Phones

Sony Xperia Z5 vs. Xperia Z3 (Video Stabilization Comparison)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 8, 2015 | 4 comments

One of the biggest selling factors of a new smartphone is the camera that it offers. From video to photos, smartphones are replacing our everyday cameras and in turn, our expectation of what our phone should be capable of doing has elevated. Announced at IFA 2015, the Xperia Z5 family, Sony’s latest flagship series are no slouch – offering a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a 23-megapixel rear-facing camera, these newest additions also pack some fancy tech under them. They include a mind blowing 0.03 second autofocus and an all new video stabilization thats designed to help curb jittery videos (especially useful when you’re recording while walking around).

So how does the latter one hold up when compared to the Xperia Z3? A video after the jump decides to test just that.

Infographic Puts Into Context How Fast Sony Xperia Z5’s 0.03s Autofocus Really Is

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 4, 2015 | 2 comments

Once of the key differentiators between the Xperia Z5 family, which consists of the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium, versus predecessor models is their 0.03 seconds autofocus speed. Sony, who is no stranger to using high megapixel sensors in their cameras (23MP this time around), wanted to focus less on dramatically upping that number (Xperia Z3+ had a 20.7-megapixel camera) and instead improving the overall camera experience. With such a low autofocus time, Sony claims that you’ll be able to click anywhere on screen and have a near-instant photo taken in focus.

Specifically, using a Hybrid Autofocus system, the camera can focus anywhere on screen in just 0.03 seconds. With Touch Capture and wide AF coverage, you’ll be able to touch anywhere on the Xperia Z5 display and the camera will automatically focus and immediately take the shot. There is also a dedicated camera button on all three models. To drive home just how fast 0.03 seconds is, Sony has put together a fun infographic which can be found after the jump that helps put the camera’s speed into context.

Sony Xperia Z5 Heat Worries Put to the Test With 4K Video Recording

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 3, 2015 | 2 comments

4K video isn’t a new thing for Sony’s Xperia line. I remember testing 4K video which you can find here all the way back with the Xperia Z3 and since then, we’ve had the Xperia Z3+ (Z4) and now, the Xperia Z5 with the Xperia Z5 Premium also offering a 4K display. Unfortunately for Sony, overheating also isn’t a new thing. In my tests with the Z3, heat became apparent very quickly when recording in 4K, limiting how much you could actually record. With the Xperia Z3+, heat has notoriously become a problem. This is mainly due to the usage of Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipsets that have been causing a headache for all manufacturers and not just Sony.

With the Xperia Z5 family also utilizing the Snapdragon 810, is heat once again going to be a problem? After the jump, the Xperia Z5 heat worries are put to the test.

Sony Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact & Xperia Z5 Premium Colors Shown Off

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 3, 2015 | 6 comments

It’s just day two at IFA 2015 and we’ve already covered Sony’s newest flagship products fairly extensively. Consisting of the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium, the new Xperia Z family has a lot to offer, ranging from a powerful 23-megapixel camera to a 4K display. With varying screen sizes, each phone naturally has some unique features like display quality and materials used. Another differentiating factor between the three lines is color selection. After the jump, we have the breakdown of colors offered and a set of photos to go along with them that should make things a bit more clear and colorful!

Sony Xperia Z5 Family Gets Priced in Europe, Comparable to iPhone

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 3, 2015 | 2 comments

Sony_Xperia_Z5_Family

The Sony Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium have officially been unveiled at IFA 2015 and give us a real glimpse at what may be a transforming Sony Mobile. While the design is the same body we’ve seen the latest few years, thanks to improved materials and subtle changes, Sony has been able to introduce three very elegantly designed phones. Alongside their premium finishes comes some very refined specs.

While it might be too early to judge the phone, instead of opting for large numbers, Sony has instead focused on the smaller details to make sure each Xperia Z5 is world class. With a world class phone comes a world class price. After the jump, we reveal their price and show how they compare to the market leader iPhone.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Shown Off In Official Video

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2015 | 7 comments

Earlier today, Sony took the wraps off the Xperia Z5 Premium. As the name suggests, this high-end smartphone is targeted at those who want a bit more out of their smartphone experience. In turn, Sony has incorporated a 4K display, Hi-Res Audio, and a 23-megapixel camera with fast auto-focus that can capture a photo in just 0.03 seconds – a world first according to Sony.If you want to know more about the Xperia Z5 Premium, you can do that by reading our more in depth piece. However, if you want to see the new flagship phone in action, Sony has put together a video, showcasing the best it has to offer.

That video awaits you after the jump.

