Sony today in Barcelona took the wraps off its latest flagships, the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact.
The two smartphones represent a big step for Sony, as they finally make the transition to a new design which the Japanese company calls “Ambient Flow”.
The Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact boast trendy tall displays with 18:9 aspect ratio, while shunning the sharper corners and strict rectangular look of the past. But despite the modernization, the top and bottom bezels are still quite prominent, although to be fair, they’ve been slimmed down quite a bit
Ambient Flow means the physical button located under the display is no more, as the fingerprint scanner now lives on the back of the devices.
What else? Keep reading below to find out more about the two newcomers.
Sony Xperia XZ2
The larger of the two, the Sony Xperia XZ2 offers a Gorilla Glass 5 front and back and an anti-twist metal frame and bezel. It boasts a 5.7-inch display with native FullHD+ resolution. The panel is HDR-certified and supports the BT.2020 standard.
The flagship is based on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 845 platform, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable UFS storage. It relies on a 3,180 mAh battery to keep the lights on.
In the photography department, the Xperia XZ2 retains the same 19-megapixel Motion Eye 1/2.3” Sony IMX400 main camera with f/2.0 of the previous Xperia XZ1 family.
The camera offers 5-axis stabilization, predictive hybrid laser/phase detection/contrast AF, burst AF, IR sensor for white balance and dedicated hardware shutter key.
But even as the sensor hasn’t changed, there are a few new tricks available to take advantage of. Smartphone users who are into capturing video can now shoot 960p, super-slow-motion video in full HD and thanks to the Snapdragon 845 underneath the hood, the flagship can shoot 4K HDR videos as well.
The new flagship also includes an updated 3D creator mode, which lets users to scan objects with the main camera in order build 3D models for sharing on social media or printing.
Meanwhile, a modest 5-megapixel camera sits on the front from snapping a selfie or two.
Sony seems to have really paid attention to audio this year. With this aspect in mind, the Xperia XZ2 comes with support for high-res audio and includes a set of S Force stereo speakers.
Any standout features?
But that’s not all. The Japanese company also included a feature we can refer to as haptic rumble feedback. A new embedded Dynamic Vibration System inside the XZ2 makes your phone rumble along with the media you’re watching or games you’re playing. Sony says the phone will help you “feel your media.”
Fortunately, you can add the vibration intensity for individual apps, or if it’s too much for you, you can disable it completely.
Other specs include IP65/68 rating and wireless charging. Sadly, the flagship duo does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The new Sony Xperia XZ2 arrives with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box and will be available in Liquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green or Ash Pink. Pricing and availability are yet to be disclosed.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
For those who prefer smaller formats, Sony continues the tradition with the Xperia XZ2 Compact.
The Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage are still on board and so are the cameras and stereo speakers. But the Xperia XZ2 Compact carriers a 5-inch display and is made of a polycarbonate blend instead of glass.
Also, the device does not include the Dynamic Vibration System or wireless charging like it’s larger, more premium brother. It also relies on a much smaller 2,870 mAh battery, which hopefully will be able to meet the demands of the powerful Snapdragon 845 processor.
Another difference between the two models is LTE connectivity. The large XZ2 is rated for Cat.18 speeds, while the Compact version is only good for Cat.15 speeds.
The Xperia XZ2 Compact is expected to go on sale in Black, White Silver, Moss Green and Coral Pink. No word on pricing or availability just yet. Although Sony says the XZ2 Compact will be certified for use on Verizon at launch. Strangely, it doesn’t seem like the XZ2 will get the same treatment.
