A Sony Experia Z3 Compact Smartphone Is Pictured At The IFA Consumer Technology Fair In Berlin
A Sony Experia Z3 Compact smartphone is pictured at the IFA consumer technology fair in Berlin, September 5, 2014. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

On Dec. 17, Sony's Xperia team tweeted that the company is gearing up to roll out Android v5.0 Lollipop software update to the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 series of smartphones. The reported Android 5.0 release date is set for early 2015. This roll out news comes after Sony beta tested the latest Android version on the Xperia Z3, as well as on the mini version Xperia Z3 Compact in November.

In case, readers missed out, Sony has already stated that it will update all the Xperia Z line of devices to Android Lollipop. In specific, the smartphones and tablets eligible for this update include the Sony Xperia Z, Sony Xperia ZL, Sony Xperia ZR, Sony Xperia Tablet Z, Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Sony Xperia Z1, SonyXperia Z1S, Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, Sony Xperia Z2, Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, Sony Xperia Z3, Sony Xperia Z3v, Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, according to Phone Arena.

Interestingly, the current-generation flagship device Sony Xperia Z3 is not the first handset to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop. Instead, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra's Google Play edition has already got the update. This device selection is because of the stock Android version of the OS loaded on the Z Ultra's Google Play model. It is worth noting that, getting the Android update on time is one of the advantages of owning a Google Play edition handset.

Speaking of the upcoming devices set for 2015 release, along with Sony's next-generation flagship Xperia Z4, the mini device Xperia Z4 Compact, the phablet Xperia Z4 Ultra and the tablet Xperia Z4 Tablet Ultra are all waiting to be released. The key specifications of the Xperia Z4 Compact include a 4.7-inch display, 1,080 x 1,920 pixels resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and 3 GB of RAM. Furthermore, the device will come equipped with 32 GB of internal storage and will also feature stereo speakers. Plus, Sony will reportedly maintain the same 20.7 MP camera on the back of the device and a 5 MP snapper at the front. Other features include IP68 rating and support for LTE Cat. 9, Bluetooth v4.1, wireless charging and NFC, reports Phone Arena.

On the other hand, the Sony Xperia Z4 Ultra will reportedly feature a massive 6.44-inch display, 1,440 x 2,560 pixels resolution, Snapdragon 810 SoC and 3 GB of RAM. Plus, there will be a 16 MP primary camera unit and the battery unit is speculated to be between 3,500 mAh and 4,000 mAh. Lastly, interested readers can check out the rumoured features of the upcoming Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet Ultra from IBTimes.

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