Phones

Sony Xperia M5 Now Available in Europe

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 21, 2016 | 4 comments

Some good news for those of you in Europe: the Sony Xperia M5 is now available in quite a few countries to purchase. As a quick reminder, the Xperia M5 offers:

5-inch 1080p display
21.5 megapixel rear-facing camera with Hybrid Autofocus
13 megapixel front-facing camera
4K Video
64-bit Octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) with 3GB RAM

As Sony puts it, the Xperia M5 is ‘beautifully crafted for life.’

Designed for beauty and durability, the Xperia M5 makes use of Sony’s classic Omnibalance design. With stainless steel corners and a frame that extends just a touch over the screen, it’s protected against bumps.

So let’s talk about price and availability after the jump.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Now Available for All Sony Xperia Z5 Phones

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 8, 2016 | 0 comments

Sure, NTT DoCoMo might have received Marshmallow a week before everybody else, but you can take solace that they were also the Guinea pig in case something went wrong. With the Japanese launch running smoothly, Android 6.0 Marshmallow is now here globally for Xperia Z5 owners.

At the time of writing, firmware build 32.1.A.1.163 is currently live across all variants of the Xperia Z5

Sony is also bringing their latest Android build to the other models in the Z5 family though that rollout is appearing to be a bit slower.

we are also starting to see the firmware seed for the Xperia Z5 Premium and Xperia Z5 Compact.

More after the jump.

3 Things Sony Wants You to Know About the Xperia X Family

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 2, 2016 | 3 comments

Since the time the Xperia X family, which consists of the Xperia X, Xperia XA, and Xperia X Performance, was announced, there have been lots of mixed emotions about the new line. Part of it likely had to do with the confusing and contradicting messages out of the Sony camp regarding the future of the Xperia Z line. For the record, the Z5 is the final phone to bear that name as Sony transitions to Xperia X line to lead their mobile charge. That includes their latest UI tweaks which won’t come via Android 6.0 Marshmallow for older devices.

Confusion aside, I think there is a lot to like about these new phones. Good specs, fun colors, with easily 4 months of development time which hopefully will translate into an even more solid device. Future details aside, there are three things you should about the Xperia X, starting with its camera, which Sony hopes will help you ‘never miss a moment.’

The next generation Xperia camera takes spontaneous capture to another level allowing you to shoot in sharp focus, even for spur-of-the-moment shots.

The all-new Predictive Hybrid Autofocus in Xperia X and Xperia X Performance is developed in close collaboration with Sony’s α camera engineers, it lets you choose your subject and then predicts its motion, so you can capture the action in perfect focus, free from blur.

More after the jump.

Sony Xperia X Has a Hidden Notification LED Light

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 1, 2016 | 0 comments

Some variation of a notification LED light has long been in the Sony product pipe. From a small circular indicator in the corner of the Z3 to the more flashy bar in the Xperia S, notification LED lights allow you to easily know if there is something you’ve missed on your phone without needing to power up the display to find out. At first glance, it seemed like this was gone with the Xperia X – and you would be hard pressed to see one in the above photo.

Luckily Sony hasn’t forgotten about the little feature though it’s now been placed in a rather unique spot. Details and a photo after the jump.

Official Sony Xperia X Performance Launch Video

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 29, 2016 | 0 comments

Sony has already debuted the Xperia X and Xperia XA launch video and in honor of fairness, we’re sharing the official Sony Xperia X Performance video with you as well. Taking many cues from the Xperia X, the Xperia X Performance is as the name suggests, a performance iteration with better camera technology, faster processor, and better connectivity speeds. You can read all about the Xperia X Performance here. From Sony:

Introducing the official preview video for Xperia X Performance: the super-fast curved smartphone which enriches every experience with predictive auto-focus, quicker launch and incredible power.

With quicker response times, more intelligent focus and a new highly adaptive shutter speed, the new Xperia X Performance gets you clearer shots in the toughest situations. And as we’ve taken specs other smartphones have in their main camera and placed them upfront, you can now take super selfies at the first time, every time.

While our classic form is as striking in its simplicity as ever, the curved display and edges make for an even more comfortable grip. From swiping through your favourite hi-res audio tracks, to playing for hours with PS4™ Remote Play – it makes everything you do feel so much more intuitive.

The official Sony Xperia X Performance launch video is after the jump. Not only is it worth a watch, but it will help explain the above video.

Poll: Will Your Next Smartphone Be From the Xperia X Family?

by Allegra Osati | Feb 26, 2016 | 4 comments

With MWC 2016 now behind us, Sony is left with an entirely new family of phones that promises to take the throne of the Xperia Z5. Will you be buying one of the new Xperia X phones? Let us know in our poll after the jump!

Official Sony Xperia XA Launch Video

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 25, 2016 | 1 comment

I’ve already given you a preview of the Sony Xperia XA, including the specs you’ll find in this mid-range smartphone. After the jump, something a little more visual from Sony that gives you an overview of their latest. As Sony put it:

Introducing the official preview video for Xperia XA: The stunning 5” curved smartphone with super-fast camera and 2-day battery life* – designed to go hand in hand with however you live your life.

Bringing together a stunning full-width display and a smooth, curved form, Xperia XA has a completely new look and feel that’s as pleasing on the eye as it is in the hand. But we know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is why it comes in four striking colours for you to choose from.

Life is full of fleeting moments, and with a fast-launch camera button that gets you up and running in 0.5s, you can rest assured you’ll get the shots that best reflect your memories. The 0.25s Hybrid Autofocus also helps you capture the action in bright, blur-free shots.

