The Sony Xperia XZ3 has been the subject to a lot of attention and hence a lot of “leaks”. With the most recent leak containing an image which shows the entire phone- from the front and the back. If this latest image is to be believed, then we sure are in for some surprises from Sony. The rising incidents of leaks, counting this one has many guessing that Sony is going to make a big announcement at the upcoming IFA 2018.
The images show something that defy two of the biggest trends in the flagship smartphone segment right now. The Sony Xperia XZ3 apparently lacks a notch or a dual camera setup, rendering it very close to the Xperia XZ2 in design. The device has not-so-thin bezels at both the top and bottom. The back houses a single camera lens and the fingerprint scanner. We can also see that the sides of the display might go edge-to-edge.
Alleged spec sheets of the device are out, which gave us an insight to what the device packs. The Xperia XZ3 will house a Snapdragon 845 SoC with an Adreno 630 GPU. It has a 5.7-inch Full HD screen which will be protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The big question this spec sheet raises however is that of the camera setup. A Japanese website put out the spec sheet and has been continuously leaking tremendous amounts of information about the device.
The latest images show a single camera setup while the spec sheet talks about a dual camera one. We had seen a dual camera setup in the Xperia XZ2 premium, not including it in the XZ3 will be a step backwards for Sony. Google however has proven with the Pixel that a dual camera setup isn’t require for amazing performance.
While the anticipation for the device is high, the leaks might tell a whole new story. Considering this leak, we are getting a device which is extremely similar to the XZ2, launched in February this year. This could mean either of two things. We are not getting a new flagship from Sony and it is an upgraded version of the Xperia XZ2. This is possible because the design and features are to similar for a new phone and also the fact that the XZ2 is fairly new.
Another explanation could be that the leaks are wrong and what we are getting is completely different. This can be true because if Sony is making another flagship device, it would not bring out one with just a few minor upgrades. Considering the state in which Sony’s smartphone market is in right now, we hope that a much better phone is coming our way.
UPDATE: The event is for an audio product not the launch of an Xperia smartphone.
Sony could launch its new flagship smartphone, Xperia XZ2 in India. The company has sent out press invites for an event on the 16th of April. The Xperia XZ2 has also been listed on Sony India’s official website which means that the company could indeed launch the device in India.
This is a great move by Sony which launched its previous flagship, the Xperia XZ1 back in September 2017 in India. The new Sony Xperia XZ2 has top of the line specifications and a much-needed design shift to a modern 18:9 aspect ratio. The price of the smartphones will be of utmost importance in a price-sensitive market like in India. Globally, the Xperia XZ2 retails for US$ 799 (Rs 51000 approx.). Now, the Xperia XZ1 was launched in India at price of Rs 44990, and a similar price will be expected for the new flagship smartphone.
Apart from an 18:9 aspect ratio, Sony has made a few significant design changes with the Xperia XZ2. The Xperia XZ2 has a curvier back as opposed to the block design found on the previous Sony flagship phones. The fingerprint sensor also has a new placement this time around. Instead of housing the sensor inside the lock button, the company has moved it to the back of the smartphone. Sony has retained a single camera setup on the back like Google did with the Pixel 2 devices.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Specs
The Sony Xperia XZ2 has a 5.7 inch IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080px resolution.
The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The storage is expandable up to 400GB via a microSD card. Sony has used 3D Gorilla Glass shielding for the back panel. This also means that the Xperia XZ2 comes with support for wireless charging. The smartphone is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.
The Xperia XZ2 has a 19MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture. In the world of Huawei P20 Pro and its triple camera setup, the Xz2 might seem a bit archaic. But, it could perform well like the Google Pixel 2 smartphones so, we will leave it to that until we test out the device. Interestingly, it has a feature that even the mighty Samsung Galaxy S9 doesn’t have. The XZ2 is capable of recording 1080P video at a whopping 960fps, while the Galaxy S9 only records 720P videos at 960fps. On the front of the smartphone is a 5MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture.
The phone has a slightly bigger 3180 mAh battery with fast charging capability.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact were launched at Mobile World Congress 2018. The devices are the first from Sony to feature an 18:9 aspect ratio and the new Ambient Flow design. Apart from the Galaxy S9 and Asus 5Z, these are the only two smartphones launched at MWC 2018 to be powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset.
