Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Sony Xperia 1, previously known as the Xperia XZ4, is a flagship smartphone that promises an immersive and captivating experience. With its stunning 6.5-inch OLED display, boasting a resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio, this device offers a cinematic viewing experience like no other. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and paired with 6GB of RAM, the Xperia 1 delivers powerful performance for all your multitasking needs. Its triple rear camera setup, featuring 12MP lenses, guarantees exceptional photo and video quality. The Xperia 1 comes in various attractive colors and offers a range of storage options. Priced at around 500 EUR, this smartphone is a premium choice for tech enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) boasts an aesthetically pleasing and sleek design that exudes a premium look and feel. With its glass front and back panels protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, and an aluminum frame, the device showcases a robust build quality that enhances its durability. The dimensions of 167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) and weight of 178 g (6.28 oz) make it relatively compact and lightweight, ensuring portability without compromising sturdiness.

The phone's form factor is designed to be ergonomic, with a focus on providing a comfortable grip. The use of high-quality materials and the finishing touches contribute to its overall fit and finish. The absence of bezels on the sides and minimal ones on the top and bottom maximize the screen-to-body ratio, resulting in an immersive viewing experience.

The placement of buttons and controls is well-thought-out, with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. The IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance rating adds an extra layer of protection to the device. The texture of the phone's surface enhances grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips.

However, it is important to note that the elongated 21:9 aspect ratio of the 6.5-inch OLED display may affect one-handed usability for some users. Nevertheless, the Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) strikes a balance between a sleek design and sturdy construction, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a combination of style and durability in a smartphone.

Display

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) boasts a stunning display that is sure to impress. With a screen size of 6.5 inches and a unique 21:9 aspect ratio, it offers a truly immersive viewing experience. The display resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 643 ppi ensure excellent clarity and detail.

The Xperia 1 features an OLED display with HDR BT.2020 technology, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The OLED technology also contributes to better energy efficiency and allows for thinner and lighter devices. The Triluminos display and X-Reality Engine further enhance the color accuracy and vibrancy of the screen.

With Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection, the Xperia 1's display is well-guarded against scratches and accidental drops. The display also offers good brightness levels, making it easily visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The touch responsiveness of the screen is precise and smooth, ensuring a seamless user experience.

The Xperia 1 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the contrast and color accuracy for compatible content. The wide color gamut and excellent viewing angles contribute to a more immersive visual experience. Additionally, the display features an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and improving readability in different lighting conditions.

The Sony Xperia 1 does not have a notch, offering a clean and uninterrupted display. The slim bezels and high screen-to-body ratio maximize the screen real estate, providing a more immersive feel. It also supports an always-on display feature, allowing users to quickly glance at important information without unlocking the device.

Overall, the Sony Xperia 1's display is a standout feature, offering a combination of size, resolution, color accuracy, and protection. Whether you're watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web, the Xperia 1's display is sure to deliver a visually stunning experience.

Performance

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) boasts impressive performance capabilities, thanks to its powerful chipset and efficient GPU. Powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset and Adreno 640 GPU, this device delivers exceptional performance across various tasks and applications. In CPU benchmarks, the Xperia 1 showcases its processing prowess with its octa-core configuration, consisting of 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 cores.

When it comes to gaming, the Xperia 1 excels in providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The Adreno 640 GPU ensures excellent graphics performance and enables seamless gameplay even in demanding titles. Gaming benchmarks and graphics scores further reinforce the device's gaming capabilities, confirming its ability to handle graphically intensive games with ease.

Furthermore, the Xperia 1's performance extends beyond gaming. Its processor efficiency and system optimization result in lag-free performance and swift multitasking capabilities. The device handles app loading speeds efficiently, allowing for a smooth user experience. Synthetic benchmarks and performance metrics reflect its impressive performance across various usage scenarios.

In terms of thermal management, the Xperia 1 excels in keeping temperatures in check during prolonged and intensive usage. This ensures that the device maintains optimal performance without overheating. Users can enjoy extended gaming sessions or multitasking without experiencing performance throttling due to excessive heat.

Overall, the performance of the Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) is commendable. Its powerful chipset, efficient GPU, and optimized system ensure smooth and lag-free performance across various tasks and applications. Whether it's gaming, multitasking, or everyday usage, the Xperia 1 delivers a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Its benchmark scores and performance analysis further highlight its capabilities, making it a top contender in the smartphone market for performance enthusiasts.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) runs on the Android 9.0 (Pie) operating system, which can be upgraded to Android 11. This ensures that users have access to the latest features and security updates. Sony has also included its own customizations to enhance the user experience. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and customization options.

As for pre-installed apps, the Xperia 1 comes with a range of useful applications. However, it is worth noting that some users may consider certain apps as bloatware, as they may not find them necessary or may prefer alternative options. Nevertheless, the overall software experience on the Xperia 1 is smooth and responsive.

Sony's interface on the Xperia 1 is known for its clean and minimalistic design. It offers a clutter-free experience, allowing users to focus on their tasks without distractions. The device also comes with features such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor, providing users with a variety of options for interacting with the device.

Overall, the software on the Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) provides a user-friendly interface and a range of customization options. While some users may find certain pre-installed apps unnecessary, the overall software experience is smooth and responsive, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone experience.

Camera

The Sony Xperia 1, previously known as the Sony Xperia XZ4, boasts an impressive camera setup that caters to the needs of photography enthusiasts. The device features a triple camera system, including a 12-megapixel wide lens with a bright f/1.6 aperture, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens with a 16mm focal length. These lenses allow users to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes with different perspectives, whether it's sweeping landscapes or detailed close-ups.

One notable feature of the Xperia 1's camera is its image stabilization capabilities. With 5-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) on two of its lenses, users can expect sharp and steady shots, even in challenging shooting conditions. This is particularly beneficial when capturing videos or shooting in low-light environments, where stability is crucial for maintaining image quality.

