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Sony has been rumored to be waiting for IFA 2016 to unveil some new devices, and now the time has come for the Sony Xperia XZ and Sony Xperia X Compact to make their appearances. Sony took the stage to announce many new products but for the sake of Android, we’ll just focus on the two latest smartphones.
Starting off with the Xperia XZ, this device is being touted as the successor to the Xperia X and an improvement over the X Performance. The Xperia XZ features a new design with curved edges and a new type of metal casing called ALKALEIDO. Essentially, this new casing is nothing more than a rounded piece of aluminum but is a first for Sony, who previously has opted for a blockier design on its devices with more glass.
Sony Xperia XZ Specs:
- 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage; expandable up to 256GB via MicroSD
- 23MP rear-facing camera
- 13MP front-facing camera
- 2,900mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0
- USB Type-C charging port
- IP68 water resistant
Sony has always been known for providing a great camera experience in its devices but decided to up the game a bit with the Xperia XZ. The 23MP camera is powered by a brand new IMX300 sensor as part of a new technology called, Triple Image Sensing. This new technology uses three sensors: Imaging, Laser AutoFocus, and RGBC-IR. Basically, what this means is that the pictures taken with the Xperia XZ will focus quicker, reduce blur, and provide vibrant photos and videos.
Sony also decided to opt for a larger battery with the Xperia XZ, coupling the device with a 2,900mAh battery compared to the 2,700mAh battery in the X Performance. With the introduction of USB Type-C, the Xperia XZ supports not only Quick Charge 3.0, but also introduces adaptive charging. This method of charging will save your battery life over time by stopping fast charging once the device reaches 90% and slow charges the rest of the way.
If you want to get on the waiting list to know when the Xperia XZ goes on sale, you can do so by heading over to Sony’s landing page, here. Sony has announced that this device will be available sometime in October, and will come in three colors: Mineral Black, Forest Blue, and Platinum. Sony has yet to reveal pricing, but we can expect flagship pricing for this flagship level device.
Now for the Xperia X Compact. A fan favorite, Sony’s Compact lineup of devices have always been a reliable option for those not willing to shell out more than $400 or $500 for a flagship device. The Xperia X Compact is a continuation of that lineup, but like the Xperia XZ features a new design. Although not made out of ALKALEIDO, the Xperia X Compact still features the new design with rounded edges, but opts for ceramic instead of metal.
Sony Xperia X Compact Specs:
- 4.6-inch 720p display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB of storage expandable up to 256GB via MicroSD
- 23MP rear-facing camera
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 2,700mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0
- USB Type-C charging port
Sony also included its brand new 23MP camera sensor along with the Triple Image Sensing technology that is found within the Xperia XZ. However, the one difference between the cameras on these two devices is that the Xperia X Compact does not support 4K video, leaving that one to the Xperia XZ. The front facing camera on the budget device has also been downgraded to just a 5MP shooter, versus the 13MP option in the Xperia XZ.
As for battery life, the Xperia X Compact features a 2,700mAh battery complete with Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities. Like the Xperia XZ, this device includes adaptive charging to help extend the battery life of your device by adjusting the charging rates after reaching 90%.
The Sony Xperia X Compact is expected to launch sometime in September and will probably be priced around the previously mentioned $400 to $500 range. However, you’re going to want to be a fan of Sony if you’re willing to pay that much for a mid-range device, especially when you can get devices like the Honor 8 or OnePlus 3 for less.
What do you think about Sony’s latest offerings? Although not readily available through carriers in the US, these devices will be available globally, so are you willing to take a chance on Sony? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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