Sony

Sony Xperia Z Ultra: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794
Adreno 330
2 GB / 16 GB
6.4 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

Sony announced the launch of the Xperia Z Ultra smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.4 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The Xperia Z Ultra comes with Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Sony Xperia Z Ultra smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 1

Sony Xperia Z Ultra specifications

BrandSony
NameXperia Z Ultra
ModelD6806/D6833
Release date2013

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight7.48 oz
Dimensions7.05 x 3.62 x 0.26 inch
Colorsblack, purple, white
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794
CPUQuad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra comes with Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.4 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6.4 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 3

Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Xperia Z Ultra (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
Flashno
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Xperia Z Ultra smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 5

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes, with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Xperia Z Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Xperia Z Ultra smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Xperia Z Ultra has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Xperia Z Ultra comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra / 6

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3050 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3050 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Xperia Z Ultra does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity
SpecialsCertified IP55 dustproof and waterproof

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.

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

  • appropriate screen size
  • microSD slot

Cons

  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Sony Xperia Z Ultra to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley 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.
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