Reports have surfaced that Sony Mobile may hold an unveiling event on 12 November 2013 where they will reveal 2 new devices. These devices include the Sony Xperia Z1S which could be the international mini version of the Sony Xperia Z1. Tech specs and features for the Xperia Z1S are identical with the Sony Xperia Z1 asides from the screen and battery so there is still a 20MP camera sensor with G Lens and Snapdragon 800 processor but with a more compact 4.3-inch 720 x 1280 screen. The other device is said to be the Sony Xperia Tianchi / Taichi which could be a phablet due to it's 6-inch 720 x 1280 pixel display. Tech specs for the Tianchi / Taichi are very few with the only known spec being the processor, which could be the latest 8-core processor from MediaTek. Bear in mind that these are just rumours though so take them with a pinch of salt. In any case, we won't have to wait long to find out for sure.

Good news for those of you looking to get a more affordable Sony Xperia Z as Sony Malaysia has recently announced the Sony Xperia C for RM999. Following a similar design as the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia C retains a 5-inch display but lowers the resolution to 960 x 540 pixels, resulting in 220ppi pixel density display. The smartphone is still quite slim and while it may not have the exact same tempered glass sandwich and aluminum unibody design, it is still super slim and has the now standard metallic power button. The smartphone comes in Black, Purple and White. Other tech specs for the Sony Xperia C include:

• 1.2GHz Quad-core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB Storage + microSD
• 5-inch display (960 x 540, 220 ppi)
• 8MP rear camera (fast Capture, Exmor R, HDR, 4x digital zoom, autofocus)
• Supports Dual-SIM
• 141.5 x 74.15 x 8.88mm | 153g
• 2390 mAh
• Android 4.2

While we've known that the Sony Xperia Z1f or the mini version of the Sony Xperia Z1 would most probably arrive, we've still not confirmed whether or not it is just a smaller version with the same tech specs and hardware (asides from the battery and screen size of course) or is it just another cut-down mini version? Recent AnTuTu benchmarks have appeared showing that it could well be the former as the Z1f gets a score of 34376 compared to the 30838 of the Sony Xperia Z1. This is partly because the screen is smaller and the GPU can do more. Check out the benchmark score in the video below. Tech specs for the Z1f are so far confirmed the same as the Z1 including:

• 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 chipset
• Adreno 330 graphics
• 4.3-inch display (720p)
• 2GB RAM
• 20.7MP camera

Maxis have recently offered the Sony Xperia Z1 from RM1199 provided you sign up for a TalkMore28, TalkMore48, TalkMore78, SurfMore50, SurfMore 75 and Value Plus or Value First plans with Bolt-on Mobile Internet Plans. The smartphone is available under both 12 and 24 month contracts. Initially, the Sony Xperia Z1 also came with a number of freebies including a Magnetic Charging Dock (DK-31) but with this deal from Maxis only the first 1000 subscribers will get it.  For more details, check out the table and links in this article.

While it seems just like yesterday that Sony announced their latest feature flagship smartphone, the rumour mill is already in motion for the Sony Xperia Z2 (C770X), which may be codenamed Avatar. So far, other rumours about the Xperia Z2 include tech specs and features such as:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 chipset and processor
• 5.2-inch IGZO Trilumionous Display (500 ppi)
• 3GB RAM
• 20.7MP rear camera (4K video capture)
• 3200 mAh
• Android 4.4 Kit Kat

Most smartphone manufacturers tend to make Mini versions of their flagship smartphones and now with the official announcement of the Sony Xperia Z1, rumours have started about a Sony Xperia Z1 Mini. This includes a render of the front panel for the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini and a rumour that the Mini version would be nearly identical with the actual Z1. So far, the only differences in tech specs for the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini include a 4.3-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution and a smaller 2400 mAh battery. Other tech specs and features like the Snapdragon 800 processor and chipset, 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage along with the 20.7MP camera are rumoured to be maintained for the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini. While there are still no Malaysia release dates, many are expecting the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini to arrive right before Christmas as that would be the best time for gift-giving (sales) in the year. 

Just revealed at the IFA 2013 and already the Sony Xperia Z1 has been officially launched in Malaysia. The smartphone formerly known as the Honami sticks in a 20.7MP 1/2.3-inch Exmore RS digital compact camera sensor along with a 5-inch Full HD Triluminos display smartphone, Sony G Lens, a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM into the now familiar Omni-balance designed form factor. The Xperia Z1 looks and feels like other premium Xperia Z smartphones as it maintains the same aluminum unibody chassis sandwiched by two slabs of tempered glass. While the Z1 is IP58 water proof certified it also packs in a dedicated camera button, so you can bring it underwater with you and take advantage of the powerful camera. Sony Mobile Malaysia say that the Sony Xperia Z1 should be available in the first week of October 2013, while a whole bunch of accessories will come later in mid-October.

A number of rumours surrounding Sony's upcoming cameraphone, the Sony i1 Honami have surfaced and these include the fact that it may be called the Sony Xperia Z1 instead. Some rather low-resolution renders have appeared showing off the cameraphone in Black, Purple and White along with sample photos which confirm the 20.7MP camera sensor inside. Other rumours indicate that the phone's camera can also record 4K video and will come with Xenon and LED dual flash. Still no news about price or availability for Malaysia and as with all rumours do take these with a pinch of salt as it could very well be another unknown cameraphone waiting to be revealed.

Sony's upcoming cameraphone, the Sony i1 Honami supposedly got benchmarked with these scores appearing on AnTuTu with an impressive score of 30625. The benchmark seems to confirm at least two things about the cameraphone and this includes the fact that it may be called the Sony Xperia Z1 instead. It also confirms that the phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor as you generally get these types of scores with this processor. Still no news about price or availability for Malaysia and as with all rumours do take these with a pinch of salt as AnTuTu benchmarks have been known to be false before.

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is one of the latest and probably greatest devices to enter the phablet (phone + tablet) market. From it's ultra-slim design to the awesome tech specs it manages to fit into such a slim device, it should make a big splash for anyone, especially since like it's other Xperia Z siblings it is IP58 certified for water resistance. Is this the phablet for you to bring along to the pool? Read on and find out.