Sony Xperia XZ Premium

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was one of Sony’s flagship devices launched in 2017. It was notable for its 4K HDR display and super slow-motion video capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ Premium:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ Premium was Sony’s attempt to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering features that were unique or rare in the market at the time. With its high-resolution display and camera capabilities, it aimed to cater to users looking for a top-tier multimedia experience.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.46-inch 4K HDR TRILUMINOS display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: 19 MP rear Motion Eye sensor capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3230 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: USB Type-C, IP68 water and dust resistance, front-facing stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor (in some markets).

Pros:

1. Display: The 4K HDR display was one of the crispest screens available, offering unparalleled clarity and color reproduction.
2. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature, allowing users to capture moments in extreme detail.
3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 835, the device offered smooth and responsive performance.
4. Build Quality: The device had a premium feel with its combination of metal and glass.

Cons:

1. 4K Content Availability: While the display was 4K, there was limited content available to truly take advantage of this resolution.
2. Battery Life: The 3230 mAh battery, when combined with the 4K display, didn’t always provide all-day battery life for heavy users.
3. Design: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated compared to the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ Premium faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
• 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 unique Edge Sense functionality.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets around June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Fingerprint Sensor: In some markets, notably the US, the fingerprint sensor was disabled due to business decisions, which was a point of contention for many users.
2. Camera Consistency: While the camera had impressive features, in some scenarios, it wasn’t as consistent as competitors in terms of image quality.
3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm, especially when recording 4K or super slow-motion videos.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was a showcase of Sony’s technological prowess, offering features that were ahead of its time, especially the 4K HDR display and super slow-motion video. It was a device meant for tech enthusiasts and multimedia consumers. However, some of its features, like the 4K display, felt more like future-proofing rather than immediate necessities, given the limited 4K content available. For users who valued a high-resolution display, unique camera features, and a premium build, the XZ Premium was a compelling choice. However, those looking for a more contemporary design or better battery life might have leaned towards other options available in the market at the time.