Sony Xperia XZs 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 XZs is a captivating smartphone that effortlessly combines style, functionality, and innovation. With its sleek aluminum back and Gorilla Glass 5 front, this device is not only visually stunning but also built to withstand the demands of everyday life. The 5.2-inch Triluminos display and X-Reality Engine deliver vibrant and sharp visuals, bringing your favorite content to life. Equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM, the XZs ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Capture breathtaking photos with the 19MP main camera that features predictive phase detection autofocus and impressive 960fps slow-motion video. The Xperia XZs offers a range of variants and comes at an affordable price, making it an enticing choice for gadget enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia XZs boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes elegance. With its glass front, aluminum back, and plastic frame, the device strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and durability. The Gorilla Glass 5 protection not only lends a sophisticated touch but also ensures resistance against scratches and accidental drops. The IP68 rating adds to its appeal by making the smartphone dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The compact form factor, measuring 146 x 72 x 8.1 mm, and weighing 161g, enhances portability and allows for comfortable one-handed usability. The combination of materials used and the fit and finish of the device contribute to its robustness and sturdiness. The phone's back panel offers a smooth texture, providing a comfortable grip and preventing slippage. The well-placed buttons and controls add convenience to the user experience. While the bezels may appear slightly larger than some of its competitors, they do not detract from the overall design. Overall, the Sony Xperia XZs impresses with its attention to detail, premium look and feel, and excellent build quality.

Display

The Sony Xperia XZs features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The screen size provides a good balance between compactness and usability. The Triluminos display with X-Reality Engine enhances color accuracy and vibrancy, resulting in vibrant and lifelike visuals. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which offers durability and scratch resistance.

In terms of brightness levels, the Xperia XZs performs well, making it easy to view content even in direct sunlight. The display also has good touch responsiveness, ensuring smooth and accurate interactions. With its wide viewing angles, the screen allows for comfortable viewing from different positions without significant color shifting.

The Xperia XZs does not feature an OLED display, which means it doesn't offer the deep blacks and high contrast ratios that OLED technology provides. However, the IPS LCD technology used in this phone still offers decent contrast and color reproduction.

The device does not have a notch design and has noticeable bezels, which may not appeal to users looking for a more bezel-less display. However, it does have a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.9%, which is respectable for a device of its time.

Other notable features of the display include support for HDR content, which enhances the dynamic range and brings out more details in supported videos and images. The Xperia XZs also has a wide color gamut, providing a more extensive range of colors for a more immersive viewing experience.

Additionally, the device offers features like an always-on display, blue light filter, and adaptive brightness, which optimize the display based on ambient lighting conditions and user preferences. These features contribute to a more comfortable viewing experience.

Overall, the display of the Sony Xperia XZs offers good color accuracy, vibrant visuals, and decent viewing angles. While it may not have the latest display technologies like OLED, it still provides a satisfying viewing experience for everyday use.

Performance

The Sony Xperia XZs is equipped with a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, which provides solid performance. The quad-core CPU, consisting of two 2.15 GHz Kryo cores and two 1.6 GHz Kryo cores, ensures efficient multitasking and smooth app loading speeds. With its Adreno 530 GPU, the Xperia XZs delivers impressive graphics scores and gaming performance, allowing for an enjoyable gaming experience. The device performs well in benchmark tests, including CPU and GPU benchmarks, showcasing its processor efficiency and GPU efficiency.

In terms of real-world usage, the Xperia XZs offers a smooth user experience and lag-free performance. The system optimization and thermal management implemented by Sony contribute to its overall performance. The device handles multitasking effortlessly, allowing users to switch between apps seamlessly.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Xperia XZs proves to be a reliable choice. It performs well in gaming benchmarks, demonstrating its ability to handle graphically demanding games with ease. The GPU benchmarks showcase the device's ability to render high-quality graphics and deliver a satisfying gaming experience.

Overall, the performance of the Sony Xperia XZs is commendable. Its chipset performance, CPU benchmarks, GPU benchmarks, and gaming performance all contribute to a smooth and efficient user experience. Whether it's multitasking, gaming, or general usage, the Xperia XZs offers a solid performance that meets the expectations of most users.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Xperia XZs runs on the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, which can be upgraded to Android 8.0 Oreo. This ensures that users have access to the latest features and security updates. Sony has also added its own customization to the software, providing a unique experience for Xperia users.

One aspect of the software that users appreciate is the minimal amount of pre-installed apps or bloatware. This means that the phone doesn't come with unnecessary apps that take up storage space and clutter the interface. Users have the freedom to choose which apps they want to install, resulting in a more personalized and user-friendly experience.

The interface of the Sony Xperia XZs is clean and easy to navigate. The Android operating system provides a familiar layout, with an app drawer and customizable home screens. Sony has also added its own touches to the interface, such as its signature Xperia themes and icons.

In terms of performance, the Xperia XZs excels with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and quad-core processor. This ensures smooth multitasking and speedy app launches. The phone also handles graphics-intensive tasks well, thanks to the Adreno 530 GPU.

Overall, the software of the Sony Xperia XZs provides a seamless and user-friendly experience. The combination of the Android operating system and Sony's customization results in a clean and intuitive interface. With minimal pre-installed apps and powerful hardware, the Xperia XZs offers a smooth and efficient performance.

Camera

The Sony Xperia XZs boasts a powerful 19-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 25mm wide-angle lens. With its large sensor size, the camera is capable of capturing stunning images with great detail and sharpness. The predictive phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus ensure quick and accurate focus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The camera also features image stabilization, which helps in reducing camera shake and producing blur-free images.

