Many followers and fans were surprised when tech giant Sony opted to quietly release its next flagship product without any fanfare. The new Xperia Z4 was announced last April and is currently available only in Japan. 

Now, it seems that North American Sony fans will have the chance to experience the new Xperia Z4, but with slight alterations. 

U.S. mobile carrier Verizon Wireless is set to receive a new version of the flagship. To be dubbed as the Xperia Z4v, this smartphone will also carry the same Snapdragon 810 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and the main 20 MP camera of the Z4. It will also have the same dustproof and waterproof features of Sony's latest flagship device, as well as topping up the battery through PMA and Qi wireless charging. 

However, this is where the similarities end. The Z4v that will be made available exclusively through Verizon Wireless will be at least 2-mm thicker and half an ounce heavier than the sleek Z4. According to some Sony fans, the Z4v is much like the old Xperia Z2 in terms of design. 

This doesn't mean that the Z4v will be left out in terms of other specs, though. Since the Z4 has a much thicker frame, it means that it can carry a large-capacity 3,000 mAh battery. In addition, the Xperia Z4v's display is much brighter and vivid than the Z4, since the 5.2-inch screen sports a WQHD display that offers 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, much higher than the Z4's 1080p display. The Z4v will also run on Android 5.0 Lollipop right out of the box. 

Although it is already confirmed for shipping, both Sony and Verizon Wireless haven't come out with a specific release date yet, nor is there an estimated price tag. However, Sony states that the Xperia Z4v will be available for Verizon Wireless subscribers sometime this summer.