Sony Xperia E5 photo, specs leaked ahead of launch; Standout features to take on budget rivals

Sony is widely expected to launch its first budget smartphone this year, but it looks like the company hasn't been able to hold the excitement. The Japanese tech giant confirmed unveiling the Xperia E5 smartphone in a Facebook post on Tuesday but also deleted it quickly, suggesting the announcement came before the actual launch.

Sony's announcement of the Xperia E5 in an unintended Facebook post was accompanied by a picture of the handset, which was in line with the company's signature design. Gadgets360 captured the device's first look before it was taken down. According to Xperia Blog, Sony had also announced the Xperia E5 on other social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram.

"Eager, effortless, and easy on the eye – it's everything a smartphone should be. Say hello to your savvy new sidekick, Xperia E5," Sony wrote about its unannounced mid-range smartphone on Facebook.

"Meet Xperia E5, your new reliable assistant, available around the clock," the company had tweeted from its official handle.

"Fuss-free. Intelligent. Impressive. That's what Xperia E5 is saying How about you?" Sony posted on Instagram with an accompanying image of the handset shown in black and white colours.

Different statuses reveal bits and pieces about the Xperia E5. The reference of "available around the clock" is clearly suggesting the handset would come with a strong battery life. Other details, however, still remain a mystery.

But there have been rumours and leaks or at least some accurate intels about the device's specifications. A recent leak on the GFXBench for two Sony models, F3216 and F3311, had revealed mid-range specs that fit the Xperia E5's portfolio.

According to Phone Arena, the F3311 is thought to be the Xperia E5, which the GFXBench listing showed would have a 4.6-inch 720p HD display, a MediaTek MT6735 processor, 1.5GB RAM and quite generous 16MP primary camera and 5MP front camera with LED flash on both sides. The handset is expected to make an official appearance on June 5, the report added.