans can grab one from major carrier NTT DoCoMo. However, we're expecting Sony to bring the Xperia Z1 mini in other countries as well, though we're still waiting for an official confirmation.
Even though we're not sure when exactly the Xperia Z1 mini will be launched in other regions, we're still bombarded with leaked info that pinpoints to possible release dates for the smartphone.
According to Gforgames blog site, Sony Xperia Z1 mini will be launched in China no later than January 3. The information has yet to be confirmed by the handset maker, but it looks like Sony China has a special event set for early January which is why we think the Xperia Z1 mini might go on sale so soon.
Obviously, we can't tell for certain how much the smartphone will cost, though sources close to the matter claim it will be quite expensive, as Sony is likely to offer it for no less than 4,100 yuan outright, which is about $675 or €490.
The Xperia Z1 mini is codenamed i3 in China, but it will go on sale under a different name, which not yet known. Hopefully, it will arrive in Europe and North America as well and for a much lower price if rumors on the Chinese cost are accurate.
Spec-wise, the Xperia Z1 mini comes with a slightly smaller 4.3-inch HD (720) capacitive touchscreen display and is powered by a 2,300 mAh Li-Ion battery, as opposed to the standard Xperia Z1's 5-inch display and 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Other than that and the different size of course, the two Xperia Z1 handsets are similar. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming release of Xperia Z1 mini.