Sony is to launch the “world’s first” smartphone with a 4K-resolution OLED display — similar technology to modern televisions — the company has announced.

The Japanese technology giant’s new flagship Xperia 1 has a 6.5-inch display set in a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it similar in shape to a cinema screen, which Sony says will allow users to watch TV and films the way creators intended.

The unveiling came ahead of the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, where some of the biggest names in smartphones, including Samsung and Huawei, are showing off their latest devices.

Mitsuya Kishida, president of Sony Mobile Communications, said the Xperia 1 is the start of a change in approach for the company. “We have established a new vision for our Xperia brand to bring our customers experiences beyond imagination,” he said.

“We are continuing to push the boundaries in pursuit of innovation and our new Xperia delivers genuine technologies with a multitude of professional-grade features for creative entertainment experiences that are only possible with Sony.”

The Xperia 1 also features a triple-lens rear camera system and support for Dolby Atmos high-end sound quality software.

The Japanese firm has struggled to keep up with the likes of Apple, Samsung and Huawei in smartphone sales growth in recent years, and has also found itself overtaken by emerging Chinese brands such as Xiaomi and Oppo.

Sony’s announcement also included two further phones, the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus, both of which feature 21:9 aspect ratio screens, as well as scaled-down versions of the Xperia 1’s key features, including full HD+ displays and dual rear camera systems.

The company confirmed all three devices would go on sale in “late spring” (South African autumn).