Sony "4K X-Reality" display software tipped for the Xperia Z5

Despite already releasing a flagship smartphone this year, rumors have begun suggesting that Sony is preparing a successor, possibly an entire new Xperia Z5 range. The latest rumor also hints that some of these handsets may be making use of the company’s “4K X-Reality” technology.

Sony’s X-Reality technology is used for content upscaling in the company’s high resolution TV range. The 4K X-Reality PRO software is currently used in Sony’s 4K TV’s to upscale regular HD content.

The details below suggest that Sony has three handsets in the works, possibly a super-sized Xperia Z5+ (S70+), a regular Z5 (S70) and a smaller Z5 Compact (S60). Only the former will apparently feature 4K X-Reality technology and likely a higher resolution display to go with it, while the other two are perhaps limited to 1080p. The listing also makes references to Sony’s Triluminos and Prevision Color technology.

Previous leaks have also hinted at a 5.5-inch Xperia Z5+ smartphone with a massive 4K (2160×3840) display resolution. We also know that a number of panel manufacturers have been showing off 4K panels in the 5.5 and 6-inch ranges and have been moving closer to mass production, so a 4K smartphone is possible, although perhaps rather unnecessary.

However, this latest rumor does not necessarily mean that Sony will be making the leap to a 4K smartphone.  The company could be using its upscaling technology for a half way resolution, such as QHD. Sony has already released a QHD version of the Xperia Z3+ as the Z4v in the US, but the handset is an exclusive to the Verizon network.

What do you think about the possibility of a 4K smartphone from Sony? Would the company be better off putting this tech into a tablet?