Sony Xperia XZ (2016)
This phone comes equipped with a 5.2 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 chipset, and 3 GB of RAM.
Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- Sony Xperia XZ specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Sony Xperia XZ smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Sony Xperia XZ specifications
| Brand | Sony |
|---|---|
| Name | Xperia XZ |
| Model | FZ8331 |
| Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 5.68 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 2.83 x 0.32 inch |
| Colors | black, blue, brown |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of Sony Xperia XZ is about 5.68 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 |
| CPU | Quad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 1.6 GHz Kryo |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
The Sony Xperia XZ comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.2 inch |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 5.2 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.2 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 3 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 32 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Xperia XZ has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 23 MP, 5520 x 4140 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 13 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Xperia XZ smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | yes |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Xperia XZ smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Xperia XZ comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 2900 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 2900 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of Xperia XZ isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, fingerprint, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The Xperia XZ phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Sony phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- limited-size screen
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
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Updated: July 18, 2024
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.