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Sony Xperia Z Review!

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd703.1K viewsMar 12, 20138:13
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The Xperia Z is quite the mind blowing mixed bag of a smartphone! Sony Xperia Z: amzn.to The Xperia Z at CES 2013: youtu.be The Xperia Z's wallpaper: goo.gl Song used during the speaker test: youtu.be Intro Track: ASDF Movie Song Outro Track: "Channel 41" by Deadmau5 ~ twitter.com google.com @MarquesBrownlee @MKBHD @MKBHD

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The Sony Xperia Z review begins by framing the device as a high-end, premium smartphone that aims to compete with top-tier rivals like the Galaxy Note 2 and similar devices. The host highlights the phone’s sexy, slim silhouette at 7.9 mm, with a piano black glass finish on the front and back that contributes to its strong visual appeal. Key hardware features are called out, including a 13.1 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, a solid button layout, and a SIM tray on the right side. The phone is shown as rugged in build, with water resistant seals and flaps that cover all ports, enabling up to 30 minutes of submersion in 3 feet of water. While the exterior looks impressive, the reviewer notes that not everything is flawless, signaling a trade-off between rugged design and design cohesion. On the software side, Xperia Z runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a relatively light Sony skin and limited pre-installed bloatware, which is praised as a positive aspect. However, the overall user interface design receives mixed feedback, with the reviewer unhappy about the light gray bottom navigation and status bar buttons, suggesting they clash with the black bezel. Performance is described as stellar thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core chip and 2 GB of RAM, delivering smooth multitasking and strong benchmark results comparable to other flagship devices of the time. The high-resolution 1080p 440 PPI display is lauded for sharpness when viewed head-on, but the reviewer criticizes off-axis viewing angles and color reproduction as a significant drawback, diminishing the overall viewing experience. The camera is deemed fast with capable autofocus and strong 1080p HDR video, yet landscapes often appear soft with less impressive LED flash performance, bringing the image quality closer to that of the Galaxy Nexus rather than leading rivals. In the closing assessment, the Xperia Z is framed as a “mixed bag,” excelling in some areas while falling short in others, particularly in display quality and speaker performance. The reviewer concludes that the decision to buy should be based on how much one values rugged design, water resistance, and display sharpness, ultimately suggesting that the phone may not satisfy everyone’s needs despite its allure. The video ends with a call for viewer interaction, inviting comments on personal values and which trade-offs matter most when choosing a flagship smartphone.

Topics · technology · mobile devices · hardware

Questions answered

What are the standout strengths of the Xperia Z according to the review?
The reviewer highlights the Xperia Z’s premium design, water resistance via sealed ports, fast camera autofocus and 1080p video, strong overall performance thanks to the Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2 GB RAM, and a relatively light Android skin with minimal bloatware.
What are the main drawbacks noted in the review?
Main drawbacks include subpar viewing angles and color reproduction on the 1080p display, a weak built-in speaker, and a design tension between being both rugged and aesthetically sleek.
Is the Xperia Z recommended for purchase based on this review?
The reviewer suggests that the decision depends on the buyer’s priorities, indicating it is a mixed bag with strong points that may not align with everyone’s needs, especially regarding display quality and speaker performance.