Sony Xperia XZ

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XZ was a flagship offering from Sony, launched in 2016 as part of the Xperia X series. It aimed to combine Sony’s expertise in camera, display, and design into a premium smartphone experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XZ was positioned as a top-tier device in Sony’s lineup, focusing on camera capabilities, a refined design, and high-end performance. It was targeted at users looking for a blend of aesthetics, performance, and multimedia capabilities.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), with subsequent updates available.
  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: 3 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, predictive hybrid autofocus, and a 13 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging and Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, USB Type-C, fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), and stereo front-facing speakers.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 23 MP rear camera with predictive hybrid autofocus was designed to capture moving objects with clarity.
  2. Design: The Xperia XZ introduced a new “Loop Surface” design, which was a blend of metal and glass, giving it a distinctive and premium look.
  3. Display: The TRILUMINOS™ display technology offered vibrant colors and good contrast levels.
  4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification provided peace of mind against accidental spills and dust.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery was considered average for a flagship, especially when competitors were offering larger capacities.
  2. Price: The Xperia XZ was priced at a premium, which made it a tough sell against some competitors with similar or better specifications.
  3. RAM: While 3 GB RAM was sufficient for most tasks, competitors were starting to offer 4 GB or more in their flagships.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S7: Offering a 5.1-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890, and a 12 MP rear camera with dual-pixel technology.
  • LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820, and a modular design.
  • HTC 10: Featuring a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820, and a focus on audio quality.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ was announced in September 2016 and released in October 2016.

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 XZ was a solid flagship offering from Sony, focusing heavily on camera capabilities, design, and multimedia experience. While it had its strengths, such as its camera technology and unique design, it faced stiff competition in its price range, especially in terms of battery capacity and value proposition. For users who were fans of Sony’s design language and camera capabilities, the Xperia XZ was a viable choice in the flagship market of 2016. However, it had challenges standing out in a crowded flagship market.

Leave a Reply