Unveiling the Sony Xperia XZ1 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Sony Xperia XZ1 showcases a sleek and robust design, with dimensions of 148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm, and weighing 155 grams. Its construction employs premium materials, featuring a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum back complemented by an aluminum frame. The smartphone is available in several colors, namely Black, Warm Silver, Venus Pink, and Moonlit Blue, giving users a range of options to express their personal style.

Display

The Xperia XZ1 boasts a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The screen supports HDR10, providing vibrant colors and crisp details, making it ideal for media consumption. The display's 424 ppi density ensures excellent sharpness, while the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection enhances durability by minimizing damage from accidental drops and scratches.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset, the Xperia XZ1 delivers high-performance capabilities with its octa-core CPU. The processor consists of four Kryo cores clocked at 2.45 GHz and another four Kryo cores at 1.9 GHz, ensuring efficient multitasking and smooth operation of resource-intensive applications. Paired with the Adreno 540 GPU, the device excels in graphical performance, making it suitable for both gaming and high-definition media playback.

This smartphone runs on Android 8.0 (Oreo) out of the box, upgradeable to Android 9.0 (Pie), thus offering users a modern and secure operating system with access to the latest features and improvements.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Xperia XZ1 includes 4GB of RAM, which supports seamless multitasking and efficient handling of numerous applications running simultaneously. Storage-wise, the device offers 64GB of internal memory, providing ample space for applications, photos, and videos. Moreover, for those who require more storage, the dual SIM model supports memory expansion through a microSDXC card, albeit using the shared SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

Sony has equipped the Xperia XZ1 with an impressive camera setup. The main camera features a 19 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and 25mm wide lens, enhancing the ability to capture high-quality photos under various lighting conditions. The predictive phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus help in quickly locking focus, even on moving subjects. This camera supports video recording at 4K resolution and offers modes like 1080p at 60fps and 720p at an incredible 960fps, thanks to Electronic Image Stabilization (gyro-EIS).

On the front, the device sports a 13 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture and 22mm wide lens, which is well-suited for capturing detailed selfies and video calls at 1080p resolution with gyro-EIS support.

Battery and Charging

With a 2700 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Xperia XZ1 offers a decent battery life, complemented by an endurance rating of 82 hours in standard tests. The device supports 18W wired charging and utilizes Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing for faster recharging times which enhances user convenience.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Xperia XZ1 comes equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA. It features Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, and LE for reliable wireless connectivity. The device also supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for comprehensive global positioning. While it does not include a built-in radio, it offers NFC for easy pairing with compatible devices.

The presence of a USB Type-C 3.1 port ensures speedy data transfers and OTG support widens its connectivity capabilities further. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor—all of which improve the user experience.

Sound

For audio enthusiasts, the Xperia XZ1 includes stereo speakers that produce clear and immersive sound. The presence of a 3.5mm jack ensures compatibility with traditional wired headphones, which is an increasingly rare feature in modern smartphones.

Market Positioning and Price

Released in September 2017, the Xperia XZ1 was priced at approximately 260 EUR at its launch. The smartphone was designed to cater to users who required high-performance capabilities, a competent camera system, and premium build quality without bearing the expense of top-tier flagship models.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ1 stands out as a well-rounded smartphone that satisfies various user needs—from photography to media consumption and multitasking—all housed in an elegantly crafted design.