Moto X and the Fitbit Flex
I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sprint. I received product samples to facilitate my review. Now that the kids are back in school, I am busier than ever. I...
Sony Xperia XZ Unlocked Mobile Phone available at Best Buy
Sony Xperia XZ Unlocked Mobile Phone available at Best Buy
The Sony Xperia XZ Unlocked Premium Phone is the latest flagship smartphone by Sony with the first of its kind 4K HDR Display. Aesthetically, the design of the device is a mature version of the original Xperia Z. The phone is rectangular with sharper, more crisp edges when compared to the competition. It feels both cool and smooth in hand, thanks to being wrapped with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back. This is a phone that feels very solid and well built when you hold it. The Deepsea Black finish of our review unit was both gorgeous, understated, and flawless.
The side of the phone sports a tray that holds dual sim cards or a sim card and microSD card. Additionally, there is a well placed, recessed power button and volume rocker button. Rounding out the exterior of the device, Sony added dual stereo speakers, a headphone jack, front and rear cameras, a camera button, notification light, and a USB Type-C port. All of this is encased in a device that is IP68 certified to boot, so there is no need to worry about a little dirt and water.
Sony Xperia XZ Processor and Operating System
Internally, the Xperia XZ boasts some top of the line specs. The Xperia sports a Snapdragon 835 processor that is paired with 4GB of RAM and a Adreno 540 GPU. All of this mumbo jumbo spec stuff means this is a phone that is fast. It responds instantly to input, with no discernible lag. Sony paired all of this with an Android operating system that is very light on manufacturer modifications. The version of Android that ships with the Xperia XZ is very close to the Google vision of how the OS should look, feel, and perform.
Sony Xperia XZ Display Screen
Two differentiating features of the Xperia XZ are the display and the camera. The display is LCD based tech that measures 5.46 inches and sports a resolution of 3840 x 2160, with a pixel density in excess of 800 ppi. This equates to a very sharp display with wide viewing angles. It also means this beast of a device can handle 4k. It is a beautiful screen, and you can tell Sony pulled out all the stops when viewing high resolution media.
Sony Xperia XZ Camera and Video
The camera utilizes a 19 MP sensor that is paired to a lens set to f/2.0. The images are sharp, and the color true to life. The camera offers both a Superior Auto mode as well as full manual mode. On the video side, the camera is capable of 4k recording, as well as super slow motion capture. This last feature is one that is unique to Sony. The Xperia XZ is able to shoot a slow motion burst at 960fps. Let me say that last bit again… 960 frames per second. Nobody in the smartphone arena can come remotely close to that number.
But what does that mean? When rendering slow motion, you are essentially stretching the individual frames shot over a longer period of time. For example, say we decide to slow down some video that was shot at 30FPS. When we slow things down, we get a bit of a jarring, jerky shot. We only had 30 frames to work with, so when we show each frame for a longer period of time on screen, it doesn’t look right to the eye. Now render the same clip, but shot at 960FPS. Smooth as butter. You have so many frames to work with, everything just moves silky.
Now there are a few caveats to be aware of when shooting super slow motion on the Xperia XZ. One, you need a lot of light. My results while using the feature in low lighting were a no go. Two, be aware that the camera will shoot in 720p while in this mode. Other than that, it’s simply a matter of hitting the slow motion button at the correct time to capture the burst.
Overall, this phone is a solid choice with the best camera around. We love it and highly recommend it.
Check out the Slow Motion Video Capabilities of the Sony Xperia XZ
Sony Xperia XZ Features at a Glance
- World’s first memory-stacked Motion Eye image sensor with 960 FPS Super slow motion video and Predictive Capture capability
- 5.5” 4K HDR display with TRILUMINOS display for mobile, X-Reality for mobile, and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. Supported by 4×4 MIMO with LTE Cat16
- The 19MP main camera comes with the world’s first Motion Eye camera system, featuring Predictive Capture to help you get just the right shot, and Super slow motion video recording, which captures life in ways no other smartphone can.
- Dual SIM with 64GB onboard memory or single SIM with up to 256GB expandable with Micro SD card
- Unlocked and compatible with GSM/LTE carriers utilizing GSM network such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Straight Talk, MetroPCS, Cricket wireless, simple mobile, bright spot, and others
- Performs exceptionally for creating Super slow motion videos, watching 4K HDR videos, or playing the latest PlayStation games on PS4 Remote Play.
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
My okdest keeps asking for a phone! This sounds like an awesome one to start him off with!
Holy moly! That is one awesome phone! I love that 19 MP phone, and I LOVE that it’s unlocked. No having to choose from one carrier over another!