Meet the Flagship Sony Xperia Z5 & Xperia Z5 Compact

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2015 | 4 comments

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium isn’t the only big news (and I mean that literally, seeing how it offers a 5.5-inch 4K display) to come out of IFA 2015. Likely to be far better sellers, due to their more practical sizes and likely lower price point, Sony also announced the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact. As near identical devices, the biggest differentiator between the two new flagship smartphones is their 5.2-inch and 4.6-inch displays. After the jump, we’ve got all the details you can handle.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium With 5.5-inch 4K Display Announced

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2015 | 9 comments

After what seemed like an endless amount of leaks, the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium has officially been revealed at IFA 2015. Once again, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai took to stage to reveal their latest flagship products and at the center of this new smartphone is a 5.5-inch 4K display with a 23-megapixel rear-camera that can shoot in 4K as well. Better yet, tapping into the Bravia engine, the Xperia Z5 Premium will upscale your previous HD content to near 4K quality, ensuring a constant quality across all of your media.

More details after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact & Z5 Premium Photos Leak Prior to IFA Reveal

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 1, 2015 | 0 comments

Hot on the heels of some specs about the Xperia Z5 family leaking alongside a video preview which was likely destined to be released post announced, a series of new photos have leaked, showcasing the new flagship smartphones. Specifically, the Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium (previously thought to be called the Xperia Z5+) have been photographed, showcasing the new sleep power button and side fingerprint scanner. Those photos can be found after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Series to Offer 5MP Front-Facing Camera & Why That’s Odd

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 1, 2015 | 4 comments

On the eve of the Xperia Z5 family debut, thanks to a massive leak, we’ve been able to learn quite a bit about the three flagship phones. Shown off in a video that was sanctioned by Sony and slipped out too early, we’ve also learned a lot of the specs that makeup the Z5 family.

With camera technology quickly helping differentiate one phone from another, the Xperia Z5 is sure to make a splash with its 23-megapixel rear-facing with 5x Clear Image Zoom and 4K video. To go along with the megapixel count, Sony is also offering a 30 milliseconds autofocus that will help keep your photos in focus. For comparison, the Xperia M5 offers a 250 milliseconds autofocus.

Powering the front-facing camera is a 8-megapixel sensor which is where things start to get strange. Lets talk after the jump.

More Sony Xperia Z5 Details Leak, Including Z5 Compact & Z5 Premium

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 31, 2015 | 3 comments

If the video we posted earlier today, which showed off the soon-to-be-announced Sony Xperia Z5, wasn’t enough, then we’ve got a lot more details to share with you. Set to debut on September 2nd, all rumors had pegged the launch of two or three new flagship smartphones from Sony. The Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and potentially a phablet like model that would likely be called the Xperia Z5+.

Now we have all but confirmed the phones Sony will be launching, including their names and specs. Those details after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Leaks in Full (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 31, 2015 | 5 comments

Set to be announced tomorrow at the 2015 IFA, the Sony Xperia Z5 has been leaked in full. While it was likely to debut later this week or perhaps tomorrow, the Sony Xperia Z5 can be seen in full in a hands on video that Sony clearly took part in.

That’s to say that the video leak, which can be found after the jump, is not from a rogue device making its way to a reporter’s hand and instead, a video that was likely coordinated by Sony. After the jump, the nearly 3-minute video awaits you, though, a fair warning, you may need to brush up on your French.

2015 IFA Sony Mobile Press Conference Time Confirmed

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 27, 2015 | 0 comments

Just a quick follow up. We’d previously learned that just as expected, Sony Mobile would once again take stage at the 2015 IFA which is held in Berlin, Germany to announce what will likely be the Xperia Z5. Though we know some details about the next flagship from Sony, there is still a lot we don’t know and I personally hope that there are a few surprises in store for us. Thanks to a Tweet, we now know the date and time of the press conference.

Sony Xperia C5 Ultra With 200GB Expandable Memory Announced & Priced for India

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 26, 2015 | 5 comments

Teased yesterday, Sony has officially announced the Xperia C5 Ultra, their latest 6-inch phablet for India. Designed as a high-end mid-grade smartphone, the Xperia C5 Ultra has a lot of features going for it besides its youthful color options which are by no accident. Designed to attract a younger consumer, the Xperia C5 Ultra also provides a 13-megapixel front-facing (same megapixels for the rear shooter) with an LED flash so you can get the most out of your selfies.

After the jump, pricing and a few more details on the C5 Ultra.

New Sony Xperia Teased With “Greater Focus”

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 26, 2015 | 0 comments

While we’re still waiting on an exact time, come next week, Sony will be presenting at the 2015 IFA press conference where they will likely unveil their newest flagship smartphone. You might ask yourself “well didn’t the Xperia Z3+/Z4 just come out a few months ago and aren’t some carriers are still waiting on their version to launch like the Xperia Z4v on Verizon?” To that I would reply, “A fine question.” Joking aside, Sony will likely debut the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact which have already leaked.

Sony is expected to launch an Xperia Z5+ or Ultra model with a 6-inch display though some believe that won’t be coming till later in the year. To tease the upcoming event, Sony has sent out a cryptic tweet and picture which can be found after the jump.