Leaked Xperia F8331 showcases Sony's new design language

Let’s face it not everyone likes Sony’s recently launched Xperia X range . Odd processor options apart, the new range is a bit too pricey as well. But one thing that I did not like about it is the design, that looks odd. I was a fan of the Xperia Z5 and loved the simple monolith-like form, in comparison, the recent X series is a complete disaster. Neither does it feel premium nor does it look that way. [caption id=“attachment_325845” align=“aligncenter” width=“370”]  Image: GSMArena[/caption] With that said photos of Sony’s unannounced Xperia F8331 leaked today. While we had our expectations sky high, with this one, my opinions about it are fairly mixed. [caption id=“attachment_293035” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  An image of the Obi Worldphone SF1[/caption] The design is far from bezel-less and looks grim and boring at first glance. Come to think of it, the back looks more like an Obi Worldphone SF1 that I reviewed earlier this year; while the front of the device is now distinctly Sony. [caption id=“attachment_325846” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Image: GSMArena[/caption] The device looks like a rounded chocolate bar that was cut at both ends. As a result the top and bottom ends are flat. There’s a curved glass (which is a first for Sony) on the front and the display gradually fades away into the rounded sides of the device which seems like a nice touch. Also visible on the front is oddly placed NFC antenna that sits above the Full HD display. [caption id=“attachment_325847” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Image: GSMArena[/caption] Coming to the back, Sony seems to have packed in something more along with the standard camera module. There is now a laser auto focus mechanism that sits right next to the dual-tone LED flash. At the bottom end are the antenna bands, which appear to be hidden under a plastic insert. While the design looks minimal, Sony’s Xperia F8331 does look different. Still, we would have appreciated something closer to the Xperia XA, with a bezel-less look. Sony’s quality will not fail to impress and the company still has all the ports in place. You get the 3.5mm headphone jack at the top, a USB Type C port (finally) at the bottom and the now standard power/unlock button on the left side (that also integrates the fingerprint reader). As for the cameras, the smartphone is capable of capturing 4K video with both the front and rear units. GSMArena claims that the smartphone could show up at the IFA Berlin in September, similar to what Sony did showcased last year. What are your views about the new design language? Love it hate it? Let us know in the comments below.