While this is an extension of an existing agreement between the two sides, the news is surprising as many thought that Sony was preparing to walk away from making handsets.

The Qualcomm chipsets and high- and mid-tier smartphones will be used in Sony's upcoming premium devices.

Sony showed off the Xperia 1 V just last month which used the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform and it's geared toward photographers and vloggers. Sony used its camera technology to help users capture high-quality photos and video. For one thing, the Xperia 1 V can be used as a monitor for compatible Sony Alpha cameras. Still, Sony continues to command a premium for its high-end Xperia smartphones — the 1 V starts at $1,400.

Other things that Sony has been showing off included the mid-range Xperia 10 V for the first time in May. It boasts a Snapdragon 695 chipset and a 60Hz, 1080p OLED display. Sony started selling the phone in Europe for £399 or €449 (around $500) this month.