In a fresh quarterly report, Sony’s mobile division reported that 800,000 Xperia smartphones were shipped in the second quarter of this year, just 100,000 less than the same period in 2019. A decline in shipments is usually a bad signal, but in this case, it looks positive when you consider the impact of COVID-19 on the dynamics of the consumer electronics market. Even more impressive is the fact that shipments of Xperia smartphones have doubled compared to the first quarter of this year.

Sony expects its cell phone division to post its first profit in four years this year. The company did not name the estimated amount of income. We will find out this figure in March 2021, when the company will report on the past financial year.

Sony also noted that sales of high-end smartphones have dropped markedly due to the coronavirus pandemic. Demand shifted towards the mid-range and budget segments, where the company was able to offer highly competitive solutions.