Many new ones should appear in 2017 good smartphones, but many say that they are waiting for only one phone, and that is Sony Xperia Z7. In this article we will tell you what to expect from the seventh generation Sony Xperia Z. We will reveal to you all the secrets of this amazing bundle of technology.

There are a lot of rumors about this model, just like there were rumors before that the Z6 would be the last model. Sony Xperia has always surprised us with its high technology and I am sure that this model will also surprise us with something. Previous models had amazing features that changed the world of smartphones. Will the Sony Xperia Z7 be the same model? We will tell you this in this article. And also what technical characteristics, concepts, functions, price and much more it will have.

What do we know about Sony Xperia Z7?

The developers of Sony Xperia Z7 have planned to change and add a lot to their new model. They want to make several versions of this model that will differ in functionality, characteristics and, of course, price. In order to satisfy every consumer.

As far as we know, there will be three variants of the Sony Xperia Z7, one will be smaller, a mini variant, as well as a standard Z7 and a Z7 Premium. The Z7 mini will cost slightly less than the other two options. It will be equipped with two great cameras, top-class processor, HD expansion, and the latest operating system.

The Z7 and Z7 Premium will likely have the same features and specifications, including even the cameras. All previous models from Sony surprised with their cameras, they were always at the highest level and competitors cannot even imagine where they get such technology from. In the seventh generation we expect a camera with a wide-angle lens, optical stabilization and autofocus. This is something completely new.

Also, the Sony Xperia Z7 will have 3D features that will allow you to watch 3D movies and play 3D games. This technology will be installed on a smartphone for the first time, but I want to say that all other smartphones from well-known manufacturers that should be released in 2017 will also have this function.

The phone has not yet been put into production, but the company has already revealed everything and now we will tell you all the most interesting things that you can see and find in the Sony Xperia Z7 in a few months.

Technical characteristics of Sony Xperia Z7:

• Battery: 3900 mAh
• Cameras: rear 28 megapixels, front 10 megapixels
• Camera Specifications: optical stabilization, 3D movies, 3D images, auto laser focus, face detection and HDR
• Colors: black, blue, gold, green, red, white
• Features: Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, retina scanner, wireless charging and mini projector
• Memory: built-in 64 GB or 128 GB, supports micro SD up to 256 GB
• operating system: Android 8.0
• Price: US$700
• Processor: eight nuclear processor 3.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or 840.
• RAM: RAM 6 GB
• Release date: April 2018
• Screen: 4.6”, 5.3” and 6.0” displays with 4K resolution 4096 x 2160

Sony Xperia Z7 is something completely new, it will have sophisticated security system, technology wireless charging and much more.

The Z7 Mini will have the same specifications as the other versions, but it will not have a retina scanner, but instead the familiar fingerprint scanner. This was done in order to reduce the price, and also because the retinal scanner has not gained such strong popularity, and perhaps this model will sell better not only because of the low price.

Also, the new model will come with wireless charging technology, I want to note that this technology is used on all smartphones in 2018. Technology is developing, and that's good. What are the advantages of such charging? Firstly, you will not have problems with the cord, and secondly, the charging time is 50% less.

Sony Xperia Z7 body:

Consumers of previous Sony Xperia models were not very satisfied with the appearance, or rather the body of their smartphone. It was bulky, weak and not attractive. The Z version has a glass body, but it should be more reliable and durable.

The developers said they will fix these problems. Is it so? We'll see you later. Sony Xperia Z7 will come without frames, it will be convenient for both right-handers and left-handers.

Also, this model will be the largest among smartphones that will be released in 2018, as it will have a 6.0-inch screen.

Price for Sony Xperia Z7:

Sony wants to win back its former consumers who left due to price increases. Therefore, the price of the Sony Xperia Z7 is much lower than it could be, given its characteristics. As far as we know, the price for the Z7 will be in the range of $600 - $700. The Z7 Mini model will be at least $50 cheaper.

The biggest competitor for the Sony Xperia Z7 will be, which will be released this same year. Xiaomi has almost the same specifications, but it is much cheaper, which will allow it to enter the global market and grab a lot of consumers. This is only to our advantage, since we can get good phone much cheaper than if there was no competition.

A little more information:

Sony says that their new model will not be sold in all markets and will be limited in series. Is it true? We do not know. Perhaps this statement was made to create excitement and a large number of pre-orders.

The Sony Xperia Z7 should be announced in the summer of 2017, with pre-orders available around that time. If you want to get this new model directly from the factory, then we advise you to pre-order, as then the prices will be lower and you will know for sure that you received the original and not a fake.

Basically, I told you everything I wanted. If you are planning to buy a new smartphone in 2017, then in our news you can find all the potential competitors of the Sony Xperia Z7, you can compare prices, characteristics and decide what you should buy.

If you think that the information in the article is outdated, write “update” in the comments and we will rewrite, add and correct the incorrect information.

Sony's mobile division has been experiencing a serious crisis for several years now. Was called upon to change this situation new flagship company - Xperia Z. It was well received by the press and experts. On paper, the characteristics of the device are excellent. This includes a Full HD display with a diagonal of 5 inches, a 13-megapixel camera with special photo processing algorithms. And, perhaps, the most important thing is that the smartphone is dust-proof and very beautiful. But is everything so good in reality? We looked for the answer to this question during the Xperia Z user test.

Sony Xperia Z has opened the season of announcements of flagship products in 2013. The presentation of the flagship of the Japanese company took place at CES2013 in January. At this event, Xperia Z became the most talked about device and received many rave reviews.

Among the special merits of the new product were a quad-core processor, a Full HD display with a diagonal of 5 inches, high quality camera, protection from dust and water.

Another interesting point that almost everyone talked about: stylish design. What is the cost of using tempered glass on the front and back parts apparatus.

Dimensions. Contents of delivery

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Sony Xperia Z is a very thin, but very wide smartphone. Excessive length and width do not allow one-handed operation of the device. If we go into numbers, the dimensions of the device are 139x71x7.9 mm, weight - 146 g. The weight did not seem excessive to me. Rather, it gives a feeling of reliability. The large dimensions of the device are concealed by its small thickness. This allows you to wear Xperia Z even in the pockets of tight clothing. However, if you go online, you will have to take the gadget out of your pocket.

The package (our test sample was purchased in Italy) includes:

Sony Xperia Z phone

• Charger adapter USB devices
• Cable for synchronization with computer (microUSB)
• Stereo headset with 3.5 mm mini-jack connector
• Set of overlays for the headset different sizes
• Set of NFC tags
• Set of protective films for screen and back surface apparatus
• Instructions

In addition to this, the Russian Sony Xperia Z package will also be replenished with a charging dock, which is not intended to perform any other tasks other than charging itself. This is a plastic stand, called a “charging module” in the settings.

Design, construction

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The Japanese did a great job on the appearance. Visually, the smartphone is not perceived as bulky as one might judge based on its characteristics. The developers managed to achieve this thanks to a minimalist design. The smartphone uses a minimum additional elements, and all the outlines of the body are close to rectangular. According to Sony, "Xperia Z is constructed using premium materials and debuts the new OmniBalance design concept with subtly rounded edges and smooth reflective surfaces on all sides."

The ends of the Sony Xperia Z case are made of metal (with the exception of plugs for various technical connectors), and the front and back panels are covered with tempered glass. It is worth noting that different batches use different types tempered glass. Somewhere it’s Corning Gorilla Glass, and somewhere else it’s Asahi Dragontrail. I don’t know what was on my test sample, but I can state that the glass firmly protects the display and the back from scratches and abrasions.

By the way, some people on the Internet call the Xperia Z a flattened / 4S. Comparisons with the previous two Apple smartphone models are inevitable due to the angular shapes and glass covering the front and back sides of the device. However, Xperia Z is original and unlike any mobile phone that has come out before.

The devices are available in three colors: white, purple and black. I had a black device at my disposal.

Almost the entire front part of the smartphone is occupied by a large 5-inch touchscreen display. It is about 12.7 cm. Above it is the speaker hole. To the left is a camera for video calls (2 megapixels), and to the right are all kinds of sensors: motion sensor, light sensor, G-sensor. In the upper right corner there is an LED that lights up while charging, and also blinks when receiving SMS, calls or when the battery is low.

On the back there is a 13-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash. Just below is the NFC chip, branded with a special logo.

On the right side there is a button to turn on, turn off and lock the phone. She's metal silver color, round shape. Just below you can see the volume key. Even lower is the speaker for external calls. Its volume is below average. I would note a high probability of missing a call if your phone is in your clothes or far from your location. In other cases, the volume is enough. At the same end, behind a protective cap, there is a slot for a microSIM card.

