Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone

Photo: ulfb via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia Z1

September 2013 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia Z1 was a flagship Android smartphone released in 2013, notable for its 20.7 MP camera, 5-inch Full HD display, and robust water and dust resistance. It combined high-end specifications for its era with Sony's signature design philosophy.
Display5.0-inch Full HD (1080x1920) TRILUMINOS display
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 800
Main Camera20.7 MP with f/2.0 G Lens
Battery3000 mAh non-removable
Starting from $52

💰 Sony Xperia Z1 Price

The Sony Xperia Z1 lowest price is $52, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT LCD, 16M colors
Size5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~64.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
FeaturesTriluminos display, X-Reality Engine

Platform

OSAndroid 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800
CPUQuad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 64 GB
Internal16GB 2GB RAM (some variants 32GB)

Main Camera

Single20.7 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.3", AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP, 1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Stand-byUp to 880 h (2G) / Up to 850 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 15 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions144 x 74 x 8.5 mm (5.67 x 2.91 x 0.33 in)
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)
SIMMicro-SIM
ProtectionIP55/IP58 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
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, aptX
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), USB Host

Launch

Announced2013, September 04
StatusReleased 2013, September

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent 20.7 MP camera for its time
  • Robust IP55/IP58 water and dust resistance
  • Premium build quality and sleek design
  • Vibrant Full HD TRILUMINOS display
  • Powerful Snapdragon 800 chipset for its era

Cons

  • Outdated Android version with limited update support
  • Relatively heavy and thick compared to modern phones
  • Low resolution 2 MP front-facing camera
  • Non-removable battery
  • Base model had limited 16GB internal storage
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia Z1 was a highly competitive flagship at its release, offering a top-tier camera, durable design, and a great display, though it's now significantly dated in terms of software and some hardware aspects.

The Sony Xperia Z1 is an older smartphone from 2013, and while it was a premium device in its day, it is no longer suitable as a primary daily driver. Its Android operating system is severely outdated, posing security risks and compatibility issues with many modern apps. Performance will be sluggish compared to current devices, and battery life on an old unit will likely be poor. It might appeal to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic device for light, non-essential use. If considering a purchase, ensure the device is fully functional, understand its significant limitations, and do not expect modern smartphone capabilities or security updates.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia Z1 Handset
  • Charger Adapter
  • USB to microUSB Cable
  • Headphones (may vary by region)
  • Documentation (User Guide, Warranty Card)
  • Screen protector (may vary by region)

The Sony Xperia Z1 typically came with a standard limited manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Sony Xperia Z1?

The Sony Xperia Z1 was officially announced on September 4, 2013, and began its global release in various markets later that month.

Is the Sony Xperia Z1 waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z1 features IP55/IP58 ratings, making it dust and water-resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.

What kind of camera does the Sony Xperia Z1 have?

It is equipped with a 20.7-megapixel main camera featuring Sony's G Lens, a large 1/2.3" Exmor RS sensor, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia Z1 run?

The Sony Xperia Z1 launched with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and was upgradable to Android 5.1 (Lollipop).

What is the screen size and resolution of the Sony Xperia Z1?

The phone features a 5.0-inch TFT LCD display with a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, incorporating Sony's TRILUMINOS and X-Reality Engine technologies.

Is the Sony Xperia Z1 still a good phone to buy today?

Due to its age, outdated software, and lack of security updates, the Sony Xperia Z1 is not recommended for daily use as a primary smartphone today. It lacks modern app compatibility and security features, though it could be a collector's item.