Sony Mobile Communications finally announced their latest two smartphones on its flagship line-up, the Xperia XZ1 and the XZ1 Compact with unprecedented technology for a what so called a “true” high-end devices and loaded by impressive features.
Xperia XZ1
To begin with, the Xperia XZ1 uses a 5.2-inch 1080p display IPS LCD with BRAVIA TV technology to bring more colour and contrast to immerse by watching favorite shows and movies in stunning realism, by integrating HDR (High Dynamic Range). It powers the premium-flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and also get a 64GB of storage and 4GB RAM. A microSD card is allocated for expanding the storage and can support up to 256GB.
It offers a premium metal unibody design, with Sony’s signature flagship loop surface to have a pleasant hold and it features an IP65 & IP68 for water and dust resistance. A fingerprint scanner is located on the side for secure assistance like unlocking the phone.
Offering more deeply engaging in audio, the stereo speakers are powered by S-Force Front Surround, bringing 50% more sound pressure than previous Xperia models and the Digital Noise Cancelling (DNC) technology that reduces the exterior noise by up to 98% when pairing a DNC headphones for peaceful listening. ClearAudio+ is also intact and features a special sound field that detects a music track that the user is currently playing, then selects the best sound field to deliver the best possible sound listening experience. Finally, DSEE HX for high-resolution music.
Another breakthrough feature is the new 3D Creator, a unique and innovative in-house algorithm for fast and easy scanning of 3D objects. According to Sony, it can capture high quality 3D scans of objects in just one minute using the four scan modes; head scan, face scan, food scan and freeform scan. Each mode has its own custom guides for ease of use and after finishing your object scan there are various playful options. Either share it on messenger apps using 3D sticker, make the scan come alive by using it to create an avatar for use in the camera AR effects options, third party apps or as a live wallpaper, or even send your scan to a 3D printer to make it into a souvenir.
To keep the lights on, a 2,700 mAh non-removable battery is provided for a two-day battery life, as company claims, and is supported by Qnovo Adaptive charging and Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0.
There’s a 19-megapixel shooter on the primary camera that integrates Motion Eye technology. This new feature can record 960 frames per second at 720p resolution of super slow motion video playback. Plus, a new Predictive Capture stays one step ahead and automatically starts buffering images when it detects action or even a smile, before pressing the shutter button. Its new Autofocus burst intelligently follows your subject, and adjusting the focus to make sure that shots are stay sharp. A 13-megapixel front camera with f/2.0 aperture and a display flash are also enhanced for capturing excellent selfies.
Key specs:
| Display | 5.2-inch FHD IPS LCD display, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 424 ppi |
| CPU | 2.45Ghz 64-bit Kryo Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor |
| RAM | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| SIM | Dual-SIM, dual standby (Hybrid slot) |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Storage expansion | microSD card up to 256GB |
| Rear camera | 19-megapixel lens, electronic image stabilization with predictive laser & phase detection autofocus and LED flash |
| Front camera | 13-megapixel lens, f/2.0 aperture |
| Video recording | 2160p (30 fps), 1080p (60 fps & 30 fps), 720p (960 fps) |
| Operating system | Android 8.0 “Oreo” |
| Others | Fingerprint scanner |
| Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | |
| Triluminos display | |
| IP68 water and dust resistant | |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth 5.0, aptX | |
| GPS, A-GPS. GLONASS | |
| NFC | |
| USB Type-C connector, OTG compatible | |
| GSM, HSPA, 4G LTE (Category 16) | |
| Dimension | 148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 155 grams |
| Battery | 2,700 mAh non-removable capacity; Quick Charge 3.0 support |
| Colors | Warm Silver, Black, Moonlit Blue and Venus Pink |
Xperia XZ1 Compact
The Xperia XZ1 Compact, however, carries a lower 4.6-inch 720p display IPS LCD display with no HDR compliant. Other features are the same as the Xperia XZ1 with some few difference. The design is using the glass fiber in a plastic compound instead of metal that is used on the XZ1, as well as the color options. These includes: Black, Twilight Pink, Snow Silver and Horizon Blue.
The rear camera is also the same with 19-megapixel sensor with Exmor RS sensor. Selfie camera goes with an 8-megapixel shooter, also with Exmor RS sensor but has a super wide-angle lens, at 120° FOV for group shots. If you want to be just you in the image, just click a single on-screen option for switching to 80° normal angle shot. Moreover, there’s a display flash to keep your selfies bright.
Key specs:
| Display | 4.6-inch HD IPS LCD display, 1280 x 720 resolution, 319 ppi |
| CPU | 2.45Ghz 64-bit Kryo Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor |
| RAM | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| SIM | Dual-SIM, dual standby (Hybrid slot) |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Storage expansion | microSD card up to 256GB |
| Rear camera | 19-megapixel lens, electronic image stabilization with predictive laser & phase detection autofocus and LED flash |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel lens, f/2.0 aperture |
| Video recording | 2160p (30 fps), 1080p (60 fps & 30 fps), 720p (960 fps) |
| Operating system | Android 8.0 “Oreo” |
| Others | Fingerprint scanner |
| Scratch-resistant glass | |
| Oleophobic coating | |
| IP68 water and dust resistant | |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth 5.0, aptX | |
| GPS, A-GPS. GLONASS | |
| NFC | |
| USB Type-C connector, OTG compatible | |
| GSM, HSPA, 4G LTE (Category 15) | |
| Dimension | 129 x 64 x 9.3 mm |
| Weight | 140 grams |
| Battery | 2,700 mAh non-removable capacity; Quick Charge 3.0 support |
| Colors | Snow Silver, Black, Twilight Pink and Horizon Blue |
Availability
Both the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact will be shipped on Android 8.0 “Oreo” out of the box with Sony’s own UI, the first in the world. The device will be available to purchase in both single SIM, and dual-SIM variants, depending on the market. It is also expected to be available starting this second week of September 2017. As a bonus, the new Sony’s new h.ear headphones (h.ear on 2 Mini Wireless, h.ear on 2 Wireless NC and h.ear in 2 Wireless) will also be included in the retail box.