At the top end there is a 3.5 mm headphone output. It is also covered with a plug. A standard microUSB connector for charging and connecting to a computer is located on the left side. There's also a card slot microSD memory and contacts for the docking station. But there is no mechanical camera button; the camera application for shooting can only be launched from the menu or lock mode. The Xperia Z's lithium-ion battery is non-removable.

The build quality of the device is excellent. During the test I did not find any external defects. The impressions are extremely positive. The smartphone is assembled at a factory in China.

After my first acquaintance with the Sony Xperia Z, I caught myself thinking that I really liked the appearance of the device. The feeling of touching glass surfaces is not comparable to plastic. In addition, the assembly here is excellent. The controls are properly positioned on the sides. But I absolutely did not like the dimensions.

Ladies and gentlemen who work in manufacturing companies and think that a 5-inch screen is good! You are wrong! It's really inconvenient and not ergonomic! You can't reach the edge of the screen with one finger. I’m generally silent about “reaching the corners.” In addition, while talking on the phone, it feels like you are pressing a brick to your head. Is this really convenient?

I can say with confidence that I finally realized that the growth of the diagonal in modern smartphones, a dead end line of development.

Dust and moisture protection

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Sony Xperia Z is a rare smartphone that has enough high level moisture and dust protection is implemented. The smartphone is certified according to standards. The numbers indicate that dust may get inside the case, but will not affect the performance of the device.

It is the torture and moisture resistance that dictates the presence of such a huge number of plugs on the body of the device. It is important to ensure tightness.

As for protection from moisture, the smartphone can survive at a depth of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. In addition, it can withstand being under running water. Testing the Xperia Z for security in real conditions confirmed that the smartphone is not afraid of liquids. For example, I dipped my smartphone in a glass of mineral water and it didn’t matter!

Screen. Graphics capabilities

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The screen is perhaps the most controversial thing about the Xperia Z. Firstly, it is a 5-inch (12.7 cm) diagonal. Of course, it's good that it's big, but because of this the device has excessive dimensions. Secondly, the type of matrix used provides low viewing angles. As soon as you look at the screen even slightly at an angle, the colors on it will begin to fade. But in the normal position the picture and colors are good. I didn’t expect to see such a strange display on a smartphone for 30,000 rubles.

At the same time, I want to praise the resolution, which is 1080x1920 pixels with an excellent pixel density of 440 ppi. Image clarity is excellent. Individual points are difficult to distinguish even under a magnifying glass.

The brightness is adjusted both manually and automatically, based on the operation of the light sensor. Naturally, there is also a proximity sensor that blocks the screen when you bring the smartphone to your ear. Multi-touch technology allows you to process up to ten touches simultaneously.

Keyboard and information input

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Entering information, as well as writing texts and dialing numbers, occurs using touch screen.

There are two options for typing text on the Xperia Z: a ​​vertical and horizontal QWERTY keyboard, and voice dialing. In the first version, the buttons are small, but typing text is still convenient.

In horizontal orientation, the buttons are quite large and allow you to type text without any problems. Changing the language occurs by pressing the RU/EN key, only you must first select the main languages ​​in the settings. One of the features I would like to note is the lack of the ability to type punctuation marks with one touch in the Sony interface. Personally, this really annoys me.

Menu. Interface and navigation

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Sony Xperia Z runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system. The software can be updated via the Internet. Sony's own shell is installed on top of the operating system. It is much simpler and more understandable than the basic one.

Among the differences there is a difference in unlocking the device from standard androids. Sony has moved away from the boring “pull the ring” unlocking method. There is also no need to aim at the slider and pull it to the right or left. Now you just need to swipe your finger across the screen from bottom to top or top to bottom - and the phone is ready to use.

The process of desktop personalization has been made convenient and thoughtful. In the main window, the user can select the desired desktop, and using the lower menu, add widgets or application shortcuts, as well as change background picture or the entire design theme. The list of programs can be sorted alphabetically, installation time, frequency of use, or at your own discretion.

In standby mode, the user has access to up to seven desktops.

A long, continuous press on the top of the screen will activate the notification panel. It displays the current date, operator name and other supporting information. The notification panel informs you about missed voice messages, messages Email, Gmail and much more. Here you can quickly enable functions such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, sound, auto-rotate.

The menu can be accessed by tapping the "Applications" option at the bottom right of the screen. The menu of the phone under test is presented by default with three screens that can be scrolled through. These are all different applications. Long pressing an application's shortcut will move it to the desktop. To remove a shortcut from the desktop, you need to do the opposite. There is also a “Widgets” tab, from where you can add useful information directly to your smartphone desktop.

Kit preinstalled programs Sony smartphones don't change much from model to model. Several online services, such as TrackID, Movies, PlayNow, offer you to select, buy and immediately launch music, movies and games. Timescape collects information about friends' social activity. There is a pre-installed file manager. There is also a QR code scanner.

Branded Smart program Connect, which is used to launch certain profiles (operating modes), starts when the smartphone is installed in the docking station, but autorun can be turned off. Full version of the package office applications OfficeSuite Pro, which would allow not only viewing, but also editing files in popular Word formats, Excel and PowerPoint, not here. Now the buyer receives only a stripped-down version of OfficeSuite, which allows only viewing files of these formats.

Telephone features

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First of all, these include “Phone”, “Contacts”, “Messages”. They are all at the bottom of the main Xperia screen Z.

The Contacts app stores detailed information O telephone numbers and subscribers. A specific record can have two dozen fields, be it last name, first name, patronymic, mobile number, home phone, email address, date of birth or personal ID, Skype, etc. The search in contacts occurs immediately across all fields of the client, that is, you can dial the number, first name, last name, etc. Each subscriber’s profile can now be linked to his social media accounts.

Drawing keys, numbers and letters of number dialing and virtual keyboard very convenient for typing SMS messages. During incoming call the screen displays the subscriber's photo and number from the phone book, or, if the subscriber is unknown, a picture of a green man.

Text and multimedia messages are grouped by subscriber. By clicking on a specific contact, you can view the history of correspondence with this person.

Internet and Google services

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The standard Chrone browser uses updated Webkit and JavaScript.

The device is fully integrated with Google services, such as Gmail, Google+, Google Maps, YouTube and, of course, search. The user only needs to provide his account information Google posts and that's all.

Working tools include “Calendar”. It allows you to view events by date, time and action. The service is a high-quality planner-organizer, all in one. All events can be divided into groups with corresponding fields. All information is stored on a Google server.

Multimedia capabilities

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The app for playing music is called Walkman . Here you can view and listen to audio tracks. The following file formats are supported: MP3, AMR, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+.. There is sorting by artists, albums, genres, composers.

The standard headset is included in the package. Thanks to the 3.5 mm jack, you can choose any headphones.

The “Video” item displays videos made both by the device’s camera and downloaded from the Internet.

A unique thematic browser for photo and video files is the “Gallery” item. All files are divided into folders: photos and video clips, music.

Camera. Photo and video capabilities

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The main camera on the Xperia Z can take pictures of up to 13 megapixels. By default, it works in the so-called super auto mode. The mentioned “super auto mode” actually locks all camera settings; the smartphone independently determines how to take photographs. It turns out quite well. The maximum resolution that can be set is 12 megapixels with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Then the photos are 3920x2940 in size.

The maximum resolution of camera images in manual mode is 13 megapixels, but this can only be achieved if you independently switch the shooting mode to normal. Then the resulting photos will have a size of 4128x3096.

The continuous shooting speed reaches 10 frames per second. The quality is not bad, but in reality it turns out that we are not dealing with photography, but with saving individual frames of a video sequence.

Among additional features There are automatic smile detection, a panorama mode and several filters, some of which change the image beyond recognition.

The camera can shoot video in Full HD resolution 1080p, excellent quality, quite suitable for home photography.

Photos and videos can be viewed from the Multimedia menu. Photos and videos are displayed as thumbnails, the list opens very quickly, there are no delays even with a large number of photos or images. In the gallery, you can scroll through photos by tilting the phone in one direction or another. All this became possible thanks to the built-in accelerometer.

Memory and speed

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The flagship from Sony is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 APQ8064 chipset, which consists of four Krait computing cores operating at frequencies up to 1.5 GHz. The Adreno 320 chip is responsible for the graphics, 2 GB of RAM is enough for everything. The built-in memory is only 16 GB, but there is a slot for a microSD card. In terms of hardware, the Xperia Z is almost identical to the Nexus 4, HTC Butterfly and ASUS PadFone 2.

