Qualcomm's
quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro provides power to the 1080p display, and is
combined with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of flash memory and expansion via microSD up to
32GB. Does it sound a bit familiar? Yes, it is. Since it is almost similar to
HTC Droid DNA and (except microSD option and increased resolution), LG’s
Optimus G and Nexus 4, creating an interesting comparison.
The results of test are quite erratic. While
the Xperia Z led in the AnTuTu and Vellamo tests, it offered a surprisingly low
score in SunSpider, a browser performance test, and one in which you would
expect a high-end device closer to 1000ms (remember: the lower the number is
the better it is in this case). Meanwhile, CF-Bench, which controls JavaScript
performance and activities of the sub-system, placed the Sony phone in the
middle of the LG’s Optimus G and HTC’s Droid DNA.
We
found that the Xperia Z was very fast in most use cases.
However, the numbers are only the numbers,
and we found that the Xperia Z was very fast in most use cases. It processed
the intensive tasks requiring the better processor than one for the simple
tasks. We had some problems with the phone stuttering while trying to open the
task manager utility - there is a considerable delay between your tap and the
utility expansion to provide access to various brightness switches and
wireless. Similarly, when launching the camera application from a new started-up
device, it took an average of 3 seconds – something that could be a big minus
point for buyers, especially when considering the lack of a physical camera
key. At least once it works, then it starts running within a more acceptable
timeframe. However, the launch of the camera from the lock screen still takes
about 2 seconds, which is not good.
However, what concerned us more was that
the Xperia Z did not exceed 6 hours in the battery tests. Looping a video at 50
percent brightness, with Wi-Fi on (but not connected), the phone got a little
more than five and a half hours in the first test. It actually lasted longer
than the Nexus 4, which had also a problem with the 5 hours and 18 minutes, but
was less than Droid DNA and Optimus G 720p. Strangely, the Z model’s battery
was 2330mAh compared to the 2020mAh battery found in HTC’s 5- inch phone. So
what is going on here? We have repeated our test twice, because it would be a
shame if one of these tests had an erroneous result, tarnishing the name of
Xperia Z. However, the second round added only 10 minutes. Perhaps, Sony’s
screen technology is not so energy- efficient as HTC’s Super IPS LCD 3. That's
our best surmise, since there is really not much to separate both of them - we
even ran a video clip from the flash storage, not the microSD slot.
Update: We have just redone the battery
test with the Bravia Mobile Engine 2 that was shut down - just in case it was
running behind our third-party application. (We were told that Mobile Engine is
associated with the video player application of the album, YouTube and the
gallery viewing browser). Unfortunately, the result is the same; the Xperia Z
lasted 5 hours and 10 minutes.
Our review model in the UK has a variety of
radio bands to share. They are quad-band GSM/ EDGE (850/900/1800/1900) along
with 3-band HSPA (850/900/2100) and LTE on bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 20.
Unfortunately, we could not check the phone with EE SIM, but on HSPA services
of Three, EE and O2’, we found download speeds on HSPA+ about 4 Mbps, while
upload speeds were about 1.5Mbps. AT & T clients, with the compatible HSPA
bands, those who are most likely to benefit from the import of original
equipment - we have not heard anything about prices in the U.S. and the
availability of goods for Xperia Z or Xperia ZL.
Conclusion
It has been 5 months since Sony’s last
phone, Xperia T was launched. During that review, we found that while Sony has
perfected the art of media relations, the hardware did not really match the
fantasy. Especially when compared to the iPhone, Lumia or HTC’s One series, it
hoaxed Sony. So, it was a relief to see that the company has been made every
concerted effort to create a high-end phone - and it is this phone. If you do
not like the old polycarbonate shell, perhaps Sony's new beauty will suit your
tastes. We have not still ensured that how much rough treatment the Xperia Z’s
shiny surfaces will withstand, but after our testing period, the phone has not
been scratched. We also praised Sony for bringing water resistance to the new
phone. Water protection often means sacrificing design or performance, but of
course that's not true with Xperia Z.
We
also praised Sony for bringing water resistance to the new phone.
We can see many 1080p phones in 2013, and
while Xperia Z might not beat the overall quality of HTC’s 5-inch screen, the
phone itself has a more outstanding exterior style than its competitors. While
Snapdragon S4 Plus had the best processor in 2012, we already knew what to
expect from the phones later - perhaps Sony should wait for a little longer?
Perhaps the bigger question is how to
adjust the $450 difference (no contract) between the Xperia Z and the Nexus 4.
Both are powered by the similar high-performance S4 Pro processor, with 2GB of
RAM, but Sony's options can expand the storage, 13-megapixel camera has
capability of recording HDR video and 1080p screen - whether the screen of the
Google phone runs better than the pure pixel numbers or not. If the Xperia Z
wins the Nexus in battery life, we would be happy to recommend this omni-balance
smartphone, but a disappointing showing in this aspect has made it become more
difficult requirements.
The
Xperia Z proved that Sony has essential things to make an attractive phone in
an increasingly competitive market.
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Info
·
Product name: Sony Xperia Z
·
Price: $ 815
Advantages
·
Sony phones have been the best ones so far.
·
Water resistance on the first high-end phone
·
Strong performance
Disadvantages
·
The battery life is disappointing.
·
The viewing angle is not good.
Verdict
·
The Xperia Z proved that Sony has essential
things to make an attractive phone in an increasingly competitive market, but
the issues such as battery life need to be addressed, even at the expense of
design.
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