Sony Xperia Z sold out in some markets become the third largest smartphone manufacturer

Sony has stated that its current goal is to become the third largest smartphone manufacturer after Samsung and Apple. That spot is currently occupied by Chinese upstart Huawei, which is trying to break into the high-end market with devices like the Huawei Ascend Mate, which is carrying 6.1 inches of 720p goodness. But if the demand for the Sony Xperia Z is any indication, the Japanese tech titan might be able to achieve its goals without breaking a sweat.

According to sources in the handset supply chain, Sony's new flagship model sold out in various countries on the first day that the mobile phone was available for pre-order. Distributors in Japan, France, Germany, Hong Kong and Taiwan were sold out of the Sony Xperia Z as Sony timed the release of the phone perfectly, ahead of the launch of the HTC One, and the coming unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S 4.

Sony hopes to ride on the back of the success of its high-end model by producing more mid-range devices. It also hopes to launch a handset powered by the brand new Firefox OS. Such a device would probably be a low-end model, similar to the Sony Xperia E. Sony has offered owners of the device a ROM with the Firefox OS that can be installed on the unit.

source: DigiTimes