Seemingly out of nowhere, both the Wall Street Journal and Reuters published articles that support the existence of Apple's 4-inch iPhone 5. Prior to the iPhone 5, Apple refused to increase the iPhone's display size past 3.5 inches, but best-selling handsets from Samsung, LG and Sony feature display sizes closer to 5 inches. Clearly, a very large segment of the market prefers a larger display, so many expected Apple to make this move.

Of course, the problem with increasing the display past 3.5-4 inches is that users find it much more difficult to perform the majority of the phone's tasks with one hand. Apple's preference for a smaller display results from the company's desire to make the iPhone easy to use with a single thumb, and that should remain true for most hands with Apple's new display size.

Apple's manufacturing partners begin full-scale production of the iPhone in June, so a release should occur between August and October.

LG says the Optimus 4X HD ships June, though the company hasn't specified a day. 

Flying in below the radar, the LG Optimus Elite for Sprint is available a few days before its official release date. It's not a high-profile release, so we understand Sprint's lax attitude. No matter the reason, an early release is always better than a delay. 

Considering the (proabably unintentional) early release, we doubt this phone will be available at Sprint retail locations until the official day, but the Sprint online store says the phone is available and shipping.

British retailer Clove says the Xperia P and U will be on store shelves on the week of May 28th, not necessarily the 28th itself. It's also expected in Malaysia before May ends. No matter where it lands, we're certain retailers will quickly import it into other parts of the world if Sony doesn't do it soon. We'll continue our investigation as the days pass. Stay tuned.