Spring has come, and with it the loud announcements of Sony. At MWC 2017 in Barcelona, the company announced four new smartphones and an Android-based multimedia projector. And now it's time to talk about the new products in more detail. We decided to slightly change the format of blog posts, and first of all we will tell you about flagship smartphone Xperia XZ Premium.
The Xperia XZ Premium has the same styling as the original Xperia XZ, introduced last year, only the size (due to the larger display) and the location of the volume keys (they stayed on the right side, but moved higher) differ. So what's new?
1.4K 5.5-inch HDR display... Yes, 4K was already in the Xperia Z5 Premium, but the current flagship uses a new generation IPS-matrix. It has better color gamut, more accurate color rendition and higher brightness and contrast. In normal mode (on the desktop, in service applications, in social networks and so on) the screen displays a picture in Full HD resolution, and when a video is played (and it doesn't matter in which application) the display turns on at full power. The difference is visible to the naked eye. Content originally recorded at lower resolutions is automatically upscaled to 4K.
2. Motion Eye Camera... A flagship smartphone would be unthinkable without a new camera. The new camera uses the Sony IMX400 module, which is not yet available from other manufacturers. The matrix resolution is 19 megapixels, the lens has a digital stabilization system, but the most interesting thing is that the CMOS sensor has its own memory modules, which significantly improve its speed characteristics. This allows the Xperia XZ Premium to shoot HD video at up to 960 frames per second. We will definitely show you how it works a little later.
3. Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 platform... It's official: Sony Xperia The XZ Premium becomes the first smartphone to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip. The central processor is eight-core, 4 cores operate at a frequency of up to 2.5 GHz, 4 other cores - at a frequency of up to 1.9 GHz. The RAM will be 4 GB.
4. IP68 protection... In Sony's home market of Japan, dust and moisture protection is not new for a long time. This is a completely standard option for most mobile phones. We will not be procreation, so the Xperia XZ Premium will have the same characteristics for all countries of the world. Well, the IP68 standard, we recall, implies a half-hour stay under water at a depth of up to one and a half meters.
5. A fresh take on classic colors... The Sony Xperia XZ Premium will be available in Deep Sea Black and Luminous Chrome. Tentatively - at the beginning of June 2017. We will definitely announce the exact date of sales and the recommended price for Russia a little later.
In the meantime, you have a great opportunity to ask absolutely any question about XZ Premium, and we will tell you about everything in detail in the comments.
Before using a Sony device, check its capabilities and limitations. Whether you are taking your device with you outdoors or on a weekend trip, follow the simple instructions to make it work great in all conditions.
Let's take a look at the IP protection classes and how they affect the capabilities of the devices.
What is IP protection class?
The IP rating is an international standard for assessing the level of protection of a device against dust and fresh water. The first digit of the two-digit IP rating indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of solid particles, including dust. The second number indicates the degree of protection of the device against exposure to fresh water.
IP0X. No special protection
IP1X. Protected against solid objects> 50 mm in diameter.
IP2X. Protected against solid objects> 12.5 mm in diameter.
IP3X. Protected against solid objects> 2.5 mm in diameter.
IP4X. Protected against solid objects> 1 mm in diameter.
IP5X. Protected from dust, limited penetration (no dangerous deposits).
IP6X. Dust-proof.
IPX0. No special protection
IPX1. Protected against dripping water.
IPX2. Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from normal position.
IPX3. Protected from splashing water.
IPX4. Protected against splashing water from all directions.
IPX5. Protected against low pressure water jets for at least 3 minutes.
IPX6. Protected against powerful jets of water for at least 3 minutes.
IPX7. Protected from water when immersed to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
IPX8. Protected from the effects of water when immersed to a depth of more than 1 meter for a long time. Details of the acceptable terms of use for each specific device see manufacturer's documentation.
Your device has been assigned an IP protection class. This means that in a strictly controlled laboratory environment, this equipment will operate normally even after being exposed to certain conditions.
Sony's waterproof tested devices are carefully placed in containers filled with tap water and submerged to a depth of 1.5 meters. After 30 minutes in the container, the device is carefully removed, and then its functions and capabilities are checked.
