The high-end Sony Xperia X Performance might be headed to the UK after all, as Sony now sheds some light on the matter.
Sony unveiled its new Xperia X line of smartphones back in February at the MWC 2016, and the Xperia X and XA went up for preorder in Europe the same month. At the time, it seemed like the more advanced Xperia X Performance was off the menu for Europe.
More recently, Tech Times reported that the Xperia X would hit the UK on May 20, followed by the Xperia XA on June 10, while the X Performance was still MIA. Sony firmly said it would not release the higher-end model in the UK nor Germany, but it might reverse its decision.
Not too long ago, the Xperia X Performance briefly appeared on Sony's UK website, sparking rumors of an imminent release. That listing was apparently accidental, but there's still hope. In a new statement to Recombu, Sony now says that the Xperia X Performance might hit the UK after all, just not through official channels.
"The Xperia X Performance was published on the Sony Mobile GB website in error and will not be available to buy SIM free from our Sony E-Shop," says Sony. "It may however be available in the UK in limited numbers via select distribution partners."
This means that the Sony Xperia X Performance will not be available for purchase in the UK via the Sony Mobile Shop, but third-party retailers or various carriers could offer the handset.
When it comes to a timeline for the release, Recombu says that a launch is slated for July 4. Sony has yet to disclose the names of the retail partners set to offer the Xperia X Performance, and it also remains unclear just how much the smartphone will cost in the UK. In the Eurozone, the smartphone starts at €699, which would translate to roughly £550 or nearly $800.
That's a steep price to pay, and a UK premium might inflate that price tag even further. Without official pricing details from Sony or its partners, however, it's just speculation for now.
We'll keep you up to date as soon as Sony releases more information, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the video below to get a better idea of what the Xperia X Performance brings to the table.
