Sony Xperia Z Preview

Sony Xperia Z Preview

 

At the end of this month Sony will release the Sony Xperia Z, having announced the device at CES in January. Sony will be the first – but not the only – manufacturer to increase the screen size of its flagship device this year; its main competitors in the Android arena are widely expected to do the same.

The increased screen size of the Z signifies the growing acceptance of devices with larger screens. Not two years ago, the initially negative reviews that the Galaxy Note received for its 5.3” screen showed the attitude towards large handsets, but with many users now preferring larger screens, manufacturers have been gradually increasing screen sizes ever since.

The Xperia Z is still half an inch smaller than the largest Android device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but is almost half an inch larger than Sony’s last flagship, the Xperia T.  However, it’s not just the large screen size that makes the Xperia Z stand out, but several other features as well, such as its IP57 and IP67 protection ratings.

Until now, there is yet to have been a flagship handset released that is waterproof. Handsets such as the Motorola DEFY do offer an IP67 rating as well, but on a much smaller screen. The Xperia Z can be submerged in water up to a metre deep and is also dust resistant. Thanks to progressions in this kind of technology this does not add unnecessary bulk to the phone, meaning the Z is just 7.9mm thick. The video takes a slightly more comical approach to testing the Z’s durability:

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There has already been some great pre-release content released for the Xperia Z, with Clove having published a very positive early review. The review covers all aspects of the device and looks briefly at the STAMINA mode included for saving battery life, although it is noted that more thorough testing is required to come to a full conclusion on the feature, which Sony claims can improve battery life four fold.

Tech specs aside, Sony has made a conscious effort over the last few years to maintain a strong relationship with the developer community and has continued this trend with the Xperia Z, releasing the complete kernel source code a month before the handset is due to launch. This approach goes down very well with Android fans and is in stark contrast to some of the other Android manufacturers, which don’t have such a good reputation in this aspect.

Sony has lagged behind other manufacturers slightly over the last couple of years, but the Z could be the device to change this for them. For any Droid Horizon readers interested in purchasing the Xperia Z, Clove sells a range of Sony handsets and currently has a great deal running which includes a free speaker with the Xperia Z. Let us know in the comments if you are thinking of purchasing

 

 

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