Caught in the rain at a bus stop? No problem! Your Xperia device is designed to withstand rain or splash water, both indoors and outdoors.
Likewise, if you accidentally spill water on your device while sitting at your dining table, you have nothing to worry about. Just let yours dry completely.
Perhaps you like to watch videos from Xperia devices while cooking. (Great idea, by the way, you're a true multitasking ace!) Most importantly, don't drop your device in water and wipe off any drops of water when you're done.
There are other ways to take advantage of the water and dust resistance of your Sony product. The device can be used in the following scenarios:
- wet hands;
- in a dusty environment, such as on a windy beach or when crossing a dusty road. After use, be sure to rinse off all dust from the device with tap water.
- Photography and video recording in wet conditions. Do not use the device underwater. If the device is accidentally exposed to water that is different from fresh water, rinse it in tap water.
Don't forget about the covers ...
Before exposing your device to water or dust, be sure to familiarize yourself with the specifications and be sure to close all covers tightly, including the Micro USB port, SIM card slot, and memory card slot. Some devices do not have a cap for the waterproof Micro USB port. If such a device has been exposed to water, it is important to completely dry USB port before plugging in the USB cable. To remove moisture from the USB port, shake the device several times with the USB port facing downward, and then wipe the device dry with a microfiber cloth. Repeat the procedure if moisture remains on the USB port.
- The IP rating of the device has been achieved under laboratory conditions in standby mode, therefore it is not recommended to use the device underwater, for example for taking pictures. Do not use your device for photography while underwater, including while diving or snorkeling.
- The drying time depends on the environment, but the process can take up to three hours. During this time, you can use all functions except those that require a speaker or microphone, such as taking a photo, checking email, or sending text messages.
- Do not dry wet parts with a hair dryer.
- Everyday wear and tear and damage to the device can reduce the resistance to dust and moisture.
Warranty, repair and service
It is important to know that this warranty does not cover damage or defects caused by mishandling or improper use of the device. Also note that compatible accessories, including batteries, chargers, headsets, and Micro USB cables, are not water-resistant or dust-proof by themselves.
If you have any other questions about using the device, please contact customer support. For warranty information, see the document “ Important information»In the setup guide on your device.
The last few Sony flagships were, as they say, not bad. They could be submerged in water, shot well and were as powerful as competitors. Despite this, the devices did not become popular. This year's Xperia lineup has a somewhat brilliant flagship - the XZ Premium (a sequel to the Z5 Premium, introduced in 2015). Several of its features and capabilities, on paper, are vastly superior to those of the top rivals. Let's figure out how noticeable the difference is in real use.
Package contents and first impressions
Fans of unboxing have almost nothing to do here, because the flagship gadget comes in the most ordinary box with a couple of Xperia logos. The smartphone comes with a cable and charger. Alas, we got only the device itself and the cable, and the power supply was missing.
What's really unusual is the smartphone itself. We had a "mirror" version. Absolutely everyone who saw the device for the first time noted the shiny case. The manufacturer has clearly achieved a certain WOW effect. The second thing that is immediately noticeable is that the device will be clean only after the box. And it quickly gets boring to maintain it in its original form. In everyday use, it will almost always be covered with fingerprints and small specks from the pockets.
Design and usability
Every year it becomes more and more boring task to describe Sony smartphones, because their appearance practically does not change. Yes, location individual elements differs from model to model, but only avid fans of the brand will be able to notice these changes. Otherwise, absolutely nothing new. And nevertheless, the gadget looks, in my opinion, worthy. In addition to the "mirror" version, there are classic black and pink colors of the case design.
XZ Premium consists of three main materials: front and rear panel glass (Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides), the top and bottom are made of aluminum, and the sides are made of plastic. At the same time, it cannot be said that it all looks bad or has assembly flaws. Another thing is practicality. After all, the device is quite large and slippery. I don't really want to cover it with a cover, but it still does not hurt for safety. True, in this case, and without this, a large smartphone will become even larger. After all, its dimensions are: 156 × 77 × 7.9 mm, and its weight is 191 grams. Globally, these are the dimensions of the level, and the diagonals of the displays are the same - 5.5 inches.