The peculiarity of the model is that it has protection against moisture and dust IP58. The smartphone is equipped with a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with a frequency of 2.2 GHz, 16 GB of internal memory (with card support), a 20.7 MP main camera and a 2 MP front camera .

According to ZOOM.Cnews readers
Sony Xperia Z1:

Beautiful, functional, ergonomic, has a good camera, can be a replacement for a player, can act as a GPS receiver, has a capacious battery, is affordable, and lightweight.

CHARACTERISTICS

Beautiful

Functional

Ergonomic

Has a good camera

Can be a replacement for the player

Can act as a GPS receiver

Has a capacious battery

Affordable

Easy

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MAIN TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Nutrition

Battery capacity: 3000 mAh Battery: non-removable Talk time: 14 hours Standby time: 880 hours Music listening time: 110 hours

Additional Information

Features: degree of protection - IPX5, IPX8, IP5X Date of announcement: 2013-09-04

General characteristics

Type: smartphone Weight: 170 g Controls: screen buttons Design: waterproof Operating system: Android 4.4 Case type: classic Number of SIM cards: 1 Dimensions (WxHxT): 74x144x8.5 mm SIM card type: micro SIM

Screen

Screen type: color TFT, 16.78 million colors, touch Touch screen type: multi-touch, capacitive Diagonal: 5 inches. Image size: 1920x1080 Pixels per inch (PPI): 441 Automatic screen rotation: yes Scratch-resistant glass: yes

Multimedia capabilities

Camera: 20.70 million pixels, led flash Camera functions: autofocus, digital Zoom 8x Video recording: yes Max. video resolution: 1920x1080 Front-camera: yes, 2 million pixels. Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV, FM radio Headphone jack: 3.5 mm Recognition: faces, smiles Geo Tagging: yes Video output: MHL

Connection

Interfaces: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, USB, ANT+, NFC Standard: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A Cat. 4 DLNA support: yes Satellite navigation: GPS/GLONASS A-GPS system: yes Use as a USB drive: yes Support for LTE bands: model C6903 - 800, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz; model C6906 - 700, 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz; model C6943 - 800, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz

Memory and processor

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974, 2200 MHz Number of processor cores: 4 Built-in memory: 16 GB RAM capacity: 2 GB Memory card support: microSD (TransFlash), up to 64 GB Video processor: Adreno 330 Memory card slot: yes, up to 64 GB

Other features

Control: voice dialing, voice control Sensors: light, proximity, gyroscope, compass Flight mode: yes A2DP profile: yes Main technical characteristics

Peculiarities
Type	smartphone
operating system	Android
Version	4.3
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
Frequency	2200 MHz
RAM	2048 MB
Flash memory	16384 MB
Screen
Diagonal	5 "
Permission	1920 x 1080
Color rendition	16 million colors
Digital camera
Camera	20.7 million pixels
Nutrition
Operating time	13.5 hours
Standby time	880 h
Dimensions and weight
Width	74 mm
Height	144 mm
Depth	8.5 mm
Weight	170 gr.

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The most anticipated smartphones of autumn 2013 according to ZOOM.CNews

The autumn IFA 2013 exhibition has recently died down, at which manufacturers of a wide variety of equipment showed their new products (and some released them). Smartphone manufacturers did not stand aside either - now we know what to expect before the end of the year. And today we will tell you about the most interesting of these new products.

Detailed testing of the new Sony flagship Mobile

Perhaps it’s worth starting with the fact that Sony, having once again updated its main and most popular line mobile devices called Xperia Z, this time brought everything “to a common denominator”, giving all devices included in the updated series, without exception, serial number 3. So even a miniature version flagship smartphone Sony Z3 Compact immediately “jumped” one digit in its index, so as not to differ from its comrades in the line. There is no longer and will never be a model called Xperia Z2 Compact; users immediately received a third “mini” version, and now all three main products in the top family have the same index Z3 in their name.

Sony's new line of mobile devices was presented at the very beginning of autumn during the IFA 2014 world exhibition and includes three top devices: the flagship smartphone Sony Xperia Z3, its miniature version Xperia Z3 Compact, and a new eight-inch tablet called Sony Z3 Tablet. This applies to the main devices of the line. Besides them, in new series Sony mobile products have entered budget Xperia smartphone E3, and a watch, and a new bracelet with an electronic ink screen... But everything has its time. Today we present to your attention a detailed test review of the most important device in the top family - Sony smartphone Xperia Z3, which very quickly replaced the Xperia Z2 introduced literally in the spring. The Japanese firmly adhere to the once chosen course of updating the flagship line every six months, rightly believing that during this time enough reasons have accumulated to update the model range.

Unlike the Xperia Z2, which progressed relative to its predecessors precisely in terms of technical improvements, the Xperia Z3 added virtually no changes in this regard. But on the other hand, very significant work was done on the appearance of the product itself and the user GUI, that is, most of the changes this time lie precisely in the plane of design and decoration. However, this does not mean that the next update should be treated with disdain. On the contrary, the Sony Xperia Z3 has eliminated all those shortcomings and roughness that irritated the powerful, but in many ways rough Xperia Z2. However, in terms of technical characteristics there have been some changes. Let's talk about everything in order.

Video review

First, we suggest watching our video review of the Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone:

Key Features of Sony Xperia Z3 (Model D6603)

	Sony Xperia Z3	Vivo Xshot	HTC One M8	Samsung Galaxy S5
Screen	5.2″, IPS	5.2″, IPS	5″, Super LCD 3	5.1″, Super AMOLED
Permission	1920×1080, 423 ppi	1920×1080, 424 ppi	1920×1080, 440 ppi	1920×1080, 432 ppi
SoC			Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (4 Krait 400 cores) @2.3 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (4 Krait 400 cores) @2.5 GHz
GPU	Adreno 330	Adreno 330	Adreno 330	Adreno 330
RAM	3 GB	2/3 GB	2 GB	2 GB
Flash memory	16 GB	16/32 GB	16/32 GB	16 GB
Memory card support	microSD	microSD	microSD	microSD
operating system	Google Android 4.4	Google Android 4.3	Google Android 4.4	Google Android 4.4
Battery	non-removable, 3100 mAh	non-removable, 2600 mAh	non-removable, 2600 mAh	removable, 2800 mAh
Cameras	rear (20.7 MP; 4K video), front (2.2 MP)	rear (13 MP; 4K video), front (8 MP)	rear (4 MP; video 1080p), front (5 MP)	rear (16 MP; 4K video), front (2 MP)
Dimensions and weight	146×72×7.3 mm, 152 g	146×73×8 mm, 148 g	146×71×9.4 mm, 160 g	142×73×8.1 mm, 145 g
average price	T-11028534	T-10970877	T-10761030	T-10725078
Sony Xperia Z3 offers	L-11028534-10

• SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AC), 2.5 GHz, 4 cores
• GPU Adreno 330
• operating room Android system 4.4 KitKat
• Touch IPS display, 5.2″, 1920×1080
• Random access memory (RAM) 3 GB, inner memory 16 GB
• MicroSD card slot up to 128 GB (SDXC)
• Protection against dust and moisture according to IP 65/68 standard
• Communication GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
• Communications 3G UMTS HSPA+ 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
• LTE Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20 (2600/800 FDD are used in the Russian Federation)
• Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
• Support DLNA, MHL 3.0, OTG, Media Go, MTP, Miracast
• Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz), point Wi-Fi access
• GPS/Glonass
• Exmor RS 20.7 MP camera, autofocus, LED flash, 4K video
• Front camera 2.2 MP
• Non-removable battery 3100 mAh
• Dimensions 146×72×7.3 mm
• Weight 152 g

Contents of delivery

The Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone is packaged in a fairly simple appearance, which has already become classic for recent products mobile line Sony is a flat and square box made of thin unvarnished cardboard with a cardboard tray and three different sized compartments inside, separated by thin partitions.

The Sony Xperia Z3 package is very laconic: compact Charger yes Micro-USB connecting cable. Sony headphones decided not to invest any more in the kit with its flagship products; they will be offered separately at a fairly reasonable price, as an additional accessory.

