A report straight from Japan is claiming Sony will reveal five new smartphones at Mobile World Congress 2017. The five new models will encompass all price brackets, but it would be a surprising move, considering Sony's smartphones can't compete with the likes of Apple or Samsung in terms of sales.

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The Japanese report doesn't mention specific model names, but it does have codenames. Yoshino is expected to be the flagship device, with a 3840 x 2160 display, ideal for virtual reality, Snapdragon 835 processor, 4 or 6GB RAM and a Sony IMX 400 camera sensor. The BlancBright is expected to come sporting a 2560 x 1440 display, Snapdragon 835 or 653 processor with 4GB RAM and the same IMX 400 camera sensor. Out of the two, the Yoshino can be considered the flagship device, a possible successor to the Xperia XZ. However the BlancBright's specs also put it in the running for that position, meaning the Yoshino could be introduced as a new Premium version.

Moving down the range is Keyaki, with a full HD 1920 x 1080 display, MediaTek Helio P20 processor with 4GB RAM, 64GB of internal storage, 23-megapixel rear-camera and 16MP front-facing camera. The Hinoki will get the same MediaTek processor, but will take a drop in screen resolution to 1280 x 720. It will receive 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, a 16MP rear camera and 8MP front camera. Finally, at the bottom of the range is the Mineo, although the only information about this device is a claimed $350 price tag, placing it in the lower mid-range category.

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There's no word on when we can expect any of these phones. Even though Sony may unveil all five at once in Barcelona, the company may choose a staggered release for them throughout the year. Sony has planned a press conference for Monday 27 February, the first official day of MWC, so we'll certainly hear the company's plans for the year ahead then.