Sony Xperia XZ1 hands-on review: First impressions

31 August 2017
There's a new top Sony dog in town and its name is the Xperia XZ1. So, it's official: Sony is persisting with its, let's say, questionable naming convention. To be fair, we do see the consistency in it all, but it is still a rather silly title. Plus, we do have to complain about some aspect of the XZ1, since, frankly, after spending a bit of time with it, our initial impressions are really positive.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • v$D
  • 01 Sep 2017

i might buy this phone ., because this might be the last flagship from sony with bezels. this is amazing phone with wonderful camera capabilities ., yes this doesnt get close to s8 or iphone but its camera is still awesome and best in the segment.

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • thg
    • 01 Sep 2017

    AnonD-299946, 31 Aug 2017Of course I'm suggesting true stereo, what makes you think ... moreThat's not a stereo setup, that is a hi-fi setup where one speaker acts as a tweeter while the other acts as a woofer.

      If Sony still can't bring fingerprint scanner to the US model, why don't just sell EU model on the US then? Since most people would likely to flash the EU ROM anyway

        • q
        • qky
        • TnS
        • 01 Sep 2017

        I always liked sonys phone designs. But now, it looks just outdated (at least for a flagship).

          Pity about the antenna lines, they ruin Sony's otherwise lovely design.

          My 2014 Z3 is still one of the nicest looking phones ever made, only the original Moto Z comes close.

            • D
            • AnonD-299946
            • 6vT
            • 31 Aug 2017

            Tann Hauser, 31 Aug 2017Dual stereo peakers are useless if not techically ballanced... moreOf course I'm suggesting true stereo, what makes you think I want that fake htc/crapple "dual speakers" ??

              AnonD-299946, 31 Aug 2017True in case of a single speaker, put another one on top an... moreDual stereo peakers are useless if not techically ballanced. And only way to have balanced stereo is two front facing speakers.
              Not one going here with extra bass, the other one there with extra higher frequencies....
              Thats not stereo, that is...I dont know what that crap is. Dual mono sound?

                AnonD-653707, 31 Aug 2017XZ1 has 3D Creator. Does your phone have it?Yep, 3D printing, AR avatar and model making possibility is a WoW in this one :-)

                  AnonD-521587, 31 Aug 2017you're definitely right about this don't listen to the othe... moreBut I dont like slimming, and camera protruding too.

                  I am impressed with 3d Ceator tho.
                  Unique feature for doing your own AR content and Avatars, and even better...for the first time in mobile...3d printing.
                  Thats innovative enough.

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • krW
                    • 31 Aug 2017

                    AnonD-653707, 31 Aug 2017XZ1 has speakers that are 50% louder than Xz. Go try it be... moreSame old claims with same old results.
                    I'd be happy to be wrong though. And even then would only finally bring them to normal levels. Though is a good start.
                    So my point is still factual and still stands

                      • D
                      • AnonD-653707
                      • bJb
                      • 31 Aug 2017

                      Anonymous, 31 Aug 2017Not too bad. Especially having the compact again. Though it... moreXZ1 has speakers that are 50% louder than Xz. Go try it before you speak!

                        • ?
                        • Anonymous
                        • krW
                        • 31 Aug 2017

                        Not too bad. Especially having the compact again. Though it was rude to take away HDR and 3.1 type c from it. Maybe also 720p.
                        I can't wait to see what Sony does next year as since the premium they final started trying again.

                        If they would just upgrade to more powerful speakers, use a better aperture, maybe combine eis and ois with maybe slightly bigger pixels, and for crying out loud if the phone is huge out a huge battery in.
                        Then release it in other markets and advertise and bam!
                        Sales will definitely go up.
                        It's that simple. Yet they hold themselves back still

                          • D
                          • AnonD-521587
                          • kcM
                          • 31 Aug 2017

                          Tann Hauser, 31 Aug 2017Nylon plastic is more durable on phones than glass, isnt it... moreyou're definitely right about this don't listen to the other guy. The antena lines also mess with Sony's clean aestehtics.

                          its quite obvious to me the XZ premium is the star of Sony's lineup. Not impressed with the XZ1

                            • D
                            • AnonD-653707
                            • bJb
                            • 31 Aug 2017

                            Azy, 31 Aug 2017Boring....XZ1 has 3D Creator. Does your phone have it?

                              • D
                              • AnonD-653707
                              • bJb
                              • 31 Aug 2017

                              The new phones can capture images in 3D.

                                • A
                                • Azy
                                • npv
                                • 31 Aug 2017

                                Boring....

                                  AnonD-670091, 31 Aug 2017Nylon is cheap, and not durable, doesnt belong on flagship ... moreNylon plastic is more durable on phones than glass, isnt it?
                                  And those antenna lines are...nylon plastic covered, are they not?
                                  But being shallowly put on top of metal, so prone to scratching and damage.
                                  Isnt then plastic nylon side frame with antennas underneath, like on XZ Premium, a more durable, logical, and thus premium build?

                                    Anonymous, 31 Aug 2017sony need a lot more customers. glad they finally realize t... moreOh right, Smartie...
                                    Design with Antenna lines will boost the sales, no doubt about that...
                                    And Bezeless is helping LG sales like a thunderstorm...
                                    Its only logical.

                                      • ?
                                      • Anonymous
                                      • pH@
                                      • 31 Aug 2017

                                      Again with the small battery!! why Sony, why in hell?
                                      Your phones are amazing Sony, why would you shoot yourself in the foot with a small battery? Why?

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-696124
                                        • ix9
                                        • 31 Aug 2017

                                        the bezels gave me cancer

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