Appearance and ease of use

If most of the main changes in the Sony Xperia Z2 affected the technical part, then in the third incarnation the previous content was dressed in a much fresher shell. Since the very first Xperia Z appearance The casing of all flagship smartphones in the line has remained virtually unchanged over generations, remaining the same type. The basis of the design, to which the developers even gave their own name OmniBalance, was a frame with flat edges. Moreover, recently it has taken on the appearance of such a rough, heavy all-metal structure with cut off sharp edges that the Xperia Z2, for example, was really uncomfortable to hold in the hand. The main complaints that immediately poured in from users regarding the Xperia Z2 presented in the spring concerned precisely the roughness and heaviness of the body of the new product. This time, the developers took into account all the negative nuances and changed the feeling of using a smartphone beyond recognition.

Moreover, they didn’t have to do almost anything: they just removed the flat chamfers from the surface of the side frames, which made the rough edges that dug into the palm disappear. The metal frame has become completely streamlined; flat and sharp edges have been replaced by rounded sides, making the device really pleasant to hold in your hand.

A polymer gasket between metal and glass that disappeared in latest models, I haven’t returned here, but the metal edges of the edge no longer dig into the skin as before. Now in the hands of the user there is a pleasant-to-touch, smooth and streamlined “block”, which has also lost weight. The weight of the Sony Xperia Z3 was brought to a comfortable level, which had the most favorable effect on the overall perception of the device - now there is simply nothing to complain about.

As for the general structure of the case, the smartphone is still a monolithic, non-separable candy bar, consisting of two glass plates and a metal frame that runs along the entire side perimeter of the case. The metal surface is matte and slightly rough, which is why the smartphone is perfectly held in the fingers and does not slip out of the palm.

At the same time, even greater changes have been made to the design of the frame than are immediately noticeable to the eye. The fact is that the corners of the frame this time were made of polycarbonate material, which absorbs shock when the device falls. Now they play the role of shock absorbers, which, in theory, should have a beneficial effect on the “survival” of the product after falls from a height. This plastic is indistinguishable from the metal of the frame itself, so that overall the body retains a uniform appearance.

Another change affected the thickness of the case: the smartphone has become a little thinner, and it looks very cool. True, the decrease in thickness led to a decrease in the volume of the built-in battery, but the changes in this regard are not very significant.

Otherwise, everything remains in place: the front and rear glass no longer have the factory protective film; the characteristics of the glass are similar to the popular Corning Gorilla Glass, but proud Sony does not like to talk about its suppliers. The screen is now made using IPS technology, next to it on the front side there are two stereo speakers facing the user. A special connector with an open pair of contacts for installing a smartphone in a docking station has not been forgotten. The connector is universal: most modern Sony devices, including tablets, can be installed in the same docking station, purchased separately.

The covers on the side frame are still made of metal and equipped with rubberized gaskets. As a result, the smartphone, like its predecessors, is provided with maximum protection against the ingress of water and dust according to the IP 65/68 standard. There are two covers; they hide slots for a memory card and SIM card, as well as a Micro-USB connector. By the way, changes have occurred here too: now top-end Sony mobile devices use Nano-SIM format cards, obviously with an eye to a painless possible transition for some users from Apple iPhone. The rest will have to go back to the communication store and change their SIM card to a card of the new standard.

The front and rear glass panels now do not have those factory protective films that were so controversial. Maybe this is for the better, since the films naturally wore out faster and became covered with a lot of scratches than glass, and removing them was quite problematic, and besides, the glass then lost its grease-repellent coating.

The sound output grilles are located at the top and bottom of the screen; the role of the grilles is played by two symmetrical slits in the glass. A completely logical solution is to turn the speakers towards the user, and not away from him, and there are two speakers themselves. By the way, the sound of the new flagship has become significantly louder than that of its predecessors, even despite the gaskets that protect it from water. Another change: previously, it was through the top slot of the speaker that the status indicator light made its way, now its role is played by a more traditional, separately located LED point. In the settings menu there is an item where you can disable some of the indicator’s functions, leaving it to notify only about the charging status.

Below the screen, as is customary with Sony, there are no hardware touch buttons; control is carried out using virtual buttons on the screen. So here below you can only find the lower speaker grille, and even then there is not much space left for it. In general, the frames around the screen are very thin on all sides, so that the body of the smartphone, with such a large display area, remains in quite manageable dimensions - both for the average human hand and for a pocket of any size.

The back wall of the case is exactly the same as the front: it is made of glass, there is no protective film on it, there are no gaskets between the glass and the metal of the side faces, and the only functional elements present here are the camera window and the flash eye. The flash here consists of a single LED, while most competing flagships have had dual flashes for a long time, and now they also come in multi-colored ones. It’s good that they didn’t forget to provide the smartphone with pre-installed software that allows you to use this module in flashlight mode.

The power and lock button is located on the right side, next to the volume key. It is traditional for latest smartphones Sony has the appearance of a metal round, but in models of the third series it is somewhat different in appearance. All the keys are large, easy to feel blindly, and have a distinct spring-loaded action, so there are no complaints about the controls of the Sony Xperia Z3.

At the bottom of the right side there is a dedicated hardware camera control key, thanks to which the smartphone can be used for shooting even underwater, although the screen at this time becomes insensitive to touch. The ability to shoot underwater on Sony mobile devices is a proprietary feature that the company constantly plays out in advertising and on posters.

The headphone audio jack (3.5 mm) is located on top here, and it is not covered by any plugs. However, it is also protected from water getting inside the case. There is nothing on the bottom end - a universal Micro-USB connector, which, by the way, supports connecting external devices in OTG mode, hidden under a cover on the left side. For daily charging, you will have to flip this cover every time - or use a separately purchased docking station. Sony is in no hurry to build support for wireless charging into its mobile devices.

There is another hole in the lower left corner of the case - this is a traditional strap mount, which is present on all Sony smartphones, and it is a pity that other manufacturers neglect this useful element.

The color scheme of the new flagship's cases has undergone significant changes. Quite unexpectedly, the smartphone was presented not only in traditional black and white, and also, quite expectedly, gold, but also in a completely new one - mint green, which the developers simply call green. In fact, this color has a soft pastel, like a slightly faded greenish tone; The color is discreet and very pleasing to the eye. But the golden color is more reminiscent of highly polished copper, which is why it got its name Copper (copper-red).

Screen

The Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone is equipped with an IPS touch matrix. The screen dimensions are 64x114 mm, diagonal - 5.2 inches, resolution - 1920x1080 pixels. Such a parameter as pixel density is equal to 423 ppi. From the developers themselves this type The display received the brand name Triluminos.

The screen is covered from the outside protective glass without factory protective film - this is branded distinctive feature completely disappeared from the screens of Sony mobile devices. The thickness of the side frames from the edge of the screen to the edge of the body is approximately 3 mm - the frames are very narrow.

The display brightness can be adjusted manually, or you can use automatic adjustment. Multi-touch technology here allows you to process up to 10 simultaneous touches. The display can be operated with gloves or wet fingers. When you bring the smartphone to your ear, the screen is locked using a proximity sensor.

A detailed examination using measuring instruments was carried out by the editor of the “Monitors” and “Projectors and TV” sections, Alexey Kudryavtsev. Here is his expert opinion on the screen of the sample under study.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface that is scratch-resistant. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are no worse than those of the Google Nexus 7 (2013) screen (hereinafter simply Nexus 7). For clarity, here is a photograph in which a white surface is reflected in the switched off screens of both devices (Sony Xperia Z3, as it is not difficult to determine, is on the right; then they can be distinguished by size):

Both screens are dark, but the Sony screen is still darker (its brightness in the photo is 98 versus 103 for the Nexus 7). The tripling of reflected objects in the Sony Xperia Z3 screen is very weak, this indicates that there is no air gap between the outer glass (also known as the touch sensor) and the surface of the matrix (OGS - One Glass Solution type screen). Due to the smaller number of boundaries (glass-air type) with very different refractive indices, such screens look better under strong external illumination, but their repair in the case of cracked external glass is much more expensive, since the entire screen has to be replaced. The outer surface of the screen has a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (very effective, perhaps better than that of the Nexus 7), so fingerprints are removed much more easily and appear at a lower speed than with regular glass.

At manual control its maximum brightness value was about 680 cd/m², and its minimum was 4.7 cd/m². The maximum value is simply huge and is a record for this type of equipment, and, given the good anti-glare properties, in bright daylight and even in direct sunlight, the image on the screen should be clearly visible. In complete darkness, the brightness can be reduced to a comfortable level. There is automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor (it is located to the left of the logo on the front panel). In automatic mode, as external lighting conditions change, the screen brightness both increases and decreases. The operation of this function depends on the brightness adjustment position. If it is at maximum, then in complete darkness the auto-brightness function reduces the brightness to 130 cd/m² (too much), in an artificially lit office (about 400 lux) it sets it to 350 cd/m² (very much), in a very bright environment (corresponding to lighting on a clear day outdoors, but without direct sunlight - 20,000 lux or a little more) increases to 580 cd/m² (enough). If the brightness slider is at half the scale (it is very non-linear - after 50% the brightness goes up sharply as the setting value increases), then the screen brightness for the three conditions indicated above is as follows: 68, 240 and 580 cd/m² (suitable values). If the brightness control is set to minimum - 7.4, 120, 580 cd/m². As a result, the auto-brightness function works absolutely adequately. At any brightness level, there is no significant backlight modulation, so there is no screen flickering.

