Sony Xperia Smartphone To Get Contract-Buy Through Sprint In US

Sony is planning to offer its first Xperia branded smartphone through Sprint's network under a contract.

Sony, is planning to offer its Xperia smartphones with a contract under Sprint's network. This is made possible via a newly formed partnership between Sony and the Softbank-run carrier in the US. While nothing is official as of now, but sources revealed that a deal is  underway, reports Reuters .

If the rumors are true, Sony's first on-contract Xperia smartphone will be offered to consumers on the nation's third largest wireless network. Sony fans have been limited to select options while purchasing a new smartphone, as it is mainly offered contract-free at full price through Sony's own website. This has played an important role in the dwindling sales of its smartphones in one of the biggest smartphone markets.

Sony's new attempt at attracting consumers through carrier contracts will certainly help the tech giant in attracting a wider audience in the US. But the leaked report does not reveal the smartphone models that will initially be offered on Sprint's network. According to Reuters, four sources confirmed the next flagship Xperia smartphone, dubbed as Xperia Z3, will be one of the devices offered by Sprint.

Rumors suggest the next Xperia smartphone is expected to debut at the IFA 2014 next month, with slightly bumped up features like a 5.2-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801 processor and a 20-megapixel camera along with other high-end specs, Digital Trends reported.

The rumored move will help both Sony and Sprint in increasing sales and user-base. Sprint has lost more than 230,000 subscribers this year. By expanding its product-line with Sony handsets, Sprint may be able to attract a small consumer base, if not make a huge impact in the competitive carrier market.