Aesthetes who love neat corners and inconspicuous frames were clearly not trying to please. If the sidewalls still fit nicely into the palm, then the lower polished edges on the metal are quite sharp. While most manufacturers are trying to make the bezels around the display less and less, Sony followed in Apple's footsteps and did not skimp on the "wrap" of the display. But this made it possible to place front-facing stereo speakers, which also do not overlap when watching videos or playing games.
The manufacturer scored twice with the buttons. Firstly, the fingerprint scanner is located in the power button, which is located on the side. This is a very unusual solution, because almost all other manufacturers have placed the sensor either on the "back" or under the display. In addition, the option is not the most convenient, but you can get used to it, especially since the scanner itself works fine. Secondly, Sony still has a two-way button to control the camera. It's hard to say how much better this option is than just tapping the screen, but it's nice to have a choice. All other controls are located in familiar places and you won't have to look for them for a long time.
Not the most comfortable edges below and above are not the best way felt in the hands. And the size of the smartphone is such that it is not convenient to put it in every pocket. The case is also not practical, because it is very easily soiled, and I would not like to check its impact resistance. There is moisture resistance (IP65 / 68), but you cannot completely immerse the gadget under water, although it should survive the rain without any problems.
Display
The Xperia XZ Premium could fit a larger screen, but Sony opted for a 5.5-inch matrix. And the main thing in it is the resolution, which reaches 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels), while the pixel density is an impressive 800 dpi. The XZ Premium display does show a very clear picture, but in my opinion, if it were Full HD, it wouldn't make a big difference. But it is important to note that the entire interface, applications, photos and videos are redrawn (upscaled) to 4K resolution. This is an important difference from, in which, on the contrary, the interface and programs were redirected for Full HD, and maximum resolution was only available for video.
In addition, the XZ Premium has HDR support (along with TRILUMINOS Display and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer technologies) for enhanced picture quality. If earlier with Sony matrices it made sense to change the color display settings, now there is no such need. The picture is not cold, slightly warmer than normal by eye. And even with that, compared to other well-calibrated screens, I don't want to change anything. And if necessary, in the settings you can choose a preset with a gamma or "tweak" RGB. Subjectively, the standard display mode is very good and requires no intervention.
Likewise, the Xperia XZ Premium display has enough backlighting for all situations. What's more, the light sensor works perfectly. During the time spent with the smartphone, there was never a desire to tighten the backlight. There are no complaints about the sensor either. Probably the only thing missing was the "evening" mode, which would reduce the display of shades of blue. Such a function is already available in many, even inexpensive devices, and in a premium smartphone you already expect this to get "out of the box".
Sound
As previously mentioned, the Xperia XZ Premium is equipped with dual speakers. They are not very suitable for listening to music, however, they sound quite loud. But for watching videos, they are more than enough: the sound is directed at the user from two sides, because of the wide bezels, there is no problem with overlap and distortion. For music, you still have to use headphones. For example, my Ultimate Ears with a smartphone sound great, even playing regular mp3 files.
Of course, the device is also well suited for conversations. Since the conversational speaker is one of the two main ones, you can hear the interlocutor without special efforts... The microphone transmits a little more noise than we would like, but there is nothing critical about that.
Hardware platform and software
Inside, the Xperia XZ Premium has everything as it should be: an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540 video. random access memory is 4 GB, and a 64 GB drive can be supplemented with a memory card up to 256. However, if you need to use two SIM cards, you will have to be content with only the built-in storage. But the performance today is, one might say, top-end.
The tests already show such values that there is simply no point in comparing with something. Flagship devices are really powerful and it becomes difficult to load them if the software works as it should. In the case of the Xperia XZ Premium, the impressions were only positive. From simple applications to jumping from games to messengers and back, everything is easy for a smartphone. It doesn't even get very hot at the same time. Naturally, I really liked using such a device.
The test device is equipped with Android 7.1.1 with an almost stock interface, which is complemented by only a few add-ons from Sony. These are pre-installed branded applications for news and work with multimedia, as well as search in the system, which can be invoked by swiping down on the desktop.
