Tag: xperia

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

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The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is part of Sony’s XZ2 series, which was introduced in 2018. The “Compact” moniker in Sony’s lineup typically refers to a smaller, more pocket-friendly version of their flagship devices, but without compromising much on the specifications. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was Sony’s answer to users who desired flagship-level performance in a more compact form factor. It retained many of the features of its bigger sibling, the Xperia XZ2, but in a smaller package.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  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 4K HDR video recording and super slow-motion video at 960fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 2870 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dynamic Vibration System.

Pros:

  1. Compact Size: One of the few phones in the market to offer top-tier specs in a compact form factor.
  2. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845, the device offers smooth and responsive performance.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera offers impressive slow-motion video capabilities and 4K HDR recording.
  4. Build Quality: Despite its size, the phone feels premium with a mix of glass and aluminum construction.
  5. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rating ensures the phone can handle splashes and brief submersion.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the 2870 mAh battery might not last a full day for heavy users, given the powerful internals.
  2. No Headphone Jack: Unlike its predecessors, the XZ2 Compact dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  3. Design: Some users found the design to be a bit chunky compared to other compact phones.
  4. Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera might not be sufficient for users who prioritize selfies.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ2 Compact faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a variable aperture camera.
  • iPhone 8: With its 4.7-inch Retina IPS display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a single 12 MP camera.
  • Google Pixel 2: Featuring a 5.0-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a highly-praised 12.2 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was announced in February 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Dynamic Vibration System: Some users found this feature, which adds haptic feedback to media playback, to be more of a gimmick than a useful feature.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users felt that Sony’s camera software lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
  3. Heat Management: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended camera use or gaming.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was a unique offering in 2018’s smartphone market. For users who desired flagship specifications but in a more manageable size, the XZ2 Compact was one of the few options available. While it made some compromises, like battery size and the omission of the headphone jack, it didn’t skimp on performance or general capabilities. For those who prioritize one-handed use and portability but still want a powerful device, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was a compelling choice.

Sony Xperia XZ2

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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.

Sony Xperia XA2

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The Sony Xperia XA2 was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship counterparts. Launched in early 2018, the Xperia XA2 was a successor to the Xperia XA1. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2:

Overview:

The Xperia XA2 was designed for users who wanted a solid mid-range smartphone experience with a touch of Sony’s design and camera expertise. With its signature design, decent specifications, and camera capabilities, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver with a focus on multimedia and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with options of 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 23 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP wide-angle shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 23 MP rear camera was one of the highlights, offering good image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
  2. Build and Design: The Xperia XA2 continued Sony’s signature design language with a sturdy build and a slightly curved back for better ergonomics.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 630, combined with 3 GB RAM, ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate multitasking.
  4. Battery Life: The 3300 mAh battery, combined with Sony’s optimizations, provided a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  1. Bezels: In an era where bezel-less designs were becoming popular, the Xperia XA2 still had noticeable top and bottom bezels.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was impressive in daylight, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side compared to some of its competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Nokia 6.1: Offering a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Moto X4: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018): Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

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

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While the device received updates, they weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as competitors.
  3. Weight and Size: The phone’s weight and size made it a bit cumbersome for some users, especially those with smaller hands.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 was a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera capabilities. Its performance, build quality, and camera setup made it a worthy contender in the mid-range segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and camera performance in low light, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on photography and multimedia, the Xperia XA2 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra

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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:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. 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.
  6. Battery: A 3580 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  1. Bezels: Like its smaller sibling, the XA2 Ultra had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated.
  2. Size and Weight: Given its large display and battery, the device was quite hefty and might not be comfortable for all users.
  3. 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:

  1. Software Updates: Like the XA2, the XA2 Ultra’s software updates weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky, especially given the device’s focus on photography.
  3. 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.