When it comes to image quality, the Sony Xperia XZs excels in various lighting conditions. In daylight photography, it captures natural colors and offers good dynamic range. The camera performs well in both indoor and outdoor photography, delivering sharp and vibrant images. In low-light situations, the camera's low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities come into play, allowing for impressive night photography. The device also offers a dedicated night mode for enhanced low-light performance.

The camera app of the Xperia XZs is packed with features like HDR, panorama mode, and a pro mode for manual adjustments. It also includes AI scene recognition, which automatically optimizes settings based on the subject being captured. The device supports 4K video recording, ensuring high-quality videos, and video stabilization helps in reducing shakiness while recording. Slow-motion videos and time-lapse can also be created with ease. The Xperia XZs supports various video formats, providing flexibility in video playback and sharing. Overall, the camera of the Sony Xperia XZs offers a versatile photography experience with excellent image quality and a range of useful features.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia XZs is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2900 mAh battery, which may seem relatively small compared to some other smartphones on the market. However, the device offers good battery performance and optimization features that help maximize its efficiency. The battery life of the Xperia XZs is rated at an endurance rating of 73h, which indicates that it can last for a decent amount of time on a single charge. Additionally, the phone supports fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly charge their device when needed. Unfortunately, wireless charging options are not available on the Xperia XZs. Overall, the battery of the Sony Xperia XZs offers a satisfactory performance, providing users with a reliable battery backup and decent screen-on time. However, the relatively small battery capacity may require users to charge their device more frequently, especially with heavy usage.

Connectivity and Networking

The Sony Xperia XZs offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected on the go. With its network compatibility, users can enjoy reliable connectivity on both GSM and LTE networks. The device supports 4G LTE, ensuring fast data speeds for smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading.

For wireless connectivity, the Xperia XZs features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing users to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. This ensures faster and more stable connections, especially in areas with multiple Wi-Fi networks. Bluetooth 4.2 is also available, enabling seamless pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices for file sharing or wireless audio streaming.

NFC technology is supported, allowing users to easily make contactless payments and quickly connect with other NFC-enabled devices. The device also comes with a USB Type-C 2.0 port, providing fast data transfer and charging capabilities.

The Xperia XZs supports dual SIM functionality, with the G8232 model offering the option to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This feature is beneficial for users who want to separate work and personal contacts or use different network providers for better coverage.

In terms of navigation, the device is equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, ensuring accurate positioning and reliable navigation capabilities. Additionally, users can create mobile hotspots to share their internet connection with other devices, making it convenient for those who need to connect multiple devices on the go.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XZs provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, ensuring users can stay connected and enjoy fast data speeds, reliable wireless connections, and convenient sharing capabilities.

Additional Features

- Standout features: The Sony Xperia XZs boasts some standout features that make it a compelling choice in the smartphone market. One of its key features is its water resistance and dust resistance capabilities. With an IP68 rating, the Xperia XZs can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or accidental spills. Additionally, its dustproof design ensures that no particles can enter and damage the device.

- Advanced sensors: The Xperia XZs comes equipped with a wide range of sensors, including an accelerometer and a gyroscope. These sensors enable the device to detect and measure motion, allowing for interactive and immersive experiences in games and applications. Moreover, the Xperia XZs also includes a sensor suite that includes additional environmental sensors, such as a barometer and a compass. These sensors provide users with valuable information about their surroundings, making the device even more versatile and functional.

- Wireless charging: Another noteworthy feature of the Xperia XZs is its support for wireless charging. With Qi wireless charging technology, users can conveniently charge their device by simply placing it on a compatible wireless charging pad. This eliminates the need for cables and offers a hassle-free charging experience. Whether at home or in the office, users can easily keep their Xperia XZs powered up without the inconvenience of dealing with tangled cords.

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia XZs offers standout features like water resistance and dust resistance, advanced sensors for enhanced functionality, and the convenience of wireless charging. These features make it a reliable and versatile choice for smartphone users.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Sony Xperia XZs is a smartphone that was released in 2017 and offers a range of features and specifications that make it a competitive option in the market. When comparing it to other related devices, it is important to consider its market positioning, performance, pricing, and unique features.

In terms of market competition, the Xperia XZs faces tough competition from other smartphones in its category, such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Apple iPhone 7. These devices also offer high-end specifications and features, making it crucial for the Xperia XZs to differentiate itself.

In terms of specifications, the Xperia XZs boasts a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and features 4GB of RAM. While these specifications were impressive at the time of its release, they may not match up to the latest devices in the market.

In terms of performance, the Xperia XZs performs reasonably well with its quad-core processor and Adreno 530 GPU. However, benchmark comparisons show that it falls behind newer devices in terms of processing power and graphics performance.

One of the unique features of the Xperia XZs is its camera capabilities. It features a 19MP main camera with predictive phase detection autofocus and a 13MP front-facing camera. This allows users to capture high-quality photos and videos. However, in comparison to newer devices with multiple camera lenses and advanced image processing algorithms, the Xperia XZs may not offer the same level of camera performance.

In terms of pricing, the Xperia XZs was priced at around 220 EUR at the time of its release. While this may have been competitive at the time, it is important to consider the current pricing of newer devices and their value for money.

Overall, the Xperia XZs offers a range of features and specifications that make it a competitive option in the market. However, when comparing it to newer devices, it may fall behind in terms of performance and camera capabilities. Its pricing and value for money should also be considered when making a purchasing decision.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia XZs offers a solid package of features and specifications. Its sleek design with a combination of glass and aluminum gives it a premium feel. The 5.2-inch Triluminos display produces vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM, the device delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The 19MP main camera captures detailed photos and supports 4K video recording. Additionally, the IP68 rating ensures water and dust resistance. However, the device falls short in terms of battery life and the lack of a headphone jack may inconvenience some users. Overall, the Sony Xperia XZs is a reliable choice for those seeking a compact and powerful smartphone.