Sony Ericsson found themselves up against the ropes in the final quarter of 2011, as they announced pre-tax losses of £205 million for Q4 of last year. Ouch. With their major competitors in the high-end smartphone market – Apple and Samsung – performing well in what have been testing economic times, Sony Ericsson will have to take solace in the fact they weren’t alone in registering disappointing end of year sales. HTC also suffered a similar fate; posting big losses at a time when other companies experienced roaring festive trade.

Perhaps more worrying for Sony Ericsson is that there doesn’t seem to be many signs of encouragement heading into the opening months of 2012, with tech experts wondering if the Xperia range has run its course. The evidence does seem to suggest that these experts have got it wrong, with Sony Ericsson announcing a 65% year on year increase in sales for the Xperia range. The company as a whole, however, has seen a marked decrease in overall sales.

In betwixt the licking of wounds, Sony Ericsson will no doubt be pointing toward all the exciting new models currently lurking around the corner and awaiting release. No doubt hoping that the consumer will be busy selling phones received as Christmas gifts and switching to the Sony Ericsson brand.

In betwixt the licking of wounds, Sony Ericsson will no doubt be pointing toward all the exciting new models currently lurking around the corner and awaiting release.