Sony Xperia XZ3

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XZ3 was Sony’s flagship offering for the latter part of 2018. It followed the Xperia XZ2 and showcased Sony’s evolving design language and commitment to delivering a premium multimedia experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ3:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xperia XZ3 was a testament to Sony’s efforts to refine its smartphone design and improve upon the features of its predecessor, the Xperia XZ2. The device emphasized a high-quality display, sound, and camera experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch OLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, supporting HDR BT.2020 and a 18:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Single 19 MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, predictive phase detection and laser autofocus. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers with Dynamic Vibration System, and S-Force Front Surround sound.

Pros:

  1. OLED Display: The XZ3 was Sony’s first smartphone to feature an OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
  2. Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a curved glass back and aluminum frame.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera was capable of shooting 960 fps super slow-motion videos and offered 4K HDR recording.
  4. Sound Experience: The front-facing stereo speakers, combined with the Dynamic Vibration System, provided an immersive multimedia experience.
  5. Software: The XZ3 was one of the first devices to launch with Android 9 Pie, offering a near-stock Android experience with some Sony customizations.

Cons:

  1. Single Rear Camera: At a time when competitors were offering dual or triple camera setups, the XZ3 stuck with a single rear camera, which limited its versatility.
  2. Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, some users found it lacking, especially with heavy multimedia consumption.
  3. Price: Being a flagship, the Xperia XZ3 came with a premium price tag, which might have been a deterrent for some users considering the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ3 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a versatile camera setup with variable aperture.
  • iPhone XS: With its Super Retina OLED display, Apple A12 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • OnePlus 6T: Featuring an Optic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ3 was announced in August 2018 and became available in October 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner Placement: Some users found the rear fingerprint scanner’s placement to be a bit too low, leading to occasional mis-taps.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was decent, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Dynamic Vibration: The Dynamic Vibration System, which vibrated the phone in sync with audio, received mixed reviews. Some users liked the added immersion, while others found it gimmicky.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ3 was a solid flagship offering from Sony in 2018, showcasing the company’s strengths in display and audio technology. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in the camera department, it stood out in a crowded flagship market due to its unique features and Sony’s brand legacy. For those who prioritize display quality and sound experience, the XZ3 was a compelling choice.

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