Tag: xperia

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, released in 2017. It aimed to offer a balance between performance, design, and price. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus:

Overview:

The Xperia XA1 Plus was a continuation of Sony’s OmniBalance design philosophy, characterized by its rectangular shape and side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it sought to offer a good camera experience and solid performance for its price point.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20.
4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3430 mAh non-removable battery with Pump Express+ 2.0 fast charging.
7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and NFC.

Pros:

1. Camera: The 23 MP camera was one of the highlights, offering decent shots, especially in well-lit conditions.
2. Design: The phone’s design was typical of Sony, offering a distinct look that stood out from the rounded designs of many competitors.
3. Battery Life: The 3430 mAh battery combined with the Full HD display and efficient processor led to commendable battery life.
4. Performance: For its price point, the Helio P20 provided adequate performance for everyday tasks.

Cons:

1. Processor Choice: While the MediaTek Helio P20 was decent, competitors in the same price range sometimes offered Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which were often preferred by consumers.
2. Bezels: The phone had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which started to look dated as the market moved towards more bezel-less designs.
3. Software Updates: Sony’s mid-range devices typically didn’t receive as frequent software updates as their flagship counterparts.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA1 Plus faced competition from:

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a premium metal body.
• Nokia 6: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and a solid metal unibody design.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in October 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Touchscreen Issues: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen becoming unresponsive over time.
2. Software Glitches: Occasional software bugs and glitches were reported, though some were addressed in updates.
3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent in good lighting, its performance in low-light conditions was not as strong.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was a solid mid-range offering from Sony, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience at a more affordable price point. Its camera and design were standout features, but it faced stiff competition in a segment where every brand was trying to offer the best value for money. For Sony enthusiasts or those looking for a reliable mid-ranger with a good camera, the XA1 Plus was a viable option. However, those seeking the best specs for their money might have been tempted by other offerings in the market.

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup, launched in late 2017. It followed the Xperia XZ and aimed to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ1:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ1 was designed for users who wanted a premium smartphone experience with Sony’s signature design and camera expertise. With its compact design, high-end specifications, and unique features, it catered to users looking for a reliable flagship device.

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, supporting HDR10.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: 19 MP Motion Eye primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 3D Creator (allows users to capture and print 3D images).

Pros:

1. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature at the time of its release.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 835 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
3. Build and Design: The phone featured Sony’s signature design with a metal unibody, giving it a premium feel.
4. 3D Creator: A unique feature that allowed users to capture 3D images and even print them if desired.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, which meant it might not last a full day for heavy users.
2. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated, especially when compared to the competition.
3. Display Resolution: While the display supported HDR10, it was still a Full HD panel, whereas many competitors had moved to Quad HD resolutions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ1 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, Exynos 8895/Snapdragon 835, and a modern design with minimal bezels.
• 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 Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in September 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in some regions, particularly in the U.S., which was a point of contention for many users.
2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users found the camera software to be lacking, especially in low-light performance.
3. Price: The Xperia XZ1 was priced similarly to other flagships but lacked some of the modern design elements and features that competitors offered.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a solid flagship offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera technology. Its performance, build quality, and unique features like the 960 fps super slow-motion and 3D Creator made it a worthy contender in the flagship segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and battery life, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on camera capabilities and a unique feature set, the Xperia XZ1 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

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.

The Sony Xperia XZs was part of Sony’s flagship Xperia lineup, known for its premium build and camera prowess. Launched in 2017, the Xperia XZs was a slight upgrade over the Xperia XZ, bringing in enhanced camera capabilities and other refinements. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZs:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XZs aimed to offer a premium smartphone experience with a focus on camera capabilities, especially super slow-motion video recording. Positioned in the high-end segment, it catered to users looking for a combination of performance, design, and camera features.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat), with subsequent updates.
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: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 19 MP rear Motion Eye™ sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 13 MP front camera.
6. Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, front-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, and stereo front-facing speakers.

Pros:

1. Camera: The 19 MP Motion Eye™ camera was capable of recording super slow-motion videos at 960 fps, a standout feature at the time.
2. Build & Design: The Xperia XZs continued Sony’s OmniBalance design language with a premium metal and glass build.
3. Display: The TRILUMINOS™ display technology offered vibrant colors and good contrast levels.
4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification meant the device was resistant to both water and dust.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, leading to average battery life.
2. Processor: While the Snapdragon 820 was a powerful chipset, competitors were moving to the newer Snapdragon 835 around the same time.
3. Price: The Xperia XZs was priced at a premium, which made it a tough sell against competitors with newer hardware.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

• Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
• LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
• HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZs was announced in February 2017 and released in April 2017.

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 XZs was a premium offering from Sony, focusing heavily on camera capabilities, especially with its super slow-motion video recording. While it had its strengths, such as its display technology and build quality, it faced stiff competition in its price range, especially with its choice of an older processor and a higher price point. For users prioritizing camera features and the Sony brand, the Xperia XZs was a solid choice, but it had challenges standing out in a crowded flagship market in 2017.