This screen uses a matrix IPS type. The microphotographs show a typical IPS subpixel structure:

For comparison, you can see the gallery of microphotographs of screens used in mobile technology.

The screen has good viewing angles without inverting shades and without significant color shifts, even with large viewing deviations from perpendicular to the screen. For comparison, here are photographs in which the same images are displayed on the screens of the Nexus 7 and Sony Xperia Z3, while the screen brightness is initially set to approximately 200 cd/m² (over a white field in the entire screen), and the color balance on the camera is forcibly switched to 6500 K . White field perpendicular to the plane of the screens:

Note the good uniformity of brightness and color tone of the white field. And a test picture:

The colors on the Sony Xperia Z3's screen are oversaturated, skin tones are heavily red-shifted, and the color balance is very different from the standard. Now at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the plane and to the side of the screen:

It can be seen that the colors have not changed much on both screens, but on the Sony Xperia Z3 the contrast has decreased to a greater extent due to the strong brightening of blacks and a greater decrease in brightness. And a white field:

The brightness at an angle for both screens has noticeably decreased (at least 5 times, based on the difference in shutter speed), but in the case of the Sony Xperia Z3 the drop in brightness is greater (brightness according to photographs is 216 versus 230 for the Nexus 7). However, the color tone did not change much. When deviated diagonally, the black field brightens greatly and acquires a violet or red-violet hue. The photographs below demonstrate this (the brightness of the white areas in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the screens is the same for the screens!):

And from another angle:

When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the black field is average, since there are areas with slightly increased brightness along the edge:

The contrast (approximately in the center of the screen) is normal - about 690:1. The response time for the black-white-black transition is 23 ms (14 ms on + 9 ms off). The transition between halftones of gray 25% and 75% (based on the numerical value of the color) and back takes a total of 33 ms. The gamma curve, constructed using 32 points with equal intervals according to the numerical value of the shade of gray, did not reveal a blockage either in the highlights or in the shadows, and the indicator of the approximating power function the result was 2.31, which is higher than the standard value of 2.2, while the real gamma curve deviates greatly from the power law:

The smartphone has a dynamic adjustment of the backlight brightness depending on the nature of the displayed image. The general tendency is that in dark images the brightness is reduced, but the algorithm is somewhat complex, and as a result, periodically the brightness jumps noticeably, which is annoying, and decreasing the brightness in dark images reduces the visibility of gradations in the shadows under external illumination. That is, there is zero benefit from this function, only harm. As a result, we carried out a number of tests - determining contrast and response time, comparing black illumination at angles - when displaying special templates with a consistently average brightness, and not monochromatic fields in the entire screen. Of course, the resulting dependence of brightness on hue (gamma curve) most likely does not correspond to the gamma curve of a static image, since the measurements were carried out with sequential display of shades of gray on almost the entire screen.

The color gamut is noticeably wider than sRGB:

Let's look at the spectra:

They are very atypical. As they write on the Sony website, this screen uses LEDs with a blue emitter and green and red phosphors (usually a blue emitter and a yellow phosphor), which, in combination with special matrix filters, allows you to get a wide color gamut. Unfortunately, as a result, the colors of images - drawings, photographs and films - oriented to the sRGB space (and these are the vast majority) have an unnatural saturation. This is especially noticeable on recognizable shades, such as skin tones. The result is shown in the photo above. Note that when compared with the Sony Xperia Z2, it is clear that the manufacturer tried to improve the situation with oversaturated colors, and to bring the coverage back to normal, it increased the cross-mixing of components, but something stopped it at the phase of reducing the saturation of the green color. Thanks for trying, but we need to go further, reduce it to sRGB.

The balance of shades on the gray scale is far from ideal, since the color temperature is higher than the standard 6500 K. True, the deviation from the spectrum of an absolutely black body (ΔE) over most of the gray scale is less than 10, which is considered an acceptable indicator for a consumer device. But at the same time, the variation in color temperature and ΔE is large, which negatively affects the visual perception of color balance. (Dark areas of the gray scale can be ignored, since there the color balance does not have of great importance, and the error in measuring color characteristics at low brightness is large.)

This smartphone has the ability to adjust the color balance by adjusting the intensities of the three primary colors. That's what we tried to do, the result is data signed as Corr. in the graphs above. As a result, we slightly reduced ΔE on white and brought the white point a little closer to 6500 K (but also greatly reduced the brightness).

We were prevented from bringing at least the white point back to normal by the limited range of adjustments and high discreteness, which is actually higher than the adjustment step. However, this correction did not reduce the oversaturation of colors.

If someone still finds the image on the screen of this smartphone not bright enough, you can turn on the proprietary mode X-Reality for mobile. The result is shown below:

Saturation and contour sharpness are software enhanced, and there are fewer discernible gradations in the area of ​​saturated colors. But the picture, yes, has become brighter. For color extremists, there is a “maximum brightness” mode, in which the mockery of the image (and common sense) exceeds all reasonable limits. Here's what we got:

Of course, such a picture will find fans. We are all very different.

Let's summarize. The brightness adjustment range of this screen is simply wider than ever, and the anti-glare properties are all right, which allows you to comfortably use the smartphone both on a sunny day on the beach and in complete darkness. It is permissible to use a mode with automatic brightness adjustment, which works absolutely adequately. The advantages also include a very effective oleophobic coating, no flicker and no air gap in the layers of the screen. The disadvantages are a strong highlighting of black color when the gaze deviates from perpendicular to the surface of the screen and aggressive dynamic brightness adjustment. Color rendering is not the best, colors are oversaturated (skin tones are especially affected), color balance differs from the standard. The presence of appropriate adjustments allows you to slightly correct the balance, but not completely and at the expense of reducing brightness. However, taking into account the importance of characteristics specifically for this class of devices (and the most important thing is the visibility of information in wide range external conditions), the quality of the screen can be considered high.

Sound

For the first time, the sound of Sony's flagship smartphone was truly pleasing. During the behind-the-scenes first acquaintance with the prototypes of the Sony Xperia Z3 at the IFA exhibition in Berlin, the device did not impress with its sound. However, the production sample that was later sent to our editor pleasantly surprised us with the power of its sound and the depth of sound, especially considering that the speakers here are also covered with membranes that protect against water. New Xperia Z3 began to sound much louder and better than its predecessors, the sound remains clear at maximum volume level, low frequencies not in excess, but quite enough, the maximum volume is high. Looking ahead, it is worth noting that the mini version of the Xperia Z3 Compact is not so rosy with this; the devices clearly have speakers of different quality.

To play music, the device traditionally uses a proprietary Walkman player. The standard audio player is rich in settings and additional software sound improvements, such as a built-in equalizer with a lot of preset values ​​(you can set your own), Clear Phase, xLoud technologies or virtual surround sound. Control of most settings is available if the complex ClearAudio+ function is turned off, otherwise all settings are left to the machine.

FM radio is included as standard with the smartphone. Traditionally, it only works with connected headphones as an antenna; it does not have the ability to record programs. There was no voice recorder in the standard configuration of the flagship, just like the Xperia Z3 Compact, by the way.

Camera

Sony Xperia Z3 is equipped with two digital camera modules with a resolution of 20.7 and 2.2 megapixels. The hardware here is exactly the same as in the Sony Xperia Z2, only software effects are added. The main 20.7-megapixel camera is equipped with a G Lens series lens with a focal length of 27 mm and an aperture of F2.0. The camera uses a 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS for mobile sensor and a Bionz for mobile processor.

By default, the cameras of all Sony devices operate as standard in the so-called super auto mode (iauto) with a wide aspect ratio, but you can switch the shooting mode manual settings. It is noteworthy that when you use the hardware button on the side of the device to quickly turn on the camera, it is always activated only in automatic shooting mode, even if manual mode was previously enabled. If you launch the camera application by touching the icon on the display, then everything goes as usual, and the camera leaves the previous settings intact, that is, it starts in manual mode, if one was set earlier. Note that there is a big difference between automatic and manual modes, because the maximum resolution of pictures can only be set in manual adjustment mode. When shooting in automatic mode, which is set by default, photos are obtained with a size of 3840 × 2160 (8 megapixels), and in manual mode the maximum possible resolution is exactly the same 20.7 megapixels (5248 × 3936).

