Phones

Sony Xperia XZ Premium named “Best New Smartphone at MWC 2017″

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 8, 2017 | 4 comments

Sony had one clear goal for their engineers when it came time to build their 2017 flagship smartphone, the Xperia XZ Premium – if there’s a feature under the sun that can be crammed inside of this phone, you’re to do it, no matter the cost. For that reason, we’ve yet to be told the price of the powerful phone and I’m sure when announced, a few heads will explode.

Until then, Sony can bask in all the acolytes they’ve been receiving for the XZ Premium, including having it be called the “Best New Smartphone or Connected Mobile Device at MWC 2017” at the annual Global Mobile Awards (Glomo Awards).

But that’s not the only praise for the XZ Premium. A few others include:

Sony Xperia XZ Premium specs

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 2, 2017 | 4 comments

Just a few days ago, Sony unveiled to the world their flagship phone for 2017, the Xperia XZ Premium, which features a 4K HDR display among other various things like its 960fps slow-mo video camera. But that’s not all – if a feature or spec existed, it’s likely that Sony shoved it inside the XZ Premium specs so let’s take a look at what exactly you’ll find inside their powerful new phone.

Potential 2017 Sony Xperia XA model leaks

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 15, 2016 | 2 comments

It wouldn’t be Sony and specifically Sony Mobile without a leak and what we have today is potentially their 2017 model. Specifically, it’s believed to be the Xperia XA successor though it certainly could just be whatever replaces the Xperia X. Still, with a lack of obvious fingerprint sensor on the power button, I’d wager we’re looking at the Xperia XA. According to the leaked renders, the phone’s measurements come in at:

Deep Pink Sony Xperia XZ Coming to O2

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 14, 2016 | 0 comments

With Samsung having recalled the Galaxy Note 7 line in all markets (which will cost the company north of $3 billion), Sony Mobile is ready to step in and fill the hole left by the leading Android OEM. How, you ask? By releasing a Deep Pink color as an exclusive in the UK. According to Xperia Blog:

You Can Reactivate Fingerprint Sensor on Xperia XZ & Xperia X Compact

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 6, 2016 | 5 comments

Those in the US are more than accustomed to their Xperia devices lacking the ability to unlock, among other things, via the fingerprint sensor. Going as far back as the Xperia Z5, the model phones Sony ships to the US are identical to those found in other countries except that via software, their fingerprint sensor is delayed. It’s never been quite clear as to why US models have the functionality turned off and for its part, Sony has only stated a vague “for business reasons” statement on the matter.

Though unconfirmed, the going theory is due to a patent issue (US 20120019356 A1) which describes itself as:

Sony Xperia XZ Launches in US, Germany, and Netherlands

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2016 | 2 comments

Having launched in advance in Taiwan, the flagship Xperia XZ is now set to conquer a few more countries – the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. For the European countries on the list, the XZ is priced at €699 while in the US, it carries a $699 price tag. As for color options, not every retailer will be offering you the same selection.

Sony Xperia XZ Launches Ahead of Schedule in Taiwan

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 30, 2016 | 0 comments

Something seems afoot in Taiwan where pre-orders of the flagship Xperia XZ sold out in 45 minutes. Despite a scheduled early October launch, Sony Mobile has begun selling the Xperia XZ for NT$ 22,900. It’s unclear if this is due to inventory being available, though apparently it’s in limited quantities, or if Sony is hoping to bank on the good initial reception.

Sony Xperia XZ Compact Not Likely to Happen

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 27, 2016 | 13 comments

Like the iPhone SE, the Xperia X Compact is a great device for Sony’s mobile portfolio. While many people have had no problem transitioning to larger 5-inches and above phones, there is still a good portion of the population that prefers something a bit smaller. In addition to their compact form factor which can be easier to use, smaller phones also inventively come at a lower price point that makes them far more attractive in developing nations like China and India. In short, a device like the Xperia X Compact can be a hit across territories like the US and Europe due to its smaller design aesthetics while helping due higher volume in other countries because of its lower price point. But a flagship Xperia XZ Compact doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Android 7.0 Nougat Coming to Xperia Phones Soon and Not So Soon

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 26, 2016 | 5 comments

Good news for those with a new Xperia phone – Android 7.0 Nougat is right around the bend. According to XperiaBlog:

the Sony Xperia XZ and X Performance will be the first devices to receive the Android N update in October 2016. The Xperia X and X Compact are expected to follow in November 2016.

If the time table holds, this will be one of the fastest turnarounds Sony has had for getting their hands on a major Android update and releasing it. Unfortunately for those without an Xperia XZ, X Performance, X, and X Compact, the wait is going to be longer – much longer.

Sony Xperia XZ & X Compact Photos and Video Samples

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 23, 2016 | 0 comments

The recently introduced Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact have begun to make their way into reviewers’ and consumers’ hands. While Sony won’t be sending a model my way, I’ve gathered some sample photos and videos for your viewing pleasure. Sony wisely didn’t opt to raise the megapixel count this time around and instead aimed for offering better quality visuals. According to Sony, both cameras provide

a powerful blend of high quality image and autofocus (AF) speed combined with Predictive Hybrid AF to intelligently predict and track subjects in motion for blur-free results. Added to this is the Laser AF sensor with distance sensing technology, which captures beautiful blur-free photos in challenging low light conditions. And what’s more, you will enjoy superb true to life colours thanks to the RGBC-IR sensor with colour sensing technology which accurately adjusts the white balance based on the light source in the environment.

In Taiwan, Sony Xperia XZ Pre-orders Sell Out in 45 Minutes

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 21, 2016 | 2 comments

A bit of unexpected news.

Sony Mobile Taiwan opened pre-orders for the Xperia XZ yesterday and managed to sell out within 45 minutes. Sony was offering a special pre-order promotion where it included a number of freeibies including a DK60 USB Type-C Charging Dock, a 16GB USB Type-C OTG connector, a flip style leather case and a protective back cover. It is safe to say that this was enough of an incentive to see those pre-orders rolling in.

Sony Xperia X Compact Gets Priced for US, Pre-orders Open Up

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 20, 2016 | 3 comments

For those with an affinity for smaller devices, the Xperia X Compact which was announced in early September is a blessing. Take all the power and specs of the Xperia X, a 5-inch phone and put in the smaller, 4.6-inch displayed Xperia X Compact. Now, that phone has been priced for the US with pre-orders opening up.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Finally Comes to Sony Xperia C4 (27.3.A.0.122) and Xperia C4 Dual (27.3.B.0.122)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 14, 2016 | 3 comments

Sure Android 6.0 Marshmallow has been out for well over a year but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to jump aboard the update wagon. Despite having taking a majority of their newer devices to Android 6.0 in Spring, a few units like the Xperia C4 had managed to slip through the cracks despite a promise to be given Marshmallow. Sony is now delivering on that promise by releasing Marshmallow on Xperia C4 and Xperia C4 Dual.

Sony Xperia XZ & Xperia X Compact Not Coming to Canada

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2016 | 9 comments

Hopefully our friends in the north didn’t have their eyes set on the Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact which were just announced yesterday because it’s looking like neither phone will be making it to Canada. As it stands, the Xperia X Compact will make it to the US but it’s unclear if the same holds true for the Xperia XZ.

Sony Mobile Czech Accidentally Confirms Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 25, 2016 | 4 comments

I’ve said it time and time again, nobody leaks products better than Sony itself and today is no different. Popping up accidentally on the Sony Mobile Czech site are the Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact which will likely be announced a week from today at IFA in Berlin. So what do we know about the two new devices?