In general, the device works almost perfectly. The interface renders without visible hiccups, and the animation seems even faster than it should be. On the other hand, when compared with top-end gadgets from other manufacturers, there is nothing supernatural in the XZ Premium, the performance and available "software" do not beat rivals in any way. Today, almost all top models are fast.
Autonomy
The Xperia XZ Premium has a 3230 mAh battery. During the use of the device, it withstood a day of work without any problems. Even with long journeys and the included navigator, the smartphone confidently lasted until the night with a small reserve of charge. The operating time of the screen was 5.5 hours a day.
In the PCMark test, the result is very good - 8 hours and 17 minutes. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to find out how long it takes to fully charge from the complete charger. But given the support for QuickCharge 3.0, it can be assumed that it would not have had to wait long. And in case there are no power outlets nearby, Sony still has STAMINA power saving modes: normal and ultra, which will not only slightly restrict the processor, but completely leave access to a few applications and turn off everything except cellular communication.
Xperia XZ Premium cameras
Another feature that sets the Xperia XZ Premium apart from the rest is the camera. And if the resolution of the sensors is hardly surprising (19 MP went to the main camera and 13 - to the front one), then the ability to make slow motion videos at a speed of 960 FPS sounds impressive. But let's start in order.
The main camera of the Xperia XZ Premium initially captures images in 17MP resolution with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Photos are excellent during the day. Reviewing them on a large monitor is a pleasure. Individual shots come out very colorful and clear. But it is better to make sure of the result on the spot, the sensor, for example, can overexpose the sky. Despite the fact that the camera is really very fast (as promised on) and has a 5-axis stabilizer, it does not always succeed in taking a clear shot, especially if there are moving objects. In the evening, the number of rejects in the pictures increases, which is due to the work of autofocus, and indoors, under artificial lighting, the white balance is not always correctly determined.
But this is not the most interesting, because the Xperia XZ Premium camera can not only record 4K video and quite smooth Full HD at 60 frames, but shoot very slow-motion video at a recording speed of 960 frames / sec in 720p resolution. The only limitation is that you literally have to catch the moment to slow down. The principle is as follows: select the mode, start recording, and in the right moment press the slowdown button. After that, the recording will have a 6 second slo-mo. Slow-motion video is recorded for 0.182 seconds, which is limited by the memory of the camera module itself, without the latter Sony would not have been able to realize the recording speed of 960 FPS, the company calls this technology Motion Eye. Wherein for the recording itself, a good light source is simply necessary, otherwise the video will be dark and noisy.
An example of Full HD video recording during the day:
An example of recording Full HD video in the evening:
Example of 4K video recording:
Slow motion example:
The front camera resolution of the Xperia XZ Premium is slightly higher than what is installed in some of the top competitors' gadgets as the main sensor. The camera misses only when it starts to get dark. Then the frame may come out blurry. Therefore, a selfie can sometimes take more than one attempt. For the rest, front-camera did not disappoint.
The camera app is easy to use. It is not oversaturated different settings... Mode change and switching between cameras is carried out with simple swipes. The main thing is that the program starts almost instantly and you are immediately ready to shoot. It's pretty cool. Traditionally, there was a mode of augmented reality with a dinosaur and other things.
Exclusive, Luxury, Special, Singular and Premium. All these prefixes to the names have already set the teeth on edge, but nevertheless Sony used this technique when naming the heir to the Sony XZ. The Premium prefix was simply added, although often this approach used to highlight special product lines rather than new product lines. But is Sony's new gadget worthy of such a name?
At MWC 2017, the jury declared it worthy, and the Sony XZ Premium was voted the best smartphone of 2017. Of course, he had no serious competitors at this summit, but nevertheless, this is an indicator of recognition. Moreover, in terms of manufacturability, the XZ Premium is really out of competition - a fresh powerful SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, an exclusive IMX400 sensor, the ability to record Slow-motion video at 960 frames per second at HD resolution, as well as a 4K HDR display and protection from moisture. according to IP65 / IP68 standard. It's all spiced up with a pair of quality system speakers. At the presentation, the company said that the XZ Premium is the most technologically advanced smartphone ever released by Sony. Of course, this can be said about any new product in a dynamically developing segment, but in the case of the tested smartphone, these words are not just a marketing gimmick.
