Where to next, Xperia?

I have to admit it. I'm a big fan of Sony. I love Bravia, Xperia, Sony cameras and the most important

of all, the Playstation. However, of these four departments, only the cameras and the Playstation are turning out as profitable. The other two are being hunted down by fellow competitors. I'm not very knowledgeable about TVs, but I think Sony might hold on to the Bravia for a little longer and has shown clear signs by releasing Android TVs even in developing countries. The same can't be said for Xperia. When it comes down to the Xperia, Sony really doesn't understand that what's going wrong. That's cause nothing is, and that's the problem.

Sony phones are undeniably good,  but most people won't be willing to put down $800 on a phone if it isn't unique. Each company is trying to cater to the people on this basis.
 

Each have their own specialties. What about Sony?

Apple makes no nonsense top notch phones,  HTC has blinkfeed, LG has a laser focused camera and those rear buttons, Nokia has (had) a 40 MP camera,  Motorola has customization capabilities, Xiaomi makes cheap Apple clones and Samsung makes.....costly Apple clones. What does Sony have?
Well Sony wants us to believe that being waterproof and dustproof makes its phones unique too, but even the sub $250 Moto G is IPX7 (waterproof for non geeks).

Spot the differences. I can't...

So, what can Sony do? First it has to decrease the quantity of its product line and should increase the quality. Even if I want to buy a Sony phone, there's so many I don't know which one to buy.  What's the difference between T2 Ultra and T3? If the Z3 and the Z2 have the same specs, why do I have to shell out more bucks for an increase in the number?

Sony should also reconsider the speed at which it refreshes its phones. It's throwing out new flagship every 6-8 months, but it's budget phones, which get outdated real fast  are the ones Sony expects to last pretty much a year.

Start working together!

Samsung's displays are brilliant,  so their phones have the most vibrant displays.  Apple has an wonderfully optimized OS and the ability to stand out,  so it does so. Xiaomi has really low production costs, so it keeps prices low. When all of these companies are using their strengths, why are Xperia phones and the Playstation still not behaving like kith and kin?

The Xperia I dream of

Smartphones' biggest enemy

• Would still be waterproof: Even though I say waterproofing is not a unique feature, the current loyal owners who have bought  a Sony phone have done so because it is waterproof. So Sony, who already has little loyal customers, shouldn't risk losing more. 

• Will be sheltered by Playstation: When I talk about Xperia working with Playstation, I'm not just talking about streaming PS4. I'm talking about adopting full fledged features. One good example is adding game streaming options. Playstation should be used as a beta platform for features to be used in other Sony products and vice versa. 

That's what I'm talking about

• Uses that camera: Why does Sony hold back when it has such a good camera. It isn't enough to throw above average cameras in your phone if your banking on it. I'm talking about 13 MP shooters below $250 phones and 21 MP cameras on below $350 phones. It is possible, as these cameras work out cheaper for Sony since it's the manufacturer. A phone with built-in pocket zoom wouldn't be too bad either.

•  Will have stabilized it's products: According to me, a good company will have one phone priced at $150, $200, $300 and $400 each and 2 phones at $600. The phones below $350 should aim at giving value for money and can be sold in flash sales, which is nothing but another way of advertising these days.  The other phones should be aimed at providing the best quality and should be put on open sale, but can be kept online exclusive to cut costs. Budget phones should be refreshed every 2-3 months,  whereas the flagship should stay for a year.

4.5 inches of wonder

• Would play a major role in smaller phone: After the success of the Z3 compact and the withdrawal of iPhone from the small screen segment, Sony should continue to aim here. This way, Sony can remain loyal to its Z3 compact customers and can bag some people who previously used iOS. The fact that this segment is completely out of competitors now makes it much easier for Sony.

I do see some hope. The Sony Xperia M4 was a decent $400 smartphone and the Z4 didn't rush into the scene too early. Let's just keep our fingers crossed...