Sony is readying a smaller sibling for its latest flagship smartphone, according to reports originating from Japanese sources.

Based on what appears to be a brochure, the smaller handset is being referred to as the Z1f, and has a 4.3-inch HD (720p) screen – compared with 5.0-inch HD (1080p) for the Z1 (pictured).

In terms of size, it is smaller in height and width but slightly deeper.

Xperia Blog said it shares many of the specifications of the bigger unit – 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 20.7 megapixel camera and LTE support are all still present.

The main difference (other than size) is that it includes 16GB of on-board storage, compared with 32GB for the Z1.

The new unit would also feature a range of colour options – black, white, red and yellow —  compared with the black, white and purple listed for the bigger unit.