Because it has highly-responsive sensors on both the front and back cameras, it’s the selfie phone you can’t do without. And with up to two days of battery life* from just one charge, you can snap happy all weekend long.

Video after the jump.

Meet the New Flagship Sony Xperia X Performance

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 24, 2016 | 16 comments

Earlier this week, Sony announced the Xperia X and Xperia XA at MWC 2016. Both phones boast some noteworthy specs but the third phone announced, the Xperia X Performance is where the real power lies in the company’s new lineup of smartphones with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Everything you can expect from the Xperia X Performance lies in the name. Though boasting a near identical finish to the Xperia X, Sony’s performance phone has a faster processor and LTE connections, a bigger battery, and a better camera system. As Sony put it:

Discover your creative capabilities and ignite your passion

Let’s talk more in depth after the jump.

Official: Sony Xperia Z Series Ends with Xperia Z5

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 24, 2016 | 12 comments

Ever since the Xperia X family, which consists of the Xperia X, Xperia X Performance, and Xperia XA, was unveiled at MWC 2016, there’s been chatter about the demise of the Xperia Z5. Today, Sony has confirmed what many had thought – that the Xperia Z5 line will be no more. Sony will continue to ship the Xperia Z5 till summer but after that, expect inventory to trickle to a stop as the Z series, the moniker for Sony’s flagship phones, reaches the end of line.

A statement from Sony after the jump.

Official Sony Xperia X Launch Video

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2016 | 4 comments

The Sony Xperia X was unveiled at MWC 2016. Reaction so far from the community has been mixed, mostly due to them not knowing if the Xperia X is here to replace the Z5 and act as what would have been the Z6 or not. Emotions aside, the Xperia X has a lot going for it, including a new Snapdragon 650 processor, Hi-Res Audio, and a powerful 23-megapixel rear-facing and 13-megapixel front-facing cameras. From Sony:

Introducing the official preview video for Xperia X: the latest curved smartphone from Sony that helps you share, capture, and daydream more than ever.

For those unexpectedly beautiful moments, we’ve made our flagship camera faster and more intelligent – with Smart Capture technology and 0.06s Hybrid Autofocus. Plus, with 13MP and Sony’s renowned low-light sensors, the front-facing camera will take your selfie game to the next level.

It’s not just the photos you take that look amazing – it’s the handset itself. And with a curved display and seamless metal back, it fits like a glove.

The unrivalled battery of Xperia X brings you up to two days* of power from every charge, you can do what you love for longer – like go explore all weekend long, play the latest games on PS4™ Remote Play for hours, or listen to the hottest hi-res audio tracks for longer than ever.

After the jump, you’ll find the official Sony Xperia X launch video.

Sony Xperia XA Color Options and Photo Gallery

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2016 | 5 comments

With its plastic finish, the Sony Xperia XA boasts a vibrant set of colors when it arrives some time this summer. Those colors include

White
Graphite Black
Lime Gold
Rose Gold

The white and graphic black are the most basics of colors (but damn if that black doesn’t look nice). However, unsurprisingly, much like when iPhone 6s, it’s the rose gold that steals the show. Surely that’s a color that will demand attention towards your shiny new phone. After the jump, a photo gallery from the Xperia XA color options.

Sony Xperia XA Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2016 | 3 comments

Just yesterday, Sony unveiled their mid-range Xperia XA and more upscale Xperia X. We’ve already looked at the Xperia X specs which include quite a few premium features like a fingerprint sensor and 13-megapixel front-facing camera. As for the Xperia XA, though on a lower tier, Sony isn’t turning over a slouch to us either. Some highlights are:

13-megapixel camera with Hybrid Autofocus
8-megapixel front camera for low-light selfies
64-bit Octa-core
microSD card support (up to 200GB)

After the jump, the full Sony Xperia XA specs await you.

Sony Xperia X, Xperia X Performance & Xperia XA Price Revealed?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 22, 2016 | 0 comments

Do you live in Europe and are wondering what the newly revealed Sony Xperia X and Xperia XA will cost you? Wonder no more as the prices for the more high-end and mid-range smartphones which were just announced by Sony (though won’t be coming to market till summer). Sony has already confirmed that we’ll be seeing the Xperia X arrive in US so these prices should give you some sort of indication at what pricing will be like in the States.

After the jump, the Sony Xperia X, Xperia X Performance, and Xperia XA price structure.

Meet the Mid-range Sony Xperia XA

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 22, 2016 | 0 comments

Alongside the Xperia X, Sony also unveiled the Xperia XA at MWC 2016. Sitting as a mid-range phone in their new lineup, the Xperia XA lacks a lot of the higher-end specs the Xperia X holds but by no means is it a slouch. In terms of design, the XA isn’t too far off from the Xperia X though the metal finish is instead swapped out for plastic. From Sony:

Your smartphone follows you everywhere. That’s why Xperia XA has been designed with a new look and feel to truly harmonise with your life. Bringing together a stunning full-width display, a smooth, curved form and a size that’s not-too-big and not-too-small. It’s just right.

After the jump, let’s talk more details and specs.

Sony Xperia X Specs Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 22, 2016 | 13 comments

We’ve already given you a brief glimpse at what the Sony Xperia X has to offer. Set to be released this summer with US availability, it’s unclear at this point if the Xperia X is destined to take over the Z5, and become what many thought would be the Z6, or live side-by-side. Flagship moniker or not, the Xperia X is going to be a powerful and sleek phone with curved glass that’s sure to feel good in your hands. Highlights include

5-inch HD Triluminos Display
23-megapixel Rear-facing Camera
13-megapixel Front-facing Camera
Hi-Res Audio
Fingerprint Sensor

After the jump, full Sony Xperia X specs await you.