Sony launched the Sony Xperia Xz2 and Xz2 Compactat MWC 2018. Starting with these smartphones, the company has changed a lot of things on its flagship smartphone series. The devices no longer look like a slab of metal or glass, as the devices flaunt a new Ambient Flow design. In fact, these are the first batch Sony smartphones to feature 18:9 aspect ratio display. However, when everything was going well with these smartphones, the brand ironically decided to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone.
Sony Xperia XZ2
Sony’s Blog
This is part of the shift to our new Ambient Flow design language. In order to create the beautiful seamless design, our designers needed to remove the headphone jack. Plus, we’re aware of the major market trend toward wireless headphones over wired headphones.
Sony is trying to convince us that the removal of headphone jack has helped them to achieve this form factor. On the contrary, the Sony Xperia Xz2 is one of the thickest flagship smartphones that has been launched in 2018. Sony’s “ambient flow” design has taken a bit of inspiration from the HTC U11 and U11+. However, instead of a glossy finish, Sony has opted for matt finish.
The trend of removing the 3.5 mm headphone jack started with the Apple iPhone 7. The company moved one step closer to a completely port-less iPhone and has continued to exclude the headphone jack ever since. However, at the time of the launch, the decision was met with a collective disdain. In fact, Google mocked Apple during the launch of the Pixel and Pixel XL. However, that soon changed and Google even removed the headphone jack from its Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Over the past year and a half, companies like HTC, Xioami, and Nokia have started shipping their flagship smartphones without a 3.5 mm headphone jack. In fact, OnePlus, Samsung and LG seem to be the only major smartphone makers still interested in keeping the headphone jack relevant.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a great example of a flagship smartphone design with a headphone jack. The smartphone comes with a slim form factor. OnePlus’s co-founder Card Pie recently did a poll on Twitter regarding the requirement of the headphone jack. As usual, the crowd went with the first option with almost 88 percent of them saying yes. This could be a hint that the OnePlus 6 will indeed retain the headphone jack.
It is fair to say that industry trends exist for a reason. While Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack was panned at first, many smartphone makers have come around the idea since then. Sony, even though late to the party, has also jumped aboard the idea that wireless is the future. Sony itself makes some of the best wireless headphones on the market right now. So, it does make sense for the company to push consumers toward wireless headphones.
Barcelona, Spain hosted yet another edition of MWC 2018 in February. While smartphones like the Galaxy S9 and Xperia XZ2 were heavily leaked, there were a few surprise launches that caught a lot of attention. Nokia, for instance, launched as many as 5 devices. So, what are the top five smartphones that launched at MWC 2018? Let’s find out!
Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+
Galaxy S9, S9+ Colour Variants
This is an obvious entry on the list. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ were the most anticipated smartphones of MWC 2018. Follow up to 2017’s successful flagship duo, a lot was expected from the Galaxy S9 and S9+. As was expected from the numerous leaks, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ did not look too different from their predecessors.
However, there are a few important upgrades that could be interesting. First one is in the camera department. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ now feature a variable aperture. The Dual Pixel 12 MP sensor has a dual f/1.5 and f/2.4 aperture. In bright lighting conditions, the camera will use the f/2.4 aperture, while the wider f/1.5 aperture is used in dark lighting conditions. It also captures 720P videos at 960fps and 4K videos at 60fps, similar to the Apple iPhone X.
Also, the fingerprint sensor is finally placed below the camera module, something we saw on the Galaxy A8+ as well. The S9 has a single camera setup while the S9+ now has a dual-camera setup similar to the Galaxy Note8. Both the smartphones will be launched in India on the 6th of March and go on sale on March 16th.
This smartphone is not a consumer-ready product yet. However, it is still one of the coolest devices displayed at MWC 2018. Over the years, MWC has been a witness to some amazing concept phones. Even this year, Nokia was expected to unveil the Penta-lens concept phone. However, that did not happen. But, Vivo did turn up and one-upped its CES 2018 unveiling.
The Vivo Apex has an in-display fingerprint sensor that covers almost half the display. While the Vivo X20 Plus UD only had a regular-sized fingerprint sensor underneath the display. In fact, this is not even the most interesting feature of the Apex. To accommodate probably the thinnest bezels on a smartphone, Vivo came up with a very different implementation of the front camera. The Apex has a hidden front camera which pops out every time it has to be used.
