Here’s what you think of Sony’s smartphone strategy

The smartphone divisions of Sony and LG have both seen sales declines in recent years, with LG eventually pulling out of the cellular business. Meanwhile, Sony has adjusted its strategy and even made a profit in fiscal 2020.

Our own Rob Triggs thinks Sony and its new strategy make him a believer again. But what to do Android authority do readers think of the company’s new smartphone strategy? Here is what you told us.

Do you believe in Sony’s smartphone strategy?

Results

After we asked that question on July 17th, it got over 10,800 votes, which is one of the biggest Android authority Polls this month. And the result shows that most of the respondents believe in Sony’s current smartphone strategy.

The vast majority of the comments don’t provide a clear reason why people voted that way, but Sony’s most recent smartphone strategy has been to cut production costs and increase the average retail price of its high-end phones. This resulted in a profit despite a year-over-year decline in smartphone sales. So we suspect there is a case, if the strategy isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Almost 20% of the readers surveyed stated that they did not trust Sony’s strategy. Comments in this context criticize the image quality of Sony smartphone cameras, the lack of hardware support, problems with availability and the high prices.

Some users also pointed out a report that Sony will only offer an Android OS update for the Xperia 1 III. This has since been refuted by the company, saying they are aiming for two operating system updates.

Remarks

• roaduardo: No vehicle support, no purchase.
• steve gaudreau: Well, I hope Sony can continue. With HTC and LG gone, I have to do something if my V60 is no longer upgradeable. Because I don’t leave a damn cent on Samsung or Apple. Apple, Samsung the same thing because one tries to emulate the other and it’s disgusting.
• CDavisUnlimited: It’s just sad because I had the Xperia 1 ii and sold it because the camera was junk. If Sony only made some decent camera drivers they would be mainstream. Instead, they build a trash camera and try to claim it’s because of a “niche” customer who uses Photoshop for every photo they take. It’s a lie and it ruined Sony phones for me.
• shamatuu: Sony will be the next LG.
• Luke B: Years ago I had a Sony phone. Physically I loved it, but on the software side it was an absolute mess. It is used to randomly heat up while no apps are open and it slows down. I sent it back for exchange three times and the same thing still happens. It’s been a couple of years now so I’m not sure if they have teamed up yet, but my past experiences have deterred me from ever trying Sony again.
• John Meredith: Sony should take Samsung’s tactics and offer direct sales with funding. Samsung made it easy for me to get an S21 that makes it very affordable indeed. I discounted Sony for the opposite reason.
• inter milano: I love my Sony Xperia 5 ii, it is the fastest smartphone I know and yet believe me, I am a geek, between Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi, OnePlus with all its brands, I bought their flagship, but sony it’s so fluid it’s amazing !!
• Iceman89: If I had to buy a phone now, it would be from Sony. You’re the only ones speaking to me right now. Samsung and OnePlus got lost …
• Carney3: This is a good base for a reboot, but I suspect Sony won’t settle for being a niche brand. Historically, they use their premium brand name to become a mass market participant. That’s what they want to be again, Apple and Samsung, who in many ways have modeled themselves on Sony.
• Martin Ambre: A big problem Sony does not sell cell phones in all markets

Thank you for taking this survey and leaving comments! Would you buy a Sony Xperia phone in the next year or two? Let us know in the comments!