Speaking of low-light performance, the Xperia 1 excels in this aspect as well. Thanks to its large sensor size and low-light sensitivity, the device can capture detailed and well-exposed images even in dimly lit situations. Additionally, the camera's noise reduction algorithms work effectively to minimize graininess and preserve image quality in low-light scenarios.

In terms of camera features, the Xperia 1 offers various shooting modes to enhance photography experiences. From portrait mode for stunning bokeh effects, to HDR and panorama modes for capturing scenes with wide dynamic range or expansive landscapes, the device provides versatile options for users to explore their creativity. Moreover, the camera supports AI scene recognition, which automatically optimizes settings based on the detected scene, ensuring accurate color reproduction and enhancing image quality.

When it comes to video recording, the Xperia 1 shines with its ability to shoot in 4K resolution. The device also offers video stabilization for smoother footage, slow-motion video for capturing captivating moments in detail, and time-lapse for creating unique and visually appealing videos. With support for various video formats, users have flexibility in choosing the format that suits their needs.

Overall, the camera capabilities of the Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) offer a comprehensive package for both photography and videography enthusiasts. From daylight photography to low-light performance, the device delivers impressive image quality, sharpness, and dynamic range, making it a reliable companion for capturing memorable moments in various settings.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3330mAh battery, which offers decent battery life. The device supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0 technology, allowing for relatively fast charging speeds. However, it does not support wireless charging, which may be a drawback for some users. The battery performance of the Xperia 1 is generally satisfactory, providing a good balance between power efficiency and usage. The device also offers battery optimization features, such as a battery saver mode, to extend battery life during low-power situations. With its 6.5-inch OLED display and efficient hardware, the Xperia 1 manages to provide a respectable screen-on time and standby time. The battery capacity, though not the largest, is sufficient for most daily usage scenarios. Overall, while the Xperia 1 may not have the most impressive battery specifications, it offers a reliable battery performance and optimization features to ensure a satisfactory user experience.

Connectivity and Networking

The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) offers a range of connectivity options, ensuring that users can stay connected wherever they go. With network compatibility for GSM, HSPA, and LTE, users can enjoy fast data speeds and reliable connectivity. The device also supports 5G technology, providing even faster internet speeds when available. For wireless connectivity, the Xperia 1 features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing users to connect to Wi-Fi networks and enjoy high-speed internet browsing. Bluetooth 5.0 is also supported, enabling users to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers, and smartwatches. NFC technology is included, allowing for convenient contactless payments and easy pairing with compatible devices. The Xperia 1 features a USB Type-C 3.1 port, providing fast charging and data transfer capabilities. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging, eliminating the need for cables and allowing for convenient charging on compatible charging pads. For those who need the flexibility of multiple numbers, the Xperia 1 offers dual SIM functionality. GPS and GLONASS are also included, providing accurate navigation and location services. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) offers a wide range of connectivity options, ensuring users can stay connected and enjoy all the features and benefits of the modern smartphone era.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Sony Xperia 1 (XZ4) comes with a range of standout features that set it apart from other smartphones in the market. One notable feature is its IP65/IP68 rating, which makes it water-resistant and dustproof. This means that the device can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without any damage.


• Wireless Charging: Another convenient feature is the support for Qi wireless charging. This means that users can simply place their Xperia 1 on a compatible wireless charging pad and it will start charging without the need for any cables. This feature provides added convenience and eliminates the hassle of dealing with tangled wires.


• Advanced Sensors: The Xperia 1 is equipped with a range of advanced sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by enabling features such as automatic screen rotation, augmented reality applications, and accurate environmental measurements.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Sony Xperia 1, previously known as Sony Xperia XZ4, is a flagship smartphone that competes in the market with other high-end devices. Let's compare its features, specifications, and performance with some of its related gadgets.

In terms of design, the Sony Xperia 1 boasts a sleek and premium build with a glass front and back, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. It features a large 6.5-inch OLED display with HDR and an aspect ratio of 21:9, providing an immersive viewing experience. This puts it in direct competition with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the iPhone 11 Pro, which also offer impressive displays.

Powering the Xperia 1 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, which ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. It comes with 6GB of RAM and is equipped with up to 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. While the Xperia 1 doesn't feature the latest Snapdragon 865 chipset found in some of its competitors, it still delivers excellent performance.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Xperia 1 stands out with its triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This allows for versatile photography options and impressive image quality. However, it falls slightly behind devices like the Google Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11 Pro in terms of camera performance.

The Xperia 1 also offers features like IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some users.

When considering pricing, the Sony Xperia 1 is positioned as a premium device with a price tag of around 500 EUR. While it may not be the most affordable option in the market, it offers a flagship experience with its high-end specifications and unique features.

In terms of market competition, the Xperia 1 faces tough competition from established players like Samsung and Apple, as well as emerging brands like OnePlus and Huawei. However, Sony's focus on display technology, camera capabilities, and its reputation for quality can be viewed as its competitive advantage.

Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 offers a compelling package with its premium design, impressive display, and powerful performance. While it may not be the absolute best in every aspect, it provides a unique proposition for consumers who prioritize features like a cinematic display

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 (previously known as Xperia XZ4) offers an impressive array of features that make it a compelling choice for potential buyers. With its sleek design, durable build, and IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance, the Xperia 1 is built to withstand the demands of everyday use. The 6.5-inch OLED display with HDR BT.2020 technology provides stunning visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and accompanied by 6GB of RAM, the Xperia 1 delivers smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. The triple camera setup offers versatility and high-quality photography, while the 3330mAh battery ensures a decent battery life. Overall, the Xperia 1 is a solid choice for those seeking a premium smartphone experience.