Sony Xperia Z smartphone

Photo: Flickr user "Kārlis Dambrāns" via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia Z

February 2013 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia Z was a pioneering Android smartphone launched in early 2013, distinguished by its sleek 'OmniBalance' design and its groundbreaking IP55/IP57 dust and water resistance ratings for a flagship device. It featured a 5.0-inch Full HD display and was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, marking the beginning of Sony's prominent 'Z' series.
Display5.0-inch Full HD (1080x1920) TFT with 441 ppi
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064)
Main Camera13.1 MP with Exmor RS sensor and 1080p HDR video
Battery2330 mAh non-removable Li-Ion
Starting from $594

💰 Sony Xperia Z Price

The Sony Xperia Z lowest price is $594, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size5.0 inches, 69.8 cm² (~69.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
ProtectionShatter proof glass, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Krait 300
GPUAdreno 320

Memory

RAM2GB
Internal Storage16GB (approx. 11GB user accessible)
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32GB (officially), up to 128GB (unofficially)

Main Camera

ModulesSingle 13.1 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", AF
FeaturesExmor RS sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, face detection
Video1080p@30fps, HDR

Selfie Camera

ModulesSingle 2.2 MP, f/2.2
FeaturesExmor R sensor
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion 2330 mAh
Stand-byUp to 550 h (2G) / Up to 530 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 11 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions139 x 71 x 7.9 mm (5.47 x 2.80 x 0.31 in)
Weight146 g (5.15 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back, plastic frame
SIMMicro-SIM
DurabilityIP55/IP57 dust and water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out)

Launch

AnnouncedCES 2013, January 2013
StatusReleased February 2013
OS at launchAndroid 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent dust and water resistance for its time
  • Premium glass design
  • Sharp Full HD display
  • Good performance for 2013 flagship tasks
  • Expandable storage via microSD

Cons

  • TFT display technology was not as vibrant as AMOLED competitors
  • Battery life could be improved
  • Camera performance in low light was average
  • Non-removable battery
  • Software updates ended years ago
★ Our Verdict

While revolutionary for its time with water resistance and a premium design, its age means it lacks modern features, performance, and software support, making it primarily a collector's item today.

The Sony Xperia Z is a classic smartphone, but it's important to understand its limitations if considering a purchase today. It's best suited for collectors, enthusiasts of early Android flagships, or for very basic, non-demanding tasks. Do not expect it to perform like a modern smartphone; its operating system is outdated, apps may not be compatible, and security updates are non-existent. If you're buying it for nostalgic reasons or as a piece of tech history, ensure the unit is in good condition, especially checking for battery degradation and screen integrity. For daily use, even a budget modern smartphone will offer a significantly better experience.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia Z smartphone
  • Standard 2-pin charger
  • USB cable
  • Headset with extra earbud covers
  • User guide and manuals
  • Warranty card

Standard manufacturer's warranty applied at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia Z released?

The Sony Xperia Z was officially released in February 2013, following its announcement at CES 2013.

Is the Sony Xperia Z waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z was one of the first flagship smartphones to feature IP55/IP57 dust and water resistance, meaning it could be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system did the Sony Xperia Z run?

The Sony Xperia Z initially shipped with Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) and was officially upgradable to Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop).

What kind of display does the Sony Xperia Z have?

It features a 5.0-inch Full HD (1080x1920 pixels) TFT capacitive touchscreen with a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, enhanced by Sony's Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2.

Can I still use a Sony Xperia Z today?

While technically functional, using a Sony Xperia Z today as a primary device is not recommended due to its outdated software, lack of security updates, and potential app incompatibility. It's better suited as a collector's item.

What was notable about the Sony Xperia Z's camera?

The Sony Xperia Z featured a 13.1 MP main camera with an Exmor RS sensor, capable of recording 1080p HDR video, which was advanced for its time.