Core Viewpoint - Sony's mobile phone business in China has effectively ended, marked by the shutdown of its official WeChat account and the removal of its product listings, following a significant decline in market share and sales performance [5][7][9]. Group 1: Business Operations - Sony's official WeChat account for Xperia was shut down in November 2025, indicating the end of its mobile operations in China [7]. - The last new model launched in China was the Xperia 5V in September 2023, with no subsequent models released [7][9]. - Sony's market share in China's smartphone sector fell below 0.1% as of 2023, categorizing it as "other" in IDC's report [9]. Group 2: Historical Context - Sony's mobile phone success peaked during the Sony Ericsson era, with annual sales exceeding 100 million units, driven by popular products like the Walkman and Cyber-shot series [9]. - After acquiring Ericsson's shares in 2012, Sony's mobile division began a prolonged decline, struggling to compete with the rise of the iPhone and other smartphone innovations [9][10]. - By 2018, global sales plummeted to 1.6 million units, with significant financial losses reported in its mobile communications segment [10]. Group 3: Strategic Missteps - Sony's rigid adherence to a "hardware-driven" philosophy led to a disconnect with market demands, focusing on technical specifications over software services [15]. - The company's strategic misjudgments, particularly in display technology, contributed to its loss of market leadership in consumer electronics [15]. - Despite a strong presence in audio and gaming, Sony's television and mobile divisions are struggling, with market shares dwindling significantly [15][16]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Sony is reportedly planning to release two new Android models, the Xperia 1 VIII and Xperia 10 VIII, in 2026, despite its retreat from the Chinese market [17]. - Any potential return to the Chinese market would require a fundamentally different approach, integrating its strengths in audio, gaming, and sensors rather than relying solely on hardware [18].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape of smartphone imaging capabilities, highlighting Sony's Xperia series as a leading contender, while also addressing user dissatisfaction regarding the monetization of previously free features [1][2]. Group 1: Sony's Imaging Technology - Sony's Xperia series, particularly the Xperia 1, has integrated advanced imaging technologies such as Exmor T sensors and BionzX processors, appealing to photographers and video creators [2]. - The "External Monitor" feature allows users to utilize the Xperia's OLED screen as a high-resolution monitor for professional cameras, enhancing its value proposition [5][7]. Group 2: User Reactions and Monetization - Users expressed frustration over the transition from free access to a subscription model for the "External Monitor" feature, perceiving it as unreasonable and a reduction in value [2][3]. - The concept of "loss aversion" explains users' negative reactions, as they feel a stronger emotional impact from losing previously free features than from the potential benefits of the new subscription [3]. Group 3: Market Implications - The decision to charge for the "External Monitor" feature may hinder the competitiveness of the Xperia series if users perceive the overall product as lacking without this capability [10]. - Sony's strategy of transitioning from free to low-cost subscription services may be an attempt to recoup costs, but it risks alienating existing users who were accustomed to complimentary features [10].