Sony Xperia XZ smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia XZ

October 2016 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia XZ was a flagship smartphone released in late 2016, known for its distinctive 'Loop Surface' design, advanced camera technology, and water-resistant build. It aimed to deliver a premium Android experience with a focus on multimedia capabilities and a powerful processor for its time.
Display5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD with TRILUMINOS technology.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 820.
Main Camera23 MP with advanced autofocus systems.
Battery2900 mAh with Quick Charge 3.0.
Starting from $52

💰 Sony Xperia XZ Price

The Sony Xperia XZ lowest price is $52, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)
FeaturesTRILUMINOS display, X-Reality Engine, Dynamic Contrast Enhancement

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
CPUQuad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 530

Memory

Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
Card SlotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot for single SIM model, shared for dual SIM model) - up to 256GB

Main Camera

Modules23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF, Laser AF
FeaturesPredictive Hybrid Autofocus, RGBC-IR sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)

Selfie Camera

Modules13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.06"
FeaturesHDR
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2900 mAh, non-removable
ChargingFast charging Quick Charge 3.0

Body

Dimensions146 x 72 x 8.1 mm (5.75 x 2.83 x 0.32 in)
Weight161 g (5.68 oz)
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, plastic frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
DurabilityIP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0; USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 2016
StatusReleased October 2016
OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent camera performance for its time with quick autofocus.
  • Robust IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance.
  • Premium and distinctive design.
  • Good display quality with Sony's TRILUMINOS technology.
  • Stereo speakers and high-res audio support.

Cons

  • US models notably lacked a fingerprint sensor, a key feature at the time.
  • Relatively large bezels compared to contemporary flagships.
  • Battery life could be inconsistent for some users.
  • Software updates ended with Android 8.0 Oreo, limiting future compatibility.
  • Original launch price was high, making it less competitive against some rivals.
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia XZ was a solid flagship for 2016, offering a strong camera, durable design, and good multimedia features, though it was held back by the omission of a fingerprint sensor in some key markets and average battery performance.

As a device from 2016, the Sony Xperia XZ is now a budget-friendly option, primarily available as a used or refurbished unit. It's suitable for users seeking a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing, or as a secondary device. While its camera remains capable for casual photography, its older processor and limited software updates mean it won't keep pace with modern apps or demanding games. Consider it if water resistance and a dedicated camera button are priorities, and if you can find it at a very low price. Be aware that battery degradation might be an issue with used units, and the lack of a fingerprint sensor on US models can be inconvenient. For a primary device, newer budget or mid-range phones will offer a more current experience and longer software support.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia XZ smartphone
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Wall charger
  • Documentation

Standard manufacturer's warranty applied at the time of purchase, typically 1-2 years depending on region.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia XZ released?

The Sony Xperia XZ was officially released in October 2016.

Is the Sony Xperia XZ waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia XZ is IP65/IP68 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Does the Sony Xperia XZ have a fingerprint sensor?

The Sony Xperia XZ features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, but it was notably disabled or absent in models sold.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia XZ run?

It launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and was upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo.

What kind of camera does the Sony Xperia XZ have?

The main camera is a 23 MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture, featuring Predictive Hybrid Autofocus and Laser AF for quick and accurate focusing. It can record 4K video.

Does the Sony Xperia XZ support fast charging?

Yes, the Sony Xperia XZ supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for faster battery replenishment.