Sony Xperia Z
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Well yes, we cannot pretend everything about Xperia Z is perfect. The screen indeed was a slight disappointment. Nothing to do with the size or the resolution - there's just not enough punch in it. Less than stellar contrast simply doesn't do it justice. Elsewhere though, we're more than happy with how Sony did. The Xperia Z is the current benchmark champion, the Jelly Bean experience is excellent, with a number of custom value-adding apps like the media players and the image gallery. The Xepria Z is an impressive package and looks the part with glass-covered front and rear, and assertive upmarket design. And if you thought it doesn't get better than that, the smartphone is dust and water-resistant. It certainly sounds like a package that's hard to beat. Not that the flagships of the last generation became obsolete overnight, but the likes of Nexus 4, Samsung's Galaxy S III and the LG Optimus G should be warming up to the thought that their days at the top are counted. And the Xperia Z is just the messenger - the arrival of their own successors (which now have no other option but to match and beat the Sony flagship experience) will seal their fate.”
“There’s a lot to like about the Sony Xperia Z. It is the strongest Android phone that Sony has produced to date, fusing power, design and features. We don’t find Sony’s customisations to be too intrusive and the attention to battery life is to be welcomed. The practical waterproofing also means you don't have to worry when you drop your phone in the toilet, or spill a pint on it, and these things happen. It’s not perfect, however, and the camera doesn’t appear to offer much over previous flagship Xperia devices. It’s a reasonable performer, however, but with rivals focusing all their attention on the camera, it’s not the greatest feature of the Z.”
“It's been five months since Sony's last phone, Xperia T, was released. During that review, we noted that while Sony had perfected the art of the press shot, the hardware really didn't live up to the fantasy. Particularly in comparison to an iPhone, Lumia or HTC's One series, it did the Sony brand a disservice. So, it's a relief to see the company now making a concerted effort to make a premium phone -- and that's what this is. If you weren't sold on the older polycarbonate look, perhaps Sony's new beauty will be more to your tastes. Exactly how much rough and tumble the Xperia Z's glossy sides will stomach remains a mystery, but after our testing period the phone is still free of scratches. We also applaud Sony for bringing water resistance to its new phone. Protection from an early watery grave often meant settling for less when it came to design or performance, but that's certainly not the case with the Xperia Z.”
“Also not yet: buying the Z through a U.S. carrier. If you want it stateside, you have to buy it unlocked on the open market and jump through a hoop or two to get connected. So fire up Google Translate and bring your wallet. Also be on the lookout for the Xperia ZL, a cheaper version of the Z without the water-resistant stuff or the glass back. Sony is putting more muscle behind the flagship Z, but the ZL is already available in Canada and through some online outlets.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
1 rating so far
It's a cool phone
In Depth
As the flagship of the Xperia series, this phone is packed with features and hardware and marks a shift in focus for Sony to premium smartphone provider. Mat Smith of Engadget says “Once you get to look at the phone in person, all Xperias that came before it pale in comparison. The phone feels solid and you’d be hard-pressed to describe any part of it as plasticky.”
From the high-gloss glass weave case design of the phone to the Bravia Engine 2 and a five-inch 1080p display, reviews of the handset are positive. Chris Hall of Pocket Lint says, “If you’re not wowed when you see the Sony Xperia Z, then you should probably stop reading now. No tactile plastic, no dubious back covers, just a feeling of substance and, dare we say it, perfection.”
Other notable features include IPX5, IPX7 and IP5X ratings for both water and dust resistance, with rubber plugs and caps for the various ports on the device. Both Engadget and TechRadar tested the phone in full submersion and directed stream tests and report that the phone was unharmed. Mat Smith of Engadget notes, “It’s rare to see such protection on a phone that’s not being marketed as a rugged device, let alone a company’s new flagship.”
Phil Lavelle of TechRadar describes the phone as “one speedy son-of-a-Sony” and says that performance is one of the first things users will notice. Unfortunately, there are some minor concerns many reviews noted as well.
One of the most common complaints in reviews was the quality of the loudspeaker on the handset. Mat Smith of Engadget says, “the speaker is tinny and, even on full blast, lacks punch during video playback.” Killian Ball of Cult of Android notes that the speaker “appears to be pretty small — and it sounds it. It’s not all that loud, and it’s a little dull.” However, most reviews note that the headphone jack offers clear audio and Bluetooth with most wireless headsets is flawless with no delays or problems maintaining sync with devices.
Another consideration is the screen. Sony’s OptiContrast display is based on TFT technology. This leads to a few issues with viewing angles and less than ideal viewing in bright lighting or direct sunlight. Comparing the display to the competition, Mat Smith says “its performance doesn’t offer the same viewing angles, or outdoor performance, of HTC’s Super LCD 3 screen. In fact, turn the screen away from straight-on viewing, and you’ll see a grayish discoloring that starts to obscure what’s going on — especially under bright light.”
Reviews were also mixed on battery life, with reports ranging from just under six-hours from Engadget to all-day use from Pocket Lint. With a 2300-mAh battery, if you use your phone heavily, the phone will likely require daily charges. Fortunately, the mini-USB charging port will make finding travel chargers and other accessories a breeze.
Pocket Lint’s Chris Hall sums up the device well when he says “there’s a lot to like about the Sony Xperia Z. It is the strongest Android phone that Sony has produced to date, fusing power, design and features.”
The Good: Water- and dust-resistance, support for microSD cards, 1080p display, HDR video support and premium materials.
The Bad: Screen viewing angles, screen brightness in direct sunlight, weak battery and slow camera response times.
What people actually want to know
When was the Sony Xperia Z released?
The Sony Xperia Z was released on February 9, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the Sony Xperia Z?
The Sony Xperia Z has a 2,330 mAh battery.
Does the Sony Xperia Z have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Sony Xperia Z has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Sony Xperia Z have NFC?
Yes, the Sony Xperia Z has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Sony Xperia Z?
Visit Sony's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Sony Xperia Z manual?
You can view and download the Sony Xperia Z manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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