Specifications
| Display size and type | 5.5-inch, 4K HDR, LCD (IPS) |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, 8 cores (4x2.45 GHz, 4x 1.9 GHz) |
| Built-in memory, GB | 64 (UFS1) |
| RAM, GB | 4 |
| Memory expansion | microSD (up to 256GB) |
| Number of SIM-cards | 2 |
| Communication standards 2G | GSM GPRS / EDGE |
| 3G communication standards | UMTS HSPA + |
| 4G communication standards | LTE Cat16 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n / ac, 2.4 / 5 GHz, MU-MIMO |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 |
| NFC | There is |
| IrDA | No |
| USB port | USB Type-C |
| Audio jack | TRRS (mini-jack 3.5 mm 4-pin) |
| FM radio | No |
| The fingerprint scanner | There is |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS |
| Built-in sensors | acceleration sensor, electronic compass, gyroscope, proximity sensor, light sensor, Hall sensor |
| Rear camera | 19 MP, f / 2, f = 25 mm |
| Front-camera | 13 MP, f / 2, f = 22 mm |
| Operating system | Android 7.1.1 (upgrade to Android 8.0) |
| Protection class | IP65 / IP68 |
| Battery | 3230 mAh |
| Dimensions, mm | 156*77*7,9 |
| Weight, g | 191 |
Appearance and usability
For many years now, Sony has not even tried to change the design of its smartphones. There are no slicked corners like most modern smartphones, and the front panel smoothly flows into the rear due to the rounding of the sidewalls. Traditionally, this design refinement is called Loop Surface or "looped surface". The smartphone is quite large and heavy, so an uninitiated user might think that it has a 5.7-6-inch display. But no, it's only 5.5 inches. But on the other hand, a pair of excellent stereo speakers fit in the lower and upper parts of the frontal plane. Although the 17 mm wide bezels still do not justify this.
The build quality of the case is impeccable, all the panels fit perfectly, but when you try to twist and squeeze the case, the case gives in a little and creaks, which you would not expect from a smartphone with the Premium prefix in the name. Moreover, when trying to twist the case at the corners of the LCD matrix, rainbow stains appear. The front and back sides are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass, both glasses of the 5th generation. The glass is not afraid of scratches, and it pleases, but it collects prints at an incredible speed, so you have to wipe the case extremely often. In addition to everything, an extremely soiled version was provided for testing - "Deepsea Black" (black). Also available in Bronze Pink and Luminous Chrome. The last option, from a subjective point of view, is the most interesting, but it is afraid of prints no less than a black modification. The side surfaces are made of aluminum with a high-gloss polished surface. The lower and upper sides are matte, with small bevels around the perimeter.
In front of the display there is an LED indicator, a front camera, and a light sensor. The speakers are located symmetrically below and above the display. On the back side, the camera window is noticeable, as well as a block consisting of an LED flash, a laser and an IR sensor to help the camera.
On the left side surface, only the cover of the nanoSIM format SIM card compartments is visible, one of which can be replaced with a microSD flash drive.
This replacement is only possible with the main tray, which can be removed without the use of pins. But in order to get the second tray, you need at least a little overgrown nails, otherwise grabbing the small hook of the tray does not come out. Traditionally for Sony smartphones, a reboot occurs when the SIM card tray is removed. operating system... On the right side surface there is a volume rocker key, a lock key with an integrated fingerprint reader, which is perfect for both right-handers and left-handers. Special attention should be paid to the dedicated photo button, which allows you to activate the camera and take a picture even while wearing gloves, because using the camera does not require unlocking the device.
A microphone and a USB Type-C connector are visible on the bottom end, and a second microphone and a mini-jack (3.5 mm) on the top. The presence of the latter in Sony's flagship product indicates that it is too early to bury this connector.
