Xperia Z is among the most typical and
striking smartphones of the 2013, with a 5in Full HD screen and a nice unibody
design.
Sony’s most hi-end smartphone at present is
considered to compete against Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One – those latest
Androids. Yet, Xperia Z will be released sooner, priced at $825.
Xperia Z owns a 5in Full HD display delivering
441ppi pixel density. In comparison with last year’s Xperia models, Xperia Z
was upgraded with quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (1.5GHz) and 2GB of RAM.
Besides, the camera uses a new 13MP Exmor RS sensor capable of capturing video
in HDR mode. Aside from specs and features, the design is also a new point
making Xperia Z much more appealing.
Sony
Xperia Z was introduced first of CES 2013
Design
Xperia Z has an impressively nice design
which people can’t help falling in love with at first sight. The case is a
unibody-type, using anti-pressure glass which can stand against scratch in both
front and back, thus Xperia Z appears glossy and sturdy with the super slimness
(7.9mm) plus more seductive than any smartphones from Sony ever.
Sony applied the Omni-Balance design
language aiming at the balance, simplicity and elegance into the new Xperia,
reminding user of TV Bravia featuring the hi-end Monolithic design. The phone
looks edgy yet slightly smooth. Right, left, top and bottom sides are all flat,
forming a hem tightly holding front and back panel. Xperia Z comes in three
colors: glossy black, purple and porcelain-white.
Xperia
Z is distinguishable from other smartphones thanks to its water-resistance and
anti-dust ability
Though not as fat as Acro S or aggressive
as Sonim’s enduring models, with IP57 standard, the phone can stand soaking into
a 30-meter depth within 30min, enabling user to clean the phone under a faucet
or use in rainy weather.
Left, right and top sides contain
connectors, headphone jack or card slot… but they are all sealed by rubber
flips and gaskets that are quite hard to be opened but strong against water and
dirt. However, user must be careful not to let any of them be opened because
water or dirt may go into.
The power button on top is well designed,
round-shaped, placed in a high level for easy access. Volume keys are quite
thin and more difficult to function. That there’s no specific camera is a
shortage, compared with previous Sony models.
Sony’s
smartphone is a large-sized one and hard-to-handle
Despite being eye-catching and impressive
but the design, itself, makes Xperia Z hard to used and handled with only one
hand. With a 5in screen, slim body and angular shape, the model won’t fit
comfortably in palm. Plus, the rear big flat glass screen makes the phone
easily slip out of hand.
Additionally, speaker’s membrane is
water-resistant yet small, making the phone, after soaked, has its volume
lowered and the volume only returns normal once water is all out.
Display
Xperia
Z with the screen with feature hi-end proprietary technologies from Sony
Featuring 6in size, Full HD 1080p
resolution, high pixel density and integration of many proprietary technologies
from Sony, Xperia Z is not the smartphone having the best image quality at
present. Actually, in comparison with rivals – HTC Butterfly or Oppo Find 5 –
Xperia Z’s display seems weaker.
Sharpness and smooth display is
uncontroversial for this model’s phone, delivering 441ppi density – 30% higher
than that of iPhone 4/4S Retine display. Texts, icons… on Xperia Z’s screen all
appear smooth and clear, plus no invisible pixel or noise. This is an upside.
Though, the display’s low contrast makes
blacks unnatural, unlike on Nexus 4. In addition, its viewing angle is not
wide, making image quickly turn blurred, flared and faded when user change the
angle from direct one.
Xperia Z’s second-generation Mobile Bravia
Engine technology enables Xperia Z’s colors more blazing, eye-catching yet
unnatural. If you prefer mild color tones, this mode should be inactivated.
This may let user down as Xperia Z owns a
lot of well-known technologies from Sony: Reality Display, Optimus Contrast
panel like in TV Bravia
Camera
With
a next-generation 13MP Exmor RS sensor, the camera has been highly expected for
Sony Xperia Z
Xperia Z’s outdoor and indoor image quality
is not much impressive and special, but good. In comparison with the previous
Xperia S or Xperia Ion, Xperia Z’s detail is better while noise, in low lit, has
considerably decreased.
Camera app is very interesting, similar to
Xperia T’s one (Android 4.1.2), having more improvements. The new smart
capturing mode helps user to shoot fast and easily and deliver better quality
than the old SCN Auto. Bursting mode also caught a lot of attention with 3
different presets and was able to shot hundreds of photos within one minute.
Moreover, the 13MP Exmor RS can capture
both photos and videos at HDR mode. This is an interesting feature, making
recording video easier. Even in silhouette conditions, HDR recording mode also
clarifies the scene, making it not too either dark or bright. This feature has
just only appeared recently.
