First 2016 Xperia model numbers revealed – F51XX and F31XX

The first two Sony Xperia smartphone model numbers of 2016 have been revealed as the Sony F3116 and Sony F5122 according to the Indonesian Postel site. The coding follows the trend that we have seen the last few years, where the letter in the model number represents the year. In this case ‘F’ stands for 2016, whereas last year’s model numbers began with an ‘E’ and the 2014 models began with a ‘D’ and so on.

The Sony F51XX smartphone looks to be a mid-range model , with the most recent example (judging on model number alone) being the Xperia T3 (D51XX). The Xperia T3 had a 5.3-inch 720p phone released in 2014.

It is the first time we have seen a X3XXX model since Sony introduced the new model numbering back in 2013, so we are intrigued to see where this handset will be placed. More than likely it will be positioned just above the budget range – the Xperia E4 and E4g devices from last year had model numbers E21XX and E20XX respectively.

Incidentally, earlier this month, we received an anonymous tip-off about the Sony F3215 smartphone. At the time, we were sceptical given that we hadn’t seen a X3XXX model before, but it would tie in with the new F31XX model number seen today. According to the tipster, the handset will come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and feature the MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755) chipset.

We will bring you more info as we have it, but expect these handsets to make an appearance at the MWC tradeshow at the end of February 2016.

Exclusive Car Review at www.automoview.com