Display
The Sony XZ Premium is the world's first 4K HDR smartphone. Of course, Sony does not miss a single opportunity to mention this. Although by and large such a high resolution it is not always necessary, and it does not reflect in the best way on the battery charge consumption. Of course, the manufacturer took into account this feature, so the desktop is rendered at FullHD, while videos, photos and games are drawn at full resolution.
In the display settings, you can select one of the three familiar modes: "standard", "Extreme brightness mode" and "professional mode". The most juicy picture in the "standard" mode, but the accuracy of displaying colors in it is far from ideal, at least when using content created in the sRGB / Rec color space. 709. The same can be said about the "extreme brightness" mode. But in these modes, the color gamut is huge and close to Rec. 2020, which is used in the HDR10 standard adopted by Sony. But in order to enjoy all this splendor, you will need relevant content, and there is not enough of it, and mainly streaming services Amazon Prime and Netflix.
In "professional" mode, the color gamut is much smaller, and closely matches the standard sRGB color space. The color deviation, Delta E, in this mode on the gray wedge ranges from 1.2 ... 10.7, and on the primary colors (RGBCMY) - 0.7 ... 3.9, and these are excellent indicators. And visually, the picture seems more natural. In addition to the mode selection, separate manual control of RGB channels is possible.
The measured brightness of the white field was 387.2 cd / m2, while the brightness of the black field was 0.44 cd / m2, that is, the static contrast ratio is 880: 1. It is not uncommon to find references to much higher brightness, but in our sample when running Android 8.0, this is exactly the case.
Extreme brightness mode
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mode "Standard"
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Professional mode
Sound
Like its predecessor, the XZ Premium is equipped with a pair of front-facing speakers. The sound quality is excellent by the standards of smartphones. By and large, only ZTE Axon 7 can compete with the hero of the material in terms of sound quality, but from a subjective point of view, Sony XZ Premium is preferable. When playing a test sinusoidal signal with a frequency of 1 kHz at a distance of 1 meter, a level of 75.0 dBA was recorded. It's funny, but in the case, the volume level was almost the same. But the predecessor of the tested smartphone, Sony Xperia XZ, has a much lower volume level - 64.6 dBA.
As for the quality of sound reproduction in the headphones, here the experimental device is in complete order. Even without activating various "enhancers" it sounds good. You can only find fault with the automatic detection of the type of headphones, which does not always work correctly. The audio settings contain standard Sony features, namely DSEE HX (upscaling to Hi-Res Audio), Clear Audio +, dynamic normalizer, surround sound setting, and a 5-band equalizer with a separate “Clear BASS” bass control. In general, everything is like in Walkman players.
The output level at the analog audio output is not high. When playing a test signal with a load of 32 ohms, a value of 212.7 mV was recorded. This is already on the verge of a foul, but enough if you use headphones with a low impedance. For comparison, in similar conditions it showed a result of 275 mV, and the ZTE Axon 7, which can be put on a par with the experimental one in terms of the quality of music reproduction, - 305.7 mV. It's funny, but in our database of test results, the record holder in terms of the output signal is a product from Sony, namely a budget product that produced 928.5 mV!
Performance
The smartphone is built on the basis of the flagship system-on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, made on the 10 nm FinFET process technology. Of course, this is not a breakthrough Snapdragon 820 model, but there are quite a few differences from its predecessor. There are twice as many cores, and they are all based on Kryo 280 (Cortex-A72), the frequency is slightly higher, the video subsystem based on Adreno 540 is slightly improved, there is bluetooth support v5.0 and X16 LTE (with download speeds up to 1 Gbps). By modern standards, the memory of a smartphone is not that much - 4 GB. Of course, LPDDR4X memory works in dual-channel mode.
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The following smartphones were chosen as opponents:
: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4 cores (2 × 2.15 GHz + 2 × 1.6 GHz), 3 GB RAM, 5.2 inches, 1920 * 1080;
: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4 cores (2 × 2.15 GHz + 2 × 1.6 GHz), 4 GB RAM, 5.5 inches, 1440 * 2560;
: Samsung Exynos Octa 7880 Octa Core (1.87GHz) 3GB RAM 5.7 '' 1920 * 1080.
