Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium comes with a sturdy and attractive build that features a combination of Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame. This combination not only gives the phone a premium feel but also provides durability and strength against everyday wear and tear. The dimensions of the device are 158 x 80 x 11.9 mm, and it weighs in at 236 grams. While this makes it slightly heavier than some competitors, the weight is offset by the robust build and the presence of a massive 5.8-inch display.

Display

The device boasts a 5.8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 765 ppi. This 16:9 ratio screen offers excellent color accuracy and HDR10 support, allowing users to enjoy vibrant visuals with incredible detail. The high resolution is particularly beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and even professional tasks that require clear, detailed visuals. To protect this impressive display, Sony has equipped it with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring resistance to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset built on a 10 nm process. The octa-core CPU consists of a 4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold and a 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver, providing strong performance across a variety of tasks. This is complemented by an Adreno 630 GPU, which ensures smooth graphics rendering, particularly for gaming. Additionally, the device includes 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC for users who require more space.

Camera Capabilities

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 19 MP f/1.8 primary sensor and a 12 MP B/W f/1.6 secondary sensor. This combination supports predictive PDAF and Laser AF, enhancing focus speed and precision. With features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, the camera can shoot detailed photos under various lighting conditions. The video capabilities are equally impressive, with options for 4K at 30fps, 1080p at both 30 and 60fps with 5-axis gyro-EIS, and even a remarkable 960fps for super slow-motion video.

For selfies, the device houses a 13 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of recording videos at 1080p 30fps with 5-axis gyro-EIS. This setup ensures excellent portrait shots and clear video call quality.

Battery Life

One of the essential features for any smartphone user is battery life, and the Xperia XZ2 Premium delivers with a 3540mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. The device supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging via the Qi standard. The endurance rating reflects decent battery life, providing users with enough juice for daily tasks without frequent recharging, even though heavy usage may require a top-up towards the end of the day.

Software and User Interface

The Xperia XZ2 Premium originally runs on Android 8.0 Oreo, which is upgradeable to Android 10. Sony's user interface on top of Android provides a clean and user-friendly experience, with several customization options while maintaining a balance between useful features and performance efficiency. The UI complements the hardware to provide a seamless and responsive user experience, with minimal bloatware that doesn’t detract from performance.

Connectivity and Network

The Xperia XZ2 Premium supports a broad range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring comprehensive global connectivity. The SIM setup allows for a single Nano-SIM or a hybrid dual SIM for additional flexibility. This device also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1, and multiple positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, etc.). While the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might be a downside for some users, the stereo speakers deliver high-quality audio to compensate for this omission.

Other Features and Sensors

Additional features include a variety of sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor. These contribute to enhanced functionality and improve user experience by adapting to various applications and conditions.

Color Options and Pricing

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium is available in two color choices: Chrome Black and Chrome Silver, offering a sleek and stylish appearance. The pricing of the device at launch was around 460 EUR, positioning it in the mid-to-high-end segment. This price point reflects the combination of premium build quality, standout features, and strong performance capabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium stands out as a formidable contender in the smartphone market, offering a unique combination of cutting-edge display technology, robust performance, and comprehensive camera capabilities. While it may be heavier than some competitors, its blend of quality, features, and design makes it a compelling choice for users seeking a well-rounded device. Whether for professional use, media consumption, or high-performance gaming, the Xperia XZ2 Premium delivers a balanced and fulfilling experience.