In addition to automatic and manual, the software Sony cameras Xperia Z3 has a few more interesting ones additional modes shooting. The Info-eye mode, for example, provides contextual information to an object in the frame using augmented reality technology. In Timeshift burst mode, the camera takes up to 61 shots two seconds before pressing the shutter button, from which you can then choose the best one. The Social live function allows you to upload footage directly to Facebook and view comments on it on your smartphone screen. AR effect makes it possible to combine pictures with animation using proprietary augmented reality technology SmartAR. In addition, the set additional applications, increasing the choice of different shooting modes, can be expanded with downloadable applications, the number of which is constantly growing. To do this, simply turn on the camera, press the shooting mode icon and select “+Apps” to view additional options.

The camera can shoot video in 1080p and UHD (4K) resolution, but the main thing is that it also has the ability to shoot in the most interesting of modes - 1080p at 60 frames/second. An example of such a video is presented below.

• Video No. 1 (84 MB, 1920×1080, 60 fps)

	Good (but not excellent) sharpness on the left side of the frame, which cannot be said about the right side and edges.
	In mid-shots, sharpness drops noticeably. The camera adjusts the exposure too sensitively.
	There are problems with exposure, as well as noise in the shadows and object boundaries.
	The color of the sky is quite “even”, although for this reason the wires simply “drowned” in it.
	In this case, the exposure was chosen well and the shadows were worked out. But there are still problems with the noise reduction and the right side of the frame.
	Again, an unpleasant choice of exposure and a large area of ​​blur on the right.
	The foliage in the background is beautifully done in some places, and terrible in others. The number plate of the nearest car is visible.
	Some sharpening is noticeable on the wires, which still does not save them from drowning in the blue.

Trying to keep up with inexorable progress, manufacturers do not always present ready-made devices. It has happened more than once that the very first models turned out to be somewhat “damp”. Unfortunately, sometimes famous manufacturers also sin with this.

The smartphone came to us even before its official presentation in Russia, and therefore I remember the case of the Sony Z1 Compact, the camera of which we did not quite deservedly hack. The problem was that due to the “dampness” of the sample, good pictures were obtained after one time, or even three. Most likely, the problem was in the camera firmware, which did not adequately process the signal from the image sensor, which is why there was a characteristic blur in the pictures. A similar effect occurs when the camera rotates around the optical axis at relatively long shutter speeds, with sharpness noticeably deteriorating from the center to the edges of the frame. As a result, it was probably possible to shoot with the camera only from a tripod. But in later copies of the smartphone the camera has become noticeably better.

A similar effect is present here: part of the image is blurred, as with a long exposure. Perhaps the reason is that the camera takes several pictures at too large an interval. In any case, we hope that everything will be fixed soon enough, and Sony, as we have already noticed, brings its products to a decent state.

	Lighting ≈3200 lux. The camera does a good job.
	Lighting ≈1400 lux. The situation remains virtually unchanged.
	Lighting ≈130 lux. The grain from the noise reduction becomes a little larger.
	Lighting ≈130 lux, flash. The outbreak does little to improve the situation.
	Lighting<1 люкс, вспышка. Камера справляется немного хуже, чем в прошлый раз. Вспышка очень слабая.

As for this camera “here and now”, it is somewhat inconsistent with a flagship of this level. The software processing is not the worst, but it is clear that it was done in haste: there are barely noticeable traces of sharpening and “laddering” on straight lines, the exposure metering is overly sensitive, and the noise reduction works erratically and (not always and in places) roughly. The noise reduction doesn't handle shadows very well for a flagship, but it's acceptable. What’s worse is that it spoils mid- and long-range plans, although the sharpness of the optics and the resolution of the sensor are quite capable of working out such details, as confirmed by the graph, which in this case somewhat rehabilitates the camera and gives it the right to life. Ultimately, all the problems (I want to believe) rest on the program, which the manufacturer did not have time to bring to perfection. Another reason to believe this is the feeling that the camera contains a module very similar to the Z2 camera. At the same time, the Superior Auto mode produces pictures of a different size than in the case of the Z2. Therefore, if the assumption is correct, then the module is definitely good, and the program is completely redesigned and, apparently, (yet) unfinished. But Sony is unlikely to abandon its flagship to the mercy of fate, and this problem should be corrected in production samples. Well, in any case, the physical parameters of the camera are very decent, and after improvements it promises to be interesting. And even now, with some skill, it is suitable for various subjects.

Telephone and communications

The smartphone works as standard in modern 2G GSM and 3G WCDMA networks, and also has support for fourth generation networks (LTE) used in Russia. In practice, with a SIM card from the domestic operator MTS, the smartphone confidently recognizes and works with 4G networks. The network capabilities of the smartphone are extensive and correspond to a truly top level: there is support for the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, and as a standard you can organize a wireless access point via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth channels. The mode for connecting external devices (USB Host, USB OTG) is supported, so you can connect flash drives and mice with keyboards to the Micro-USB port. The navigation module works with both GPS and the domestic Glonass system.

There were no spontaneous reboots/shutdowns observed during testing, as well as system slowdowns or freezes. When you bring the smartphone to your ear, the screen is blocked by the proximity sensor. The LED indicator at the top of the front panel provides notification of charging status and incoming events.

There is no dedicated top row with numbers on the standard keyboard by default; you need to switch the layout each time, or connect the number row yourself through the settings menu. The layout itself and the location of the keys are standard: to switch the language layout, just click on the button with the corresponding icon. The phone application supports Smart Dial, that is, while dialing a phone number, a search is immediately carried out by the first letters in contacts. There is a convenient option to move the keyboard closer to one of the sides of the screen to make it easier to reach with the fingers of the hand holding the smartphone. Naturally, continuous writing (by sliding your finger from letter to letter) Swype is also supported.

OS and software

The operating system is the latest version of the Google Android 4.4.4 KitKat software platform, on top of which is traditionally installed its own proprietary graphical user interface. The internal structure of the shell, all menus, settings items and pop-up contextual submenus - everything remains exactly the same. However, the external shell has undergone significant changes. Previously, Sony's graphical interface elements were drawn quite finely. Now, unexpectedly, all the elements on the screen, and most importantly, the application icons themselves, began to look much larger and clearer. The fonts have increased; such sudden transformations have only benefited the smartphone. There are also less obvious, but in some ways more useful, improvements. Finally, for example, a function to reboot the device has appeared in the menu, because before this only Sony smartphones lacked such an option. If it was necessary to reboot the device, it was necessary to first turn off and then turn on the smartphone, which was annoying.

The most important innovation that has occurred in software terms with the new Sony mobile devices is the emergence of close integration with the Sony PlayStation 4 game console. If the house already has one, then the Xperia Z3 smartphone, or the Xperia Z3 Tablet, can serve as a “portable screen” , that is, everything that happens begins to be displayed not on the TV screen, but on the screen of a mobile device. This is, for example, convenient when you need to free up the TV if one of the family members suddenly wants to watch some other program on TV. For such use, Sony will produce a special mount that can connect a smartphone or tablet to the joystick of a game console. This service is called Remote Play.

Performance

Like the previous flagship, the Sony Xperia Z3 hardware platform is based on a single-chip quad-core system (SoC) Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 with four Krait 400 cores. However, the Sony Xperia Z2 had a maximum processor core frequency of only 2.3 GHz, while the Sony Xperia Z3 it is increased to 2.5 GHz. This is explained by the fact that it uses a slightly more advanced version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AC).

The processor here is supported in graphics processing by the same Adreno 330 video accelerator. About 11 GB of 16 GB of own memory are initially available in the device for the user’s needs. The smartphone's RAM capacity is 3 GB, and this makes the Sony Xperia Z3 stand out among its direct competitors - all the others received only 2 GB of RAM. MicroSD memory cards in this model are supported up to 128 GB; you can also connect external flash drives, keyboards and mice to the Micro-USB port using a special adapter in OTG mode.

To get an idea of ​​the performance of the platform of the smartphone under test, we will conduct a standard set of tests.

For convenience, we have compiled all the results we obtained when testing the smartphone in the latest versions of popular benchmarks into tables. The table usually adds several other devices from different segments, also tested on similar latest versions of benchmarks (this is done only for a visual assessment of the obtained dry figures). Unfortunately, within the framework of one comparison it is impossible to present the results from different versions of benchmarks, so many worthy and relevant models remain “behind the scenes” - due to the fact that they once passed the “obstacle course” on previous versions of test programs.

