Sony Xperia XZ2

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XZ2 is the larger sibling to the Xperia XZ2 Compact and was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup for 2018. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ2:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Xperia XZ2 showcased Sony’s revamped design language, moving away from the “OmniBalance” design to the “Ambient Flow” design. It was a significant step forward in terms of aesthetics and features for Sony.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, but upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
  4. Memory: 4/6 GB RAM (depending on the region) with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Single 19 MP rear camera with capabilities like 4K HDR video recording and super slow-motion video at 960fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3180 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dynamic Vibration System.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 845 at its core, the Xperia XZ2 offers top-tier performance, handling tasks and games with ease.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera is capable of impressive slow-motion video and 4K HDR recording.
  3. Design and Build: The new design language offers a fresh look, with a curved back and premium materials.
  4. Audio Experience: Front-facing stereo speakers and support for LDAC and aptX HD offer a rich audio experience.
  5. Wireless Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome feature, adding to the convenience.

Cons:

  1. No Headphone Jack: The XZ2, like its Compact sibling, dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a point of contention for some users.
  2. Dynamic Vibration System: While unique, some users found this feature, which provides haptic feedback during media playback, to be more gimmicky than practical.
  3. Camera Software: Despite having capable hardware, some users felt the camera software could benefit from further refinements, especially in low light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ2 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9+: Offering a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a dual-camera setup.
  • iPhone X: With its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a dual 12 MP camera system.
  • Google Pixel 2 XL: Featuring a 6.0-inch P-OLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a highly-praised 12.2 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 was announced in February 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. Weight and Thickness: The device was considered a bit chunky and heavy compared to some of its competitors.
  3. Heat Management: Similar to the Compact version, some users reported the device getting warm during extended camera use or gaming.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 marked a significant shift in Sony’s smartphone design and was a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. While it had its set of drawbacks, the device offered a balanced mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design. For Sony enthusiasts and users looking for a flagship experience with unique features like the Dynamic Vibration System, the Xperia XZ2 was a solid choice in 2018.

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