Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, positioned as a larger sibling to the Xperia XA2. Launched alongside the XA2 in early 2018, the XA2 Ultra was designed for users who wanted a bigger display and enhanced multimedia capabilities, particularly in the selfie department. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra:

Overview:

The Xperia XA2 Ultra was aimed at users who wanted a phablet-sized device with a focus on camera capabilities, especially for selfies. With its large display, dual front-facing cameras, and Sony’s signature design, it catered to users looking for a multimedia-centric device.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
Camera: 23 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup: a 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP wide-angle shooter.
Battery: A 3580 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

Front Camera Capabilities: The dual front-facing cameras, especially with OIS on the primary sensor, made it a selfie-centric device.
Large Display: The 6.0-inch display was great for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Performance: The Snapdragon 630 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and multitasking.
Battery Life: The 3580 mAh battery provided a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

Bezels: Like its smaller sibling, the XA2 Ultra had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated.
Size and Weight: Given its large display and battery, the device was quite hefty and might not be comfortable for all users.
Camera Performance in Low Light: The rear camera, while decent in daylight, struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA2 Ultra faced competition from:

Nokia 7 Plus: Offering a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 660, and a solid build with Android One certification.
Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018): With its 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.
Moto X4: Although smaller with a 5.2-inch display, it had a Snapdragon 630 and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was announced in January 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Updates: Like the XA2, the XA2 Ultra’s software updates weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky, especially given the device’s focus on photography.
Size and Weight: The phone’s weight and large size made it cumbersome for some users.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize selfies and multimedia consumption. Its dual front-facing cameras, large display, and decent performance made it stand out in its segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and rear camera performance in low light, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a phablet-sized device with a focus on selfies and multimedia, the Xperia XA2 Ultra was a good choice. However, those looking for a more compact device or a more modern design might have considered other options available in the market at the time.