System performance was measured in synthetics PCMark, 3DMark, Geekbench 4 and AnTuTu v6. Memory speed was evaluated using the AndroBench application. Testing was also carried out in cross-platform javascript tests (Mozilla Kraken JavaScript and SunSpider). The results of these tests significantly depend on the browser used, therefore, to minimize the impact, all reviews will use Google Chrome as the most common.
Camera
One of the main features of the smartphone is the main camera based on the exclusive Exmor RS IMX400 sensor, which Sony kept for itself and does not sell to the side. This sensor has a resolution of 19 megapixels, which is significantly less than in the case of the predecessor camera. And this is correct, because the extra millions of points only complicate the task of image processing, and the noise is more noticeable, because the level of distortion of this type highly dependent on the physical size of the pixel. By the way, in the case of the IMX400 sensor, the pixel size is 1.22 microns with a matrix diagonal of 1 / 2.3 inches. In general, the indicator is by no means a record, because in lineup Sony Exmor RS has sensors with a physical pixel size of 1.4 and even 1.55 microns, which is achieved using a resolution of 12 megapixels. The camera is also not impressive with record aperture numbers - f / 2.0. However, the camera is capable of capturing high quality images even in low light conditions such as indoors or on a cloudy day with heavy clouds. It is noteworthy that in the first versions Sony firmware The Xperia XZ Premium overexposed the shots too much, pulling out shadows and simultaneously knocking out highlights. But in current version firmware does not have such a problem, so resort to manual settings is extremely rare.
But the main feature of the matrix is completely different. Thanks to the use of the built-in extremely fast memory, the smartphone is able to record Slow Motion video at a speed of 960 frames per second at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. But, as usual, there was a small "but" - the duration of the slow-motion video is limited to 0.182 seconds. What can be done during this time? Actually, nothing, because in such a short period a freely falling body can overcome only 16 cm.And in general, such figures are beyond the bounds of human reaction, therefore, in order to catch a standing video sequence, it must either be staged, or it has to be caught for a long time, or - it's just luck. In addition, for the function to work correctly, you need good lighting(the test video uses a fluorescent lamp, which provided an illumination of 1000 lux at the shooting point). This function works as follows: while recording a regular video sequence, you must press the dedicated Slow-motion key, after which the smartphone will record a slow-motion video with a duration of 0.182 seconds and continue recording in normal mode. It looks something like this.
Sample video 960 fps
In general, there is a "wow effect". But for now, this is just a toy that looks like a demonstration of abilities, a groundwork for the future, as well as research and analysis of the market reaction to such "chips", but no more.
The flash of the smartphone was disastrously weak. At a distance of one meter, a level of only 5.05 lux was recorded. This is the worst result among all smartphones we tested. Of course, the result is not much better, but it was difficult to expect a deterioration in the new product. In order to assess the scale of the tragedy, it is enough to compare the result with.
UPD: power measurement was carried out in video light mode. As shown by repeated measurements, in the "flash" mode the results are slightly better - about 20 lux.
To assess image quality, the test pattern was captured with the main camera at sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO3200 in 1 EV steps. It should be noted that in automatic mode the limits of available sensitivity have been extended to ISO 12800.
Sample pictures
Macro photography
 |  |  |  |  |
| Illumination 50 lux | Illumination 50 lux + flash | Illumination 3 lux + flash |
Video recording
In addition to super slow-motion video, the smartphone, of course, is able to record videos with 4K resolution. The stream rate is limited to 30 frames per second, there is a choice of video compression format (H.264 and H.265). FullHD video can be recorded at 30p and 60p.
Record example 4K-video
Example of 1080/60 recordingp
Autonomous work
The smartphone is equipped with a 3230 mAh battery, which for such powerful smartphone not so many, and competitors have more voluminous batteries. Plus, don't forget the 4K display. When testing the software in game mode, the smartphone lasted 252 minutes. This is a modest result, but it has been worse. In video mode, duration autonomous work is only 377 minutes. Short battery life for video playback has been a long-standing problem with Sony smartphones, but in the case of the XZ Premium, it showed itself in all its glory. In reading mode, the smartphone was able to work only 620 minutes.
