Hands-On: Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony Xperia Z1 which was announced recently is slated to arrive in Malaysia on the first week of October. Overall, this is a device which marries the best hardware from a Xperia Z Ultra into a more sensible 5″ form factor of the Xperia Z.

Firstly the 5″ Full HD has been upgraded to Triluminos display which is an improvement over the display on the Xperia Z. Rather similar to the 6.44″ Xperia Z Ultra sibling, the Xperia Z1 packs a 2.2GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM and powered with a rather generous 3,000mAh battery (Xperia Z Ultra packs a 3,050mAh battery). The water resistance capabilities of the Xperia Z1 is a notch higher than the Xperia Z with an IP58 rating which allows it to be submerged under 1.5 metres for 30 minutes. As comparison, the original Xperia Z with IP57 is rated up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes. No worries bringing this to the pool and taking pictures underwater is hassle free with a dedicated shutter button.

The latest hype on the Xperia Z1 is its camera which boasts a larger than usual 1/2.3″ sensor that shoots 20.7MP. It is paired with Sony’s own G-Lens and a dedicated BIONZ image processor. Instead of having Xenon flash, Sony had opted for LED flash instead which is at least better than having none at all like the Z Ultra.

There are 3 colours available and we are liking the purple version. Design wise, it maintains the same omni-balance design and Sony had went a step further with the use of aluminum frame at the sides. Overall the Xperia Z1 is bulkier and heavier than the original Z but considering its top notch camera, hardware and much larger battery it is one formidable smart phone to look out for at the moment. The Xperia Z1 is almost all that you’ve ever wanted to improve on the original Xperia Z and they have really made it better.

Watch our hands-on of the Xperia Z1 after the break.