14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has just unveiled the successor to the XZ and X Compact Android smartphones at IFA 2017, with substantial improvements in terms of both hardware and software.
Called Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, the two new smartphones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chip, which at this point is the best an Android phone can get. The same chip is powering Samsung’s Galaxy S8, as well as a series of other flagships.
The processor is paired with 4GB RAM and while the XZ1 boasts a 5.2-inch screen with 1080p HDR support, the smaller XZ1 Compact sticks with a surprisingly small 4.6-inch 720p screen. Due to the gigantic bezels that define Sony’s Xperia lineup, the Compact is even bigger than the iPhone 7, which itself comes with a 4.7-inch display and uses an outdated design that went live on the iPhone 6.
Sony used Gorilla Glass 5 on both models, but the company turned to different materials for the chassis. The XZ1, for instance, uses metal for a more exquisite look, but the Compact has a somewhat cheaper feeling because of glass fiber and plastic.
The two models come with a 2,700 mAh battery, which is rather unexpected given the difference in screen size, and the standard storage starts at 64GB on the XZ1 and 32GB on the Compact.
Old camera, new features
As far as cameras are concerned, the parent company picked the unit that launched on the XZ1 Premium earlier this year and which we praised (and criticized for the lack of updates) in our review not a long time. The 19-megapixel shooter supports Predictive Capture to take shots before you even start taking photos, as well as 4K video, super slow motion, and electronic stabilization for video. OIS isn’t offered for photos though.
Instead, Sony switched the focus to more software improvements, including a 3D scanning tool that makes it possible for owners to take photos of an object and then have a 3D model automatically generated. This model can be used with 3D printers or for further edits using dedicated software.
Both Sony models will run Android 8.0 Oreo and will go on sale later this year. The XZ1 will hit the shelves on September 19 start at $699, while the XZ1 Compact is projected to go live on October 4 from $599. The two devices will also feature a fingerprint reader outside the US and will be offered in black, blue, silver, and pink.
