Miniature Xperia Z1 hits Docomo amid rumors of upcoming international version

As expected, today's the day the Sony Xperia Z1 f hits store shelves in Japan. The Docomo-branded phone is effectively a shrunk-down version of the Xperia Z1, Sony's current high-end handset. However unlike many "mini" versions of flagship smartphones, the Z1 f retains the high-end internals of its big brother — including a Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 20.7-megapixel Exmor RS camera unit — all packed into a smaller chassis with a 4.3-inch 720p display.

Full price for the phone is listed at ¥79,800 ($768), which is reduced when buying on contract. The device comes in white, black, lime and pink color options.

The Japanese launch comes as rumors swirl surrounding a possible international version for the Xperia Z1 f. A device codenamed "Anami" recently passed through the FCC looking very similar to the Japanese model, but with radio bands suggesting it may be a European handset. The name "Xperia Z1 S" has been suggested as a possible name for an international version, and if the reports are accurate then it's possible we could see this device at Sony's CES 2014 press conference in early January.

Source: Docomo