This looks like a great phone. I will have to go to Best Buy and look at it, my son could use a new one.
The Sony Xperia XZ phone looks like it has some awesome features. I am going to look into this for my mom, she needs a new phone.
I am not looking for a new phone but the features of this phone seem almost too good to pass up. The screen image is so sharp. I will have to see for myself on my next trip to Best Buy.
It’s so great that Best Buy offers unlocked phones at reasonable prices. This sony mobile phone that is unlocked would be a great upgrade to my current cell phone. Glad you shared the information about it, I always like to hear about new devices from others online before purchasing, this was helpful!
The Xperia XZ packs a punch! I’m impressed with its screen and the processing speed would be perfect for all of the apps I use.
What a great phone! It looks sharp and has so many features! It would be perfect for my daughter.
This looks like a great phone. I will have to keep in mind when I go phone shopping next.
The display is brilliant! It’s definitely a great phone and I think it’s something that my son would appreciate. I love that there are so many great features to look forward to!
This phone looks fantastic!! I love the simple yet elegant design! And the display is awesome!!
I love how big the screen is! I I will be on the market looking for a new phone in the next couple of months I will have to personally took this one out. It looks like it’s everything I need.
The Sony xoeria looks amazing! The Motion Eye image sensor is something I have never even heard of before! So neat!!
This is going to be my next smartphone! I love the clarity of the photos and the super slow motion video capability is exceptional. I’d be able to get clear, crisp, spur of the moment photos even without my DSLR. The Sony Xperia would be enough.
What an awesome phone! I definitely could use one of these for sure. I don’t have a smartphone (I’ve never had a smartphone) because I have been wavering back and forth about whether or not I want a touch screen. I’ve always loved Sony products, this looks like something I could actually see myself using!
My phone is my entire command center, and this looks like a great tool to help me achieve my goals. I need a great camera and fast connection.
I have considered getting an unlocked phone befor, but they were never readily available. Guess I will have to look at Best Buy!
I love that this phone is unlocked. It looks like a good phone for college kids and teens.
I need a new phone. My battery will not stay charged. Of course my husband says I use it too much!
Looks like a great phone. Sony is awesome
I’m not sure why I keep my iPhone with phones like these are so superior! UGH!
I love the motion capabilities the Sony Xperia is worth a second look when its time for my upgrade. I think it’s worth thr gamble.
This looks like a great phone. I love how crisp the picture quality is.
I’ll be in the market for a new phone soon. I’ll have to take a closer look at this one when I go shopping.
I’ve heard such great things about this phone! I must check it out for my son!
That camera sounds amazing especially for parents trying to capture all those memories!
I love the slow motion feature on this phone. I have a program to crop photos from videos and this would be perfect for me.
Look at the colors on this phone! I am crazy looking for a phone that would give me stellar colors on photos and videos!
What a great phone! I am totally dedicated to my iPhone, but for those who are looking for a Samsung alternative after their battery fiasco, this would be the perfect phone for them. I think Sony is releasing this phone at the right price at the right time.
This seems like a great first phone. Plus thats camera seems amazing!
That looks and sounds like a great phone! I have owned Sony in the past and I have to say they are awesome products!
I haven’t seen a Sony phone in forever!! This phone looks pretty amazing though, I need to check it out in person!!
Looks like this has so many great features. We need to think about getting my daughter a cell phone as she gets older, and something like this would be perfect. And those photos!
What a nice looking phone. I love all the features. My husband needs a new phone, he’ll love this.
I’ve thinking to get a new smart phone this month and I think Sony Xperia XZ would be perfect. I love that it has a lot of cool features especially the camera is amazing.
This is an awesome choice, Sony is one of the best when it comes to smartphones! The quality is really awesome and the features are brilliant!
This looks like a great phone! I love being able to get the phone already unlocked, it helps with travel.
This looks like an awesome phone, it is so cool the technology available
This phone sounds really nice. I’ve been considering upgrading as mine has been giving me fits.
This Sony Xperia phone looks so amazing! My teen son is ready to upgrade his phone so we will go look at this at Best Buy soon.
This sounds like a great phone, I’m an apple girl myself so rarely look at others!
It really looks a great phone I love the looks and I’m sure it has a good quality I would love to have this kind of phone
I’m an Apple lover through and through so I won’t ever switch. However, this phone definitely looks nice and having it unlocked is even better!
What I love about smart phones the best is of course the photo quality of the camera. I love the clarity of this mobile phone.
Oh how I need this in my life! I love the slow-mo feature – everything about it sounds perfect.