Although it is still a concept phone, the implementation is very interesting here. Let’s hope more companies come up with consumer-ready products with such intricate and satisfying design elements.
HMD Global launched not one, not two, but five devices at MWC 2018. Apart from the smartphones, it also announced that all Nokia devices will now be Android One devices. The Nokia 7 Plus, another heavily leaked device was one of the five phones to be launched. Along with the Nokia 8 Sirocco, the Nokia 7 Plus is the only Nokia smartphone with an 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels. A follow up to the China-only Nokia 7, the 7 Plus has a great design and build quality.
Under the hood, the 7 Plus has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset and 2.2GHz octa-core processor. That is coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. The fingerprint sensor is now placed on the back and has the similar colour accents found on the Nokia 6 (2018).
If the European price of the smartphone is anything to go by, it will have a steep price in India. However, for it to work in the Indian market, HMD Global will have to price below Rs. 25000 to keep the Honor View10 at bay, which has flagship specifications and costs Rs. 28999. At under Rs. 25000, the 7 Plus will compete with the likes of the Moto X4.
At MWC 2018, companies like Sony and Samsung were expected to launch Snapdragon 845 powered smartphones. However, the most interesting device powered by the flagship chipset was unveiled by Asus. Apparently, this smartphone flew under the radars of leakers online and Asus had a worthy unveiling in its hands. From the moment you look at it, the Zenfone 5Z looks like an iPhone X lookalike.
Although Asus claims the notch on the Zenfone 5Z is smaller than that of the iPhone X, it is still a notch. Also, one thing that the iPhone X achieved was uniform bezels around the display, thanks to the notch. However, the Zenfone 5Z kind of defeats the purpose of a notch as it also carries a thicker chin. That being said, the flagship Asus device has a lot going on for it.
If and when Asus launches the Zenfone 5Z in India, it could nullify the effect of the OnePlus 5T if launched at a price of Rs. 40,000 or less. That is until the OnePlus 6 is launched.
For the past couple of years, Sony smartphones have failed to capture the imagination of many consumers. Even in 2017, when many smartphone makers made a shift to bezel-less design, Sony continued to launch its signature boxy style devices. However, that finally changed at MWC 2018. Sony unveiled the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact with an 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels. However, still not the thinnest bezels you’ll see this year.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and the smaller sibling also run on the latest and greatest Snapdragon 845 chipset. Apart from the Galaxy S9 and Zenfone 5Z, they are the only devices to run on the new flagship chipset. Sony still has a single camera setup on the front and back. So, it has still clinged on to a few Sony signature features.
Even for the Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, the devices will have to be priced competitively in India.
Sony has officially launched the Sony Xperia XZ2 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact at MWC 2018. Both the smartphones have been significantly redesigned inside out, with a new design philosophy.
These are the first batch of smartphones from Sony to boast an 18:9 display with a curvier back. Sony is the second smartphone maker to announce the smartphone based on this new Snapdragon 845 chipset. With this new flagship series, Sony no longer offers 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Pricing and availability:
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and the XZ2 compact will be available from March 2018 in Black, White Silver, Moss Green and Coral Pink colours. However, there is no information on the pricing yet.
Specifications of Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact:
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact has a 5 inch FHD+ 2160 x 1080px IPS LCD display with 18:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-core chipset based on Kryo 385 architecture, with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The storage is also expandable using micro SD card up to 400GB.
The smartphone has an “anti-twist” aluminium frame with a “frosted-glass” like polycarbonate shell. Sony claims that the polycarbonate shell is scratch resistance. However, Sony is still missing out on the dual camera setup, which has been widely adopted in the industry.
The phone has a 19 MP primary camera with support for 4K video recording and super slow motion video up to 960 fps. For the front-facing camera, the company is using a 5MP wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture that records 1080p videos. In fact, the front camera also comes with EIS. The smartphone runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with the Xperia UI on the top. In fact, even the Xperia XZ had similar slow-motion video recording capability.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact has a 2870 mAh sealed battery with fast charging support. However, the device does not support wireless charging.