It is worth noting that the desktop, and as a result of the reading programs, is drawn in FullHD, but in the video and games mode, full resolution is activated, which, as tests have shown, does not have the best effect on the battery life. Fully charging the battery from the charger provided with the test sample (5 V / 1.5A) took 176 minutes, and up to 85% in 115 minutes. It is worth noting that the Snapdragon 835 SoC used supports Quick Charge 4 fast charging technology, and the smartphone itself and the complete charger support Quick Charge 3.0.
Traditionally, Sony smartphones support a battery care mode that automatically detects when charging stops and then charges the battery up to 90% with high current, and the last 10% reaches the normal charging stop time. But with an existing charger, the need for this function is questionable.
Conclusion
I have liked the design of Sony smartphones for a long time. There is no slickness in it Samsung smartphones and Apple, there are no attempts to borrow other people's ideas, he is not like everyone else. The design of Sony smartphones may either not like at all, or cause delight, but it will not leave anyone indifferent. What is the idea of using a separate key for photography and a fingerprint reader on the lock key. The flip side of the coin is the dimensions and weight, which are typical for smartphones with a little large display... Suddenly, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium has quite a few other flaws. And this is at its high cost! But in general, I liked the novelty anyway. It is noteworthy that this is not the merit of "wow-chips" - super slow motion. But the magnificent display, high quality sound in the headphones and the amazing (by the standards of smartphones) sound of the system speakers - this is what makes you think hard about purchasing the tested smartphone.
Minuses:
- extremely easily soiled case;
- weight and size indicators;
- weak LED flash;
- low signal level at the analog audio output;
- duration of battery life;
- price.
Pros:
- great design (purely subjective);
- protection against moisture ingress according to the IP65 / 68 standard;
- excellent 4K HDR display with huge color gamut and accurate color reproduction;
- high-quality system stereo speakers;
- high quality sound at the analog audio output;
- slow-motion video at 960 frames / s and HD resolution (duration 0.182 s);
- Bluetooth v5.0;
- USB Type-C;
- WiFi-module with support for 5 GHz band and MU-MIMO;
- high performance.
The main feature that Sony highlights in its flagships and some other smartphones is the IP certification of dust and water resistance. In this short review, we'll tell you which Sony Xperia is waterproof and how much protection it has. With the advent of the first models with protected cases, Sony began to actively advertise this opportunity, because it favorably distinguished smartphones against the background of competitors. Shooting underwater, the lack of experience when the phone fell into the water or was spilled on it, and other life situations with liquid that can simply destroy any other phone, in the case of the protected models of Sony Ixperia, seemed a trifle.
However, even here there are a number of limitations. Firstly, the phone cannot be immersed too deeply and for a very long time, secondly, bathing in liquids other than fresh water is prohibited, and thirdly, you need to be careful that all the necessary slots are closed. Water resistant and ruler tablets.
What the certification numbers mean:
And so, here are the waterproof Sony Xperia phones:
Sony Xperia Z5 (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z3 + (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z3 (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z2 (IP55 / IP58)
Sony Xperia Z1 (IP55 / IP58)
Sony Xperia Z1 Comapct (IP55 / IP58)
Sony Xperia Z Ultra (IP55 / IP58)
Sony Xperia M5 (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia M2 Aqua (IP65 / 68)
Sony Xperia Z (IP55 / IP57)
Sony Xperia ZR (IP55 / IP58)
In the latest flagship Z5 line, as they say “out of harm's way”, Sony did not describe the protective properties of the models' cases so vividly, saying only that they have a degree of protection and this can help you out in different situations.
However, it is not uncommon for owners of waterproof Xperia models to drown their smartphones. Why did my Xperia drown? Causes:
- Failure to comply with operating rules
- Possible marriage.
- Plugs are not closed.
- The plugs are simply cracked / worn out and do not provide proper tightness.
- The phone fell, after which damage could appear, which are not visible to the eye, but affect the sealed properties.
- The glass has come off a little.
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