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While we were taking the Sony Xperia Z for a spin during its Asia launch, we can’t help but notice some minor design cues that this 5-incher share with the iPhone 4/4S. Could it be that Sony copied Apple’s design concept?

It’s a strong allegation, one that may prove costly for the promising device. Luckily, an unlikely source (Apple-Samsung patent lawsuit) may shed some light on this topic and prove once and for all who copied who, if anybody did.

sony xperia z

Just days before the heated Apple-Samsung patent trial commenced, the South Korean firm filed a counter lawsuit (not sure if I said that right) against Apple claiming that they did not infringe any of the Cupertino-based company’s design patents. Included in Sammy’s court filing is a claim that Apple was actually the one who copied some other else’s design (Sony) which gave birth to the iPhone 4.

As a proof, Samsung’s lawyers also included a handful of pictures/renders which, according to them, was where Shin Nishibori (Apple Industrial Designer) got the iPhone 4’s design concept. Here’s one of those images:

sony render

Further down the road, it was proven that the Sony-inspired renders were indeed looked in to by the Apple’s designers including Jon Ive. In their defence (Apple), they claim that the Sony’s handset design were only internally circulated months after they’ve drafted the iPhone 4’s design concept and that Mr Nishibori’s Sony-influenced design suggestions are just cherry on top of their then upcoming sundae. Judge Koh, who was arbitrating the case, sided Apple’s statements and prohibited Samsung from presenting this evidence in the patent trial.

As it turns out, Sony didn’t copy Apple’s design concept and if anything, the Japanese company deserves some credit for some of the iPhone 4’s aesthetics. So now that everybody’s on the same page, let’s take a step back and look at the render once again. Notice that the render bears striking resemblance to the Sony Xperia Z? Could it be that Sony’s flagship handset is 7-years-in-the-making?

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Glass backs are becoming a trend in the world of smartphones, but there has been a lot of talk about it on every corner. Some say it’s not practical at all, while some will continue to argue that it’s beautiful to look at and it gives the device a premium feel.

Let’s take a look back at the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 was one of the best designed phones that ever existed, and it still is. However, not everyone was happy about the glass design that Apple has implemented on the phone. Some complained about the susceptibility of the glass to cracks.

Eventually, a bumper was outed. At the same time, consumers just decided to buy a case to protect the phone – but that defeats the purpose of having a beautifully designed phone.

A few months ago, Google went with glass designed phones too, in the form of the Nexus 4. Again, it is a marvelous device, but reviews all around the media were complaining about the glass. History then repeats itself; Google releases a bumper case for the phone.

Just recently, the Sony Xperia Z was made official. I honestly had low-expectations for the phone a few moments ago, but upon the announcement, I was swept away by the design and the features.

But that’s not the point. The Xperia Z also features a glass back and a sleek design which drew me closer. I had varying sentiments on glass backs as I’m not entirely confident that I can take care of that fragile material. At the same time, the thought of having a device made out of mostly glass really had a premium impression on me.

A glass can be one of the reasons you would want a device, but it could also be one of the reasons why you’re avoiding it. Seeing the current trends of having glass-backed high-end smartphones, do you think it’s practical? Would you prefer a future with glass-backed smartphones? Leave a comment and share your opinions down below.

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