Testing in MobileXPRT, as well as in the latest versions of AnTuTu and GeekBench 3:

Based on benchmark testing results, the device proved to be one of the most powerful and productive modern mobile devices on the market. It is worth noting that all the figures practically coincided with the results of the previous model Sony Xperia Z2, which recently underwent exactly the same tests. As for the results in the AnTuTu test, they have increased significantly, but it is not yet entirely clear how the results of the two versions of the popular benchmark correlate with each other, because now the fourth version has been replaced by the fifth, and all new devices are now tested in it. It is unknown whether the developers have brought everything to a common denominator, so for now we will have to mark on the plates which versions of the benchmark this or that model was tested with. However, the difference is probably not that great; all the top smartphones, which are based on the Snapdragon 801, are, in any case, the most powerful mobile devices on the market today, the hardware capacity of which will be sufficient for a long time to complete any assigned tasks.

When testing in 3DMark, the most powerful smartphones now have the ability to run the application in Unlimited mode, where the rendering resolution is fixed at 720p and VSync is disabled (which can cause the speed to rise above 60 fps).

Results of testing the graphics subsystem in the Epic Citadel gaming test, as well as Basemark X and Bonsai Benchmark:

Browser cross-platform tests:

As for benchmarks for assessing the speed of the javascript engine, you should always make allowance for the fact that their results significantly depend on the browser in which they are launched, so the comparison can only be truly correct on the same OS and browsers, and this is possible during testing not always. For Android OS, we always try to use Google Chrome.

Playing video

To test the omnivorous nature of video playback (including support for various codecs, containers and special features, such as subtitles), we used the most common formats, which make up the bulk of the content available on the Internet. Note that for mobile devices it is important to have support for hardware video decoding at the chip level, since it is most often impossible to process modern options using processor cores alone. Also, you shouldn’t expect a mobile device to decode everything, since the leadership in flexibility belongs to the PC, and no one is going to challenge it.

According to testing results, the Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone was not equipped with all the decoders necessary for full playback of most of the most common files on the Internet. But the first smartphone in the series, the Xperia Z model, played all these same files without any problems without the need to resort to third-party solutions. Here, to successfully play them, you will have to resort to the help of a third-party player - for example, MX Player. True, even in it you will first have to change the settings, switching from hardware decoding to software or to a new mode called Hardware+(not supported by all smartphones), only then will sound appear. All results are summarized in a table.

Format	Container, video, sound	MX Video Player	Standard video player
DVDRip	AVI, XviD 720×400 2200 Kbps, MP3+AC3	plays normally	plays normally
Web-DL SD	AVI, XviD 720×400 1400 Kbps, MP3+AC3	plays normally	plays normally
Web-DL HD	MKV, H.264 1280×720 3000 Kbps, AC3	Hardware+
BDRip 720p	MKV, H.264 1280×720 4000 Kbps, AC3	plays fine with decoder Hardware+	The video plays fine, but there is no sound¹
BDRip 1080p	MKV, H.264 1920×1080 8000 Kbps, AC3	plays fine with decoder Hardware+	The video plays fine, but there is no sound¹

¹ MX Video Player only played sound after switching to software decoding or a new mode Hardware+; The standard player does not have this setting

Additionally, the MHL interface was tested. To test it, we used the LG IPS237L monitor, which supports direct MHL connection using a passive adapter cable from micro-USB to HDMI. In this case, output via MHL was carried out at a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels at a frequency of 30 frames/s. Regardless of the actual orientation of the smartphone, the image is displayed on the smartphone and monitor screens only in landscape orientation with the connector on the smartphone facing down. In this case, the image on the monitor fits exactly within the boundaries of the display area (if you remember to increase the setting Image Size up to 100%) and repeats the image on the smartphone screen one to one.

Sound is output via MHL (in this case, the sounds were heard through headphones connected to the monitor, since there are no speakers in the monitor itself) and is of good quality. In this case, sounds are not output through the loudspeaker of the smartphone itself, and the volume is not adjusted using the buttons on the smartphone body, but is turned off. In our case, the smartphone with the MHL adapter connected was charging, judging by the charge indicator.

Next, using a set of test files with an arrow and a rectangle moving one division per frame (see “Method for testing video playback and display devices. Version 1 (for mobile devices)”), we checked how the video is displayed on the screen of the smartphone itself. Screenshots with a shutter speed of 1 s helped determine the nature of the output of frames of video files with various parameters: the resolution varied: 1280 by 720 (720p), 1920 by 1080 (1080p) and 3840 by 2160 (4K) pixels and frame rates of 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps. In the tests, we used the MX Player video player in the “Hardware+” mode. The results of this (block entitled “Smartphone Screen”) and the next test are summarized in the table:

Fine No

Note: If in both columns Uniformity And Passes Green ratings are given, this means that, most likely, when watching films, artifacts caused by uneven alternation and frame skipping will either not be visible at all, or their number and visibility will not affect the viewing comfort. Red marks indicate possible problems with playback of the corresponding files.

According to the frame output criterion, the quality of playback of video files on the screen of the smartphone itself is good, since the frames (or groups of frames) can output with a more or less uniform alternation of intervals and without skipping frames. The displayed brightness range is equal to the standard range of 16-235, that is, all gradations of shades are displayed in shadows and highlights. When playing video files with a resolution of 1080p (1920 by 1080 pixels), the image of the video file itself is displayed exactly across the width of the screen, in the original Full HD resolution.

With a monitor connected via MHL, when playing video, the monitor displays an exact copy of the smartphone screen, that is, the output is in true Full HD resolution in the case of 1080p files.

The brightness range displayed on the monitor is equal to the standard range of 16-235 - all gradations of shades are displayed in shadows and highlights. The results of the monitor output tests are shown in the table above in the “MHL (monitor output)” block. The output quality is good. We do not show the results for files with 50 and 60 fps, since this does not make sense due to the output mode of 30 fps. For games where higher frame rates are desired, you can use available external adapters that provide 60 fps output at 720p, or you can try to find monitors/adapters that support MHL output at 1080p at 60 fps.

The conclusion is typical: an MHL connection can be used for gaming, watching movies, surfing the web and other activities that benefit from a larger screen size.

Battery life

The lithium-ion battery installed in the Sony Xperia Z3 turned out to be quite a bit smaller in volume than that of the Xperia Z2, but still has a capacity of 3100 mAh that is quite decent for a modern flagship. Sony's new flagship did not set a record in terms of battery life, but overall it showed itself to be no worse, and maybe a little better than its predecessor. Perhaps the new type of battery has an effect, or the optimization of energy consumption has become better, but in any case, a slight decrease in the battery capacity of the new product did not negatively affect the battery life of the device in test modes.

	Battery capacity	Reading mode	Video mode	3D Game Mode
Sony Xperia Z3	3100 mAh	20:00	10:00 am	4 hours 50 minutes
Sony Xperia Z2	3200 mAh	15:20	11:00 am	3 hours 30 minutes
Oppo Find 7a	2800 mAh	16:40	8 a.m. 20 p.m.	3:00 am
HTC One M8	2600 mAh	22:10	13:20	3 hours 20 minutes
Samsung Galaxy S5	2800 mAh	17:20	12:30 pm	4 hours 30 minutes
TCL Idol X+	2500 mAh	12:30 pm	7:20 am	3:00 am
Lenovo Vibe Z	3050 mAh	11:45 am	8:00 am	3 hours 30 minutes
Acer Liquid S2	3300 mAh	16:40	7 hours 40 minutes	6:00 am
LG G Flex	3500 mAh	23:15	13:30	6 hours 40 minutes
LG G2	3000 mAh	20:00	12:30 pm	4 hours 45 minutes
Sony Xperia Z1	3000 mAh	11:45 am	8:00 am	4 hours 30 minutes

Continuous reading in the FBReader program (with a standard, light theme) at a minimum comfortable brightness level (brightness was set to 100 cd/m²) lasted more than 20 hours until the battery was completely discharged, and when continuously watching videos from YouTube in high quality (HQ) with the same brightness level via a home Wi-Fi network, the device lasted 10 hours. In 3D gaming mode, the smartphone worked for almost 5 hours. The device charges quite quickly; a full charge takes less than 3 hours.

