URL copied New Sony Xperia smartphone expected to launch on April 14. Sony is now gearing up to launch a new flagship smartphone dubbed the Xperia 1 III on April 14. According to the banner of its YouTube Channel, the company may launch Xperia 1 III on April 14. The time mentioned in the banner is 16:30 JST (Japan Standard Time). The banner gives no real hints as to what will be announced, but there have been a few rumours floating around -- one about a new flagship, the Xperia 1 III, and one about the return of the Xperia Compact, which could end up being an Android answer to the iPhone Mini, The Verge reported on Thursday.