Sony Xperia XZs

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XZs was part of Sony’s flagship Xperia lineup, known for its premium build and camera prowess. Launched in 2017, the Xperia XZs was a slight upgrade over the Xperia XZ, bringing in enhanced camera capabilities and other refinements. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZs:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XZs aimed to offer a premium smartphone experience with a focus on camera capabilities, especially super slow-motion video recording. Positioned in the high-end segment, it catered to users looking for a combination of performance, design, and camera features.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, featuring Sony’s TRILUMINOS™ display technology.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 19 MP rear Motion Eye™ sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 13 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, front-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, and stereo front-facing speakers.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 19 MP Motion Eye™ camera was capable of recording super slow-motion videos at 960 fps, a standout feature at the time.
  2. Build & Design: The Xperia XZs continued Sony’s OmniBalance design language with a premium metal and glass build.
  3. Display: The TRILUMINOS™ display technology offered vibrant colors and good contrast levels.
  4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification meant the device was resistant to both water and dust.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, leading to average battery life.
  2. Processor: While the Snapdragon 820 was a powerful chipset, competitors were moving to the newer Snapdragon 835 around the same time.
  3. Price: The Xperia XZs was priced at a premium, which made it a tough sell against competitors with newer hardware.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZs was announced in February 2017 and released in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Distortions: Some users reported distortions in photos, especially when shooting straight lines.
  2. Overheating: Occasional overheating issues were reported, especially during extended camera usage or 4K video recording.
  3. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in certain regions, like the US, which was a point of contention for many users.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZs was a premium offering from Sony, focusing heavily on camera capabilities, especially with its super slow-motion video recording. While it had its strengths, such as its display technology and build quality, it faced stiff competition in its price range, especially with its choice of an older processor and a higher price point. For users prioritizing camera features and the Sony brand, the Xperia XZs was a solid choice, but it had challenges standing out in a crowded flagship market in 2017.

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