Sony's Smartphone Slump Continues As T-Mobile Dropkicks Xperia Z3 From Lineup
"The Z3 is no longer available. Here are our current Sony devices," T-Mobile tweeted, while adding a link that directs users to a page showing exactly two Sony branded handsets, both of which are certified pre-owned devices -- the Xperia Z and Xperia Z1S.
Unfortunately for Sony, the overall situation isn't much better over at Verizon. Big Red does offer the Xperia Z3v, which is the same phone that's been customized for Verizon, but otherwise there are no other Sony smartphones to be found. In stark contrast, there are 14 Samsung devices to choose from and over half a dozen Apple handsets.
It isn't clear why Sony's phones are in such short supply. One explanation is simply lack of demand, especially since Sony isn't as aggressive as either Samsung or Apple when it comes to advertising. It also doesn't help that Sony dragged its feet rolling out an Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade to the Z3.
Alternately, carriers like T-Mobile could be prepping for Sony's Xperia Z4 release. Based on leaked renders and rumored specs, the Z4 is likely to bear a strong resemblance to the Z3, but with upgraded hardware.