Sony Xperia XZ1

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup, launched in late 2017. It followed the Xperia XZ and aimed to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ1:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ1 was designed for users who wanted a premium smartphone experience with Sony’s signature design and camera expertise. With its compact design, high-end specifications, and unique features, it catered to users looking for a reliable flagship device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 19 MP Motion Eye primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 3D Creator (allows users to capture and print 3D images).

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature at the time of its release.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 835 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
  3. Build and Design: The phone featured Sony’s signature design with a metal unibody, giving it a premium feel.
  4. 3D Creator: A unique feature that allowed users to capture 3D images and even print them if desired.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, which meant it might not last a full day for heavy users.
  2. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated, especially when compared to the competition.
  3. Display Resolution: While the display supported HDR10, it was still a Full HD panel, whereas many competitors had moved to Quad HD resolutions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ1 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, Exynos 8895/Snapdragon 835, and a modern design with minimal bezels.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in September 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in some regions, particularly in the U.S., which was a point of contention for many users.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users found the camera software to be lacking, especially in low-light performance.
  3. Price: The Xperia XZ1 was priced similarly to other flagships but lacked some of the modern design elements and features that competitors offered.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a solid flagship offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera technology. Its performance, build quality, and unique features like the 960 fps super slow-motion and 3D Creator made it a worthy contender in the flagship segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and battery life, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on camera capabilities and a unique feature set, the Xperia XZ1 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

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