Xperia XZ2 hands-on: Sony got serious about smartphones again

Written By mobilephonebrand

How did the design evolve?

In the past, Sony has released fashionable and innovative smartphones such as "Xperia Z" and "Xperia Play". But the recent line-up hasn't been all that glamorous.

However, Sony's newly announced Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact show that Sony is serious. Even if the name doesn't feel fresh.

As Don Mesa of Sony's mobile communications department said, "The Xperia XZ2 is like a reset," and it has pretty much everything you could want in a flagship device. there is.

Best performance? of course.

The Xperia XZ2 is equipped with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card.

Is the camera high quality? Of course.

The Xperia XZ2 has a 19-megapixel rear camera that can record 4K HDR video. Additionally, Sony has worked with Qualcomm to ensure that its "Exmor sensor" works in concert with the Snapdragon 845's built-in image signal processor.

Xperia XZ2 hands-on: Sony on smartphone Getting serious again

Like its predecessor, the Xperia XZ Premium, the Xperia XZ2 is also capable of 960fps ultra-slow motion shooting, as well as advanced anticipatory capture technology. Also, in order to match the camera performance, the Xperia XZ2's 5.7-inch / 18: 9 aspect ratio display is capable of HDR playback, and no matter what app you are using, normal videos can be displayed in HDR-like color and contrast. can be emphasized and up-converted.

Let's turn our attention to the design of the Xperia XZ2. Xperia's traditional box-shaped chassis incorporates an ergonomic design called "Ambient Flow Design". Based on liquids and arches, while incorporating ideas from PS4's "DualShock 4", we realized a rectangular yet rounded design. The back is covered with curved glass, giving you the feeling of stroking a beautiful car or an iPhone 3G.

The body design is not the only highlight of the Xperia XZ2. The fingerprint authentication sensor has been moved to the back of the main unit, making it easier to use. The front has a stereo speaker in the ear part and a hidden grille under the screen, making it a more advanced design than other smartphones.

Oh yeah, as usual, the Xperia XZ2 also achieves IP68 water and dust resistance.

Xperia XZ2 also has a new haptic engine. It can vibrate continuously, unlike the small, feeble motors found in regular smartphones that vibrate when receiving messages or notifications. This is useful for watching videos, listening to music, and playing games. It was as if the vibration technology of the PlayStation controller was built into the smartphone.

The release of the Xperia XZ2 Compact is commendable as smartphone makers give up on developing smaller high-end devices.

The Xperia XZ2 Compact is identical to the Xperia XZ2 except for a smaller display, smaller battery, wireless charging, new haptic module, and glass rear panel (which uses plastic). The Xperia XZ2 Compact is compatible with Verizon's network.

One thing that bothers me is that at the moment Sony is not trying to sell the Xperia XZ2 through carriers. That means you'll have to buy directly online, like OnePlus or Essential Phone.

Also, no pricing or specific sales information has been announced yet. What we do know is that the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact will be available after spring in a four-color lineup of black, silver, green, and pink.

Sam Rutherford - Gizmodo US [original]

(Naoki Tsukamoto)