Sony Xperia Z : Review

Sony Xperia Z has a beautiful screen that supports full HD resolution, but it lacks the contrast that adds life to images and videos. Viewing angles and sunlight legibility (even with the brightness cranked to the max) of the screen are also below par. However, the pixel density of 441ppi ensures there is no pixilation and content appears crisp and vivid.

Camera and multimedia:

A 13MP primary camera is strapped on the back of Xperia Z and comes with two modes - standard and superior. You get to click 13MP photos with the former, while latter restricts the image size to 12MP. However, the advantage of superior mode is that optimises various parameters in accordance to the scene you are capturing in order to get the best possible result. The photos clicked with this mode are much better than that in standard mode.

< p> However, the image quality in both modes is far from what we expected from such a powerful camera. The images suffer from slight noise under lowlight conditions and colours are not true. But the contrast level and white balance of the pictures are good. If you want to click photos for Facebook and Instagram, this camera will do well, but do not expect it to replace your point and shoot camera despite the 13MP sensor rating.

The 2.2MP front facing camera does its job well during video calls.

Coming to video playback, Xperia Z benefits from its full HD-capable screen that handles high resolution videos at high bitrates with ease. Sony Mobile Bravia Engine 2 makes video viewing a thoroughly enjoyable affair by making images clearer, sharper and more natural.

The audio output also pleased us with xLoud mode turned on. The video player pulls details of movies you have added to your library from the internet, just like Infinity feature of the music player does for lyrics.

Rivals:

Well, Sony's biggest rival in India right now is HTC Butterfly, which also has a full HD screen and an equally powerful processor. Other rivals include Nokia Lumia 920, BlackBerry Z10, while it will also have to contend against Samsung Galaxy S IV and LG Optimus G Pro when they hit India.

Nokia Lumia 920 and BlackBerry Z10 boast of a different user experience as compared to Android smartphones. Nokia's flagship boasts of an amazing camera and WP8 OS, which offers a refreshing change from Android and iOS interface.

On the other hand, BB10-powered Z10 has unmatched security features and software optimisations that will please corporate buyers. But both of them lose out to Xperia Z due to its more powerful processor, better display and durability.

Now let's talk of a more evenly matched opponent - HTC Butterfly. During our review, we found it had an equally potent chipset and gorgeous screen, among other features. Sony gains an edge over Butterfly due to its sturdier build quality and relatively higher water and dust resistance. Butterfly looks more elegant than Xperia Z, though opinions were divided within our team. However, the rather noticeable price difference of Rs 6,500 puts the odds in the favour of Sony's new flagship model.

As Samsung Galaxy S IV and LG Optimus G Pro are yet to arrive in our hands, we reserve our judgement in this matter.

Our take:

Those who believed in Sony's capabilities will be graciously rewarded with a thoroughly enjoyable time with Xperia Z. It is a very capable smartphone that offers a fluid user experience and top notch computing power and a beautiful screen. It gains a considerable edge over rivals due to its relatively lower price tag despite similar features and will provide all that you need from a top-end smartphone. It is a very good phone when you consider the features it offers for Rs 38,990, whereas rivals cost Rs 45,000-plus.

p> We feel that if you are in the market for a full HD smartphone with enough number of apps without crossing the Rs 40,000 price barrier, then Xperia Z is the phone for you.

What we like:

Compact size
Display performance during video playback
Powerful processor
Water and dust resistant
Scratch resistant and shatter proof glass
Audio output

What we don't like:

Camera quality below expectations
Sunlight legibility and contrast of display
Build quality

Price: Rs 38,990

Key specs:

Display: 5-inch TFT touchscreen with 1920x1080p resolution and 441ppi pixel density;
Operating system: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), planned Android 4.2 upgrade;
Processor & RAM: 1.5GHz quad-core processor, coupled with 2GB RAM;
Storage: 16GB internal memory with microSD support up to 32GB;
Connectivity: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and microUSB 2.0;
Camera: 13MP rear camera with LED flash and 2.2MP front snapper; and
Battery: 2,320mAh

For the latest technology news and reviews, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.