Specifications of Sony Xperia XZ2:
Like the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, the Sony Xperia XZ2 offers flagship class specifications. The Sony Xperia XZ2 has a bigger 5.7 inch screen with the same 2160 x 1080px resolution. The smartphone is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The smartphone also offers support for external SD card. However, the Xperia XZ2 uses a similar aluminium frame with the back panel is made using 3D Gorilla Glass shielding, which enables the wireless charging capability.
However, the cameras found on the Xperia XZ2 are the same as the XZ2 Compact. The smartphone offers a 19 MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
The phone has a slightly bigger 3180 mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging capability. Like the compact variant, the Xperia XZ2 is also IP68 certified for the water and dust resistance.
Conclusion:
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact represents a design change necessary for Sony devices and do not look anything like the Xperia flagships of the yesteryears. However, Sony’s pricing strategy will determine the two smartphone’s fate in markets like India.
The year 2017 saw an industry-wide shift to an 18:9 aspect ratio for smartphones. Sony, however, continued to launch the likes of the Xperia XZ1 with the same boxy design. However, Sony will launch smartphones with a modern design in 2018. At MWC 2018, Sony is expected to launch the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact with an 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact comes with almost identical design with minor differences. Both devices have a 3D glass unibody design with an aluminium mid-frame. The Sony Xperia XZ2 has a 5.7-inch display, whereas the smaller XZ2 Compact has a 5.0-inch display boasting 1080p resolution.
Xperia XZ Premium
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset will power both the smartphones.
These smartphones have a single 19 MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture and 4K HDR video recording capability. The camera can also record super slow-motion video at up to 960 frames per second. The fingerprint scanner is located on the back, which is placed below the primary camera bump. The smartphone also gets a dedicated camera shutter button located on the bottom right side of the smartphone.
The Xperia XZ2 has a dual stereo speaker setup and the Xperia XZ2 Compact has a single stereo speaker. Like the last generation Sony flagship smartphones, the Xperia XZ2 and the Xperia XZ2 Compact are IP certified for the water and dust resistance.
The Xperia XZ2 comes with a 3180 mAh battery that supports fast charging and wireless charging. The 2870 mAh battery on the Sony XZ2 Compact does not support wireless charging. The Xperia XZ2 and the Xperia XZ2 Compact will be available in Black, Silver, Green, and Pink Colour.
Sony is expected to launch two smartphones at MWC 2018 that commences on February 26th. While it was speculated that the company would skip MWC to avoid clashing with the Galaxy S9 launch, recent rumours have suggested otherwise. The Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact will be unveiled at the upcoming event and their pricing has been leaked.
Pricing
The Sony Xperia XZ2 (earlier known as XZ2 Pro) will carry a price tag of US$ 987 (Rs. 64000 approx.). The smaller of the two will be the XZ2 Compact which will have the same specifications as the XZ2. Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact will be priced at US$ 740 (Rs. 48000). Both the devices will go on sale on the 6th of March in Europe, possibly.
Xperia XZ2 Compact
However, there are no dates confirmed for the device’s launch date in India.
Sony Xperia Xz2 Pro:
The Xz2 Pro is expected to have a 5.7-inch 4K OLED display with dual front-facing stereo speakers. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Oct-core chipset with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. However, this could be untrue and the company could launch the XZ2 Pro with a Snapdragon 835 chipset. Although not public, there is a possibility of Samsung having early access to Snapdragon 845 chipsets.
Hence, the launch of the Xiaomi Mi 7 has also been pushed to later. Since the company confirmed that the Mi 7 will be powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset.
Xperia XZ2 Pro Renders
This might be the first Sony smartphone to feature dual camera at the back with a 16 MP + 13 MP camera setup. There will be a 12 MP front-facing camera at the front.
Sony Xperia Xz2 Compact:
The Xz2 Compact might have a 5 inch display with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. Just like the Xperia XZ2 Pro, it could either be powered by the Snapdragon 845 or 835 chipset. The Xperia Xz2 Compact might feature thin bezels along with an 18:9 aspect ratio display.
The Xz2 Compact is expected to run on Android 8.1 Oreo with Sony’s Xperia Interface. As of now, there are no other details about the Xperia Xz2 Compact.
Conclusion:
While the price of the Sony smartphones might seem a bit higher, the industry trend could be the reason. However, Sony has priced its flagship devices competitively in India and expect the same this time around as well.