Bottom line

Once again, Sony Mobile has released an excellent top-end device of the highest quality and performance class. The Japanese flagship boasts an expensive, catchy and stylish design and, of course, premium materials. Among its strengths are also the presence of a high degree of protection from water and dust, the highest hardware performance and technical equipment to date, as well as a powerful battery and good sound quality. The screen and camera cannot certainly be called excellent, but they generally correspond to the high level of the smartphone. However, at this point I would like to state with a little sadness that we did not see any breakthroughs in the next update. The smartphone's hardware remains virtually the same; the changes are, albeit noticeable, but still mostly cosmetic. However, we did not see any special breakthroughs from other manufacturers in the new season either; the market froze in anticipation of new technical discoveries, and we are looking forward to them too.

The new model from Sony represents a comprehensive work on the errors of previous devices. The company tried to create a device that retains all the advantages and successful ideas of its predecessors. But at the same time it eliminates the problems of older devices from the line. The Sony Xperia Z5 (Sony Experia) smartphone turned out to be unusual and is distinguished by its innovations. In the new version, attention was paid to the functions of ergonomics and ease of daily use. According to the manufacturer, the phone should become one with its owner, not only in terms of design, but also in the quality of tactile sensations and software. Let's try to carefully study the review, delve into the detailed description, compare with other models and understand whether these statements are true or not.

Design

We should start this review with the appearance of the smartphone. The new Sony Xperia Z5 (Sony Experia) has retained the traditional concept of OmniBalance designers. The appearance of the smartphone is made in a variation of Sense of Unity. This mobile phone looks truly presentable, luxurious and solid. Strict contours with straight lines emphasize the high cost and sophisticated style of the case. So visually the cost of this model looks higher than its real price.

In the Xperia Z5 series, special emphasis in design was placed on individual details. So the rear window got a matte and foggy look. The original idea allowed not only to refresh the appearance of Sony smartphones, but also to solve one of the key problems. There are practically no traces or fingerprints left on such a surface. Even if they appear, they are easily erased with simple movements.

The back panel conveys excellent tactile sensations. The surface feels rough. When viewed from a distance, frosted glass can easily be confused with plastic or metal. Only touch can convey the quality of a material. It is especially pleasant that it did not greatly affect the final cost of the smartphone.

As a nice innovation in the design, it is worth noting the presence of a built-in fingerprint scanner in the power button on the side panel. This made it possible to emphasize the originality of the style and give a new look to boring functions. The scanner is responsive and uses Qualcomm Sense ID technology. True, its implementation made the lock button more rigid. Pressing requires some effort, so unlocking the screen sometimes does not work the first time.

The new smartphone does not have annoying plugs. The standard package includes a common slot for SD and SIM cards. There is also a modification for sale with a slot for two SIMs - Sony Xperia Z5 Dual. According to the manufacturer, the device has waterproof properties. The smartphone can easily survive a fall into water. This feature was a signature feature in all the company’s stylish models.

Among the shortcomings of the design, we can highlight the protrusions along the perimeter of the frame. They were made in order to prevent the smartphone from sliding on the surface and causing scratches. However, the price of this innovation turned out to be high and cost users the usual comfort: when you take the Xperia Z5 in your hands, the size and edges cause inconvenience, which slightly spoils the experience. A similar thing happens when you work with the display sensor. When you move your finger across the screen, you involuntarily touch these protrusions. Although this design is practical, it takes time to get used to the device. This disadvantage also includes the inconvenient location of the volume keys. The buttons are located significantly lower than usual in other models.

Screen

The display uses a Sony Triluminos touchscreen IPS matrix with Live Color LED & X-Reality technology. Here, of course, we cannot fail to mention the dimensions: the screen diagonal is 5.2 inches. The image is transmitted in FullHD 1920×1080 resolution. The pixel density is 424 ppi.

The Xperia Z5 has built-in ambient light sensors that are responsible for automatically adjusting the brightness of the display. At the same time, the possibility of precise manual adjustment is preserved. The multi-touch sensor is capable of perceiving and processing up to 10 simultaneous touches. When you hold the phone to your ear during a call, the sensors automatically lock the screen. A nice plus is the ability to operate the smartphone with gloves.

In general, the quality of color rendering and brightness of the model is excellent. The shades are rich, the colors are bright, the image is excellent. The anti-glare screen and a wide range of brightness settings will allow you to comfortably use the phone in direct sunlight.

Sound

The Sony Xperia Z5 has deservedly received praise for its stereo sound quality. And no matter how many there are, it will not be enough. The speakers and overall sound of the smartphone deserve applause. The Japanese company was able to realize clear and loud sound with a good bass range. Not a single smartphone from all Sony lines could boast of such properties.

The mobile phone is equipped with S-Force Front Surround sound system and DSEE HX quality enhancement technology. To listen to your favorite music and tracks, there are wide options and as many different options for improving the sound using personal settings and a built-in audio player as a smartphone can have. The entire sound palette is revealed well when you connect headphones to your smartphone.

As for communicating on the phone, the Xperia Z5 is doing great. The interlocutor's voice is recognizable and retains familiar intonation and timbre. Noise-canceling technology protects conversations from wind gusts and outside sounds in open spaces.

Camera

The smartphone uses two digital cameras with resolutions of 23 MP and 5 MP. The developers have placed emphasis on the quality and detail of the resulting photos. The main camera uses the new Sony Exmor RS with a 1/2.3 sensor and a 24mm G Lens. The aperture has an f/2.0 setting. Hybrid autofocus along with LED flash ensures high focusing accuracy and speed.

The front camera uses the same wide-angle 25 mm G Lens and a 5 MP Exmor R module. There is no flash and a fixed focus.

For shooting photos and videos, there is an HDR mode and an electronic SteadyShot image stabilization system with Intelligent Active Mod function. The camera interface has flexible settings, as well as options for recognizing smiles and “soft skin”.

In general, each camera copes well with its responsibilities and demonstrates the good quality of the resulting photos and videos in 4K resolution. The picture is detailed and sharp. In poor lighting, frames lose quality, but remain at an acceptable level. If we compare the Z5 with other smartphones, it outperforms its younger predecessors, but is still inferior to the flagships of other companies. And at the same time it is inferior significantly.

Specifications and performance

The hardware of the smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset. The x64 platform is made using a 20 nm process technology and consists of eight ARM Cortex cores. They reliably cope with assigned tasks and demonstrate good performance. The smartphone's RAM is 3 GB. Flash memory is designed for 32 GB. You can expand the volume up to 200 GB using additional microSD.

The Sony Xperia Z5 (Sony Experia) went on sale with an operating system based on the 5th version of Android LolliPop. The changes affected the interface with a description and the processing of the existing shell. All innovations in the menu and sections are designed to improve style and ease of use. At the moment, a software update to the sixth version of Android Marshmallow is available for the smartphone.

The Adreno 430 video accelerator is responsible for the work in the graphical aspect. AnTuTu tests give top results. When running gaming applications at high graphics settings, the smartphone behaves perfectly. FPS drops and performance drops occur due to gradual heating. This problem is typical for all Snapdragon 810. Heating is more localized in the upper part of the device, where the SoC is located. The temperature of the smartphone reaches 45-47°C. At the same time, the device feels significantly hot and you can only get rid of this feeling with the help of a case.

But, despite this drawback, the Xperia Z5 hardware demonstrates excellent performance and a high performance margin. This guarantees owners reliable performance and the ability to run the most demanding applications. This mobile phone will be able to adequately withstand comparison and compete with other representatives of the flagship series, and will also retain the relevance of its technical content for many years to come.

Accumulator battery

And finally, we should conclude this review with a description of the battery parameters. Autonomy is ensured by a battery with a capacity 2900 mAh. Its capabilities are enough for standard daily work with an active screen. The smartphone lasts for 40 hours without additional charging. But if you increase the intensity of the load, the battery discharges quite quickly. This is due to the demanding platform, as well as the large FullHD display.

In standby mode, the charge will last 540 hours, but if you start watching videos in high resolution FullHD, the phone will last only 7.5 hours. You can relax with continuous games with the device for no more than 3.5 hours.

conclusions

The Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone has emerged as a successful leader in the flagship series and has earned positive reviews. Price in 25 thousand rubles justifies all possible functions, so this cost can be counted as a definite plus in the treasury of this model. However, there are a number of contradictions here. The phone has a truly cool and original design, acceptable dimensions, interesting colors, but a number of innovations at the same time spoil the good impression. This applies to the side frames on the case, the tight power button with a fingerprint scanner, and constant heating during operation. It seems that a 23 MP camera is a new product for Sony smartphones, but in terms of quality they are still inferior to their competitors.