Sony’s Xperia XZ flagship (first looks)

iTWire had a private briefing with John Featherstone Managing Director of Sony Mobile Communications, Oceania and a close look at the new Xperia XZ – it’s new flagship model that sits above the Xperia X Performance (iTWire review here).

In my Xperia X Performance review I said it was a good flagship that could be even better given the basic hardware ingredients are there - but it lacked that je ne sais quois. Software and firmware updates will make a difference (it was an early review sample).

So starting from that base, Featherstone made sure to point out the evolution and revolution from the older Z series and the newer X Performance. They come down to Camera, Battery and Design.

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I have not yet used the phone – it will be subject to a rigorous review over the coming weeks. So please take any comments as a “first looks.”

Sony says it builds on a long tradition. Its camera is better, the phone’s battery life is better (due to Smart Assist and Sony’s new Qnovo charging), and it is Sony superior quality – built in a Sony owned factory ensuring Sony’s brand, quality and pride is firmly stamped on each handset. On the latter point, I believe that there is something in the claim “It’s a Sony”.

Telstra is the sole Telco launch partner for the XZ and has plans from A$80 to A$195 per month depending on data and free SMS/Calls. It is also including a set of Sony’s unique noise cancelling “buds” valued at A$79.95 that really do work. Details here.

The phone has a recommended price of A$999 from JB Hi-Fi and Sony online store.

So what do you get?

Sony Xperia XF, model F8331

• Screen: 5.2”; 1920 x 1080; 424ppi; Triluminous; IPS display, Gorilla Glass
• 70.9% screen to body ratio (there are largish bars top and bottom)
• Qualcomm, quad-core, 820 – 2 x 2.15GHz and 2 x 1.6GHz
• 3GB RAM; 32GB; micro-SD slot up to 256GB
• Rear camera: 23MP; f/2.0; IMX300; predictive hybrid laser/phase-detection/contrast autofocus; digital image stabilisation (X and Y direction and yaw, pitch, and roll shake); HDR; RGBC-IR white balance sensor; single LED flash; 4K record; hardware shutter key
• Front camera: 13MP; f/2.0; HD record
• Wi-Fi AC dual band, 2 x 2 MIMO; Bluetooth 4.2 LE - A2DP, aptX; Hi-Res audio; NFC; fingerprint reader; 3.5mm audio; ANC mic; stereo speakers
• LTE Cat 9 450/50Mbps (not sure of number of bands – assume most)
• 2900mAh battery; Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 charger); Qnovo battery care; 72-hour endurance rating; Stamina and Ultra Stamina modes; USB-C (older USB 2.0 spec lacking Thunderbolt)
• Android 6.x – update to 7.x soon. Sony’s UX is a light touch over stock Android with most mods supplied as apps
• IP65/68 rating – dust and water resistance, not water proof
• 46 x 72 x 8.1mm x 161g ALKALEIDO alloy construction
• Colours: Mineral Black, Forest Blue
• PS4 Dual Shock controller connectivity and PS4 remote play
• And Sony Assist – a machine learning app that monitors how you use it over a four-week period and adjusts parameters accordingly

To position this – where the X Performance was below the Samsung GS7 or LG G5, this is up there with the best. In theory, it should have a superior camera although it is missing the higher res GS7 AMOLED or G5 IPS screens. Can I say that its IPS LCD is not a deal breaker in any way.

I look forward to using and reviewing this over the coming weeks. As Featherstone said, “You can’t really appreciate the phone unless you are Xperienced.”