GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

2.0m
150k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENT
GSMArena team, 13 February 2013

First look


Sony Xperia Z preview: First look

  • Comments (166)
  • User reviews
  • Xperia Z

2. 360-degree view, design and build quality
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. 360-degree view, design and build quality
  3. 3. Controls, display
  4. 4. User interface
  5. 5. Synthetic benchmarks
  6. 6. Multimedia - players, gallery, FM radio
  7. 7. Camera, samples, video recording
  8. 8. Connectivity
  9. 9. Web browser, wrap up
  10.  
  11. Sony Xperia Z specification
  12. User opinions and reviews
  13. Review comments (166)

Sony Android Touch UI Preview

This article is outdated. We have already published a full review.

Sony Xperia Z 360-degree spin

Ever since initial rumors of the Sony Xperia Z and its 5" screen surfaced, many have expressed concerns that the smartphone will be impossible to handle, even before having seen it. However, once more details started to appear, it became clear that Sony has done an excellent job of minimizing the bezel and the Xperia Z is only about a millimeter wider than the 2012 flagships. They also managed to keep the weight under control as the Xperia Z tips the scales at the perfectly reasonable 146g.

Sure, it's a tad taller than the Galaxy S III or the One X, but it's certainly not unmanageable. And if over 50 million pockets and palms were big enough for the flagships of old, then the Sony Xperia Z has nothing to worry about - particularly when you take into account that the tradeoff is a gorgeous fullHD screen.

Sony Xperia Z Sony Xperia Z Sony Xperia Z Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z sized up against the HTC Butterfly and the Oppo Find 5

Design and build quality

The Xperia Z is instantly recognizable as a Sony device with its sharply angular design, but it departs from the arc-inspired back of its predecessor, instead featuring a more modern looking flat back. There's no denying that the smartphone is a real looker - the glass covered front and back panels go along excellently with the rubberized edges and the glossy blue plastic bits on the sides. It's a handset that you'd be proud to be seen with.

There are several flaps on the sides that not only helped the Sony Xperia Z achieve its IP57 certification, but also conform to its design. There are no ugly gaps and openings to spoil the smartphone's profiles - it all looks consistent and stylish. The only exception is the rather big lanyard eyelet at the bottom right corner, but even that doesn't look too out of place.

Sony Xperia Z Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z is certainly a looker

The choice of materials has just one negative side - with twice the amount of glass used, there's that much more area to cover in smudges and fingerprints. Indeed the Xperia Z turns into a greasy mess quite quickly, causing it to lose some of its brilliance. Fortunately, the good news is that cleaning it isn't particularly hard. Besides, you can always opt for the white version, which will certainly make fingerprints harder to spot than on our black review unit.

The build quality seems excellent as well - there are no squeaks, creaks or any other disturbing sounds to be heard when handling the smartphone and it generally feels quite sturdy. We can't do a proper test of the back panel scratch resistance, but Sony claims it's the same as the one on the front so it should be quite durable.

Next Page » 3. Controls, display
2. 360-degree view, design and build quality
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. 360-degree view, design and build quality
  3. 3. Controls, display
  4. 4. User interface
  5. 5. Synthetic benchmarks
  6. 6. Multimedia - players, gallery, FM radio
  7. 7. Camera, samples, video recording
  8. 8. Connectivity
  9. 9. Web browser, wrap up
  10.  
  11. Sony Xperia Z specification
  12. User opinions and reviews
  13. Review comments (166)

Reviews Sony Xperia Z previewPage 2
  • Comments (166)
  • User reviews
  • Xperia Z

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • Nothing
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Umidigi
  • Coolpad
  • Oscal
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • Doogee
  • Blackview
  • Cubot
  • Oukitel
  • Itel
  • TCL

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular reviews

Poco F7 review
Poco F7 review
Sony Xperia 1 VII review
Sony Xperia 1 VII review
Tecno Camon 40 Premier review
Tecno Camon 40 Premier review
ADVERTISEMENT

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

12 ways the Xiaomi YU7 outdoes the Tesla Model Y 12 ways the Xiaomi YU7 outdoes the Tesla Model Y Onvo L90 pre-sale is on, putting Li Auto on the defensiveMG unveils high-tech IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV
ADVERTISEMENT

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Twitter

© 2000-2025 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data