Previously, it was believed that Sony was readying an early 2016 release for both its top-tier and mid-range smartphones. During this year's Mobile World Congress, fans saw the launch of the Xperia X series, the new premium flagship from Sony Mobile. However, conspicuously absent in the event was the much-rumored Xperia C6.

When then can fans expect the Xperia C5 Ultra follow-up to reveal itself?

If Sony Mobile plans to repeat its 2015 timeline for its releases, the Xperia C6 will most likely appear as Sony's precursor to another big tech event this year, the annual IFA in Berlin. It is also possible that the Japan-based tech conglomerate will announce the new mid-range iteration earlier than the September event. Last year, Sony Mobile announced the Xperia C6's predecessor, the Xperia C5 Ultra, prior to the IFA (it was unveiled in August).

Although Sony has yet to come out with details on the Xperia C6, rumors continue to build up the upcoming device. Previously, the Xperia C6 was sighted via leaked renders online, showcasing a nearly bezel-less display and a slimmer design profile.

According to IB Times, not much will change in the Xperia C6's design, and the upcoming flagship may even look similar to its predecessor. However, the alleged design renders showed that the Xperia Z6 will have a conventional 5.5-inch display, making it a smaller version compared against the Xperia C5.

Release Date Portal adds that being a mid-range, budget-friendly iteration, the Xperia C6 is expected to carry a MediaTek processor. However, the upcoming iteration will also have above-average specs, as it is said that Sony will be featuring 3 GB of RAM in the upcoming flagship. Meanwhile, since the Xperia C6's release date is late 2016, it is expected that it will come out with Android 6.0 Marshmallow right out of the box.