Review: Sony Xperia Z1

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

2013 is a landmark year for Sony on a number of fronts with some marquee product launches, but none more so impressive than their Xperia line of smartphones, phablets and tablets. The Sony Xperia Z1 is the true flagship Android device that eclipses the earlier Xperia Z in every way.

Glass, reinforced steel frames and durable, almost waterproof and dustproof construction. That sound very much like an architectural structure, but these are all elements that pertain to a smartphone. Looking at the Sony Xperia Z1, one could get the impression it was designed by Mies Van der Rohe, or at the very least inspired by some of his enduring modernist masterpieces.

Clean lines, less is more, God is in the details. These are all tenets that apply almost universally to the Xperia line and more so with the Zperia Z1. We have precision-built smartphones like the iPhone 5s and we have glass-clad smartphones like the Nexus 4 and the LG Optimus G,but none of these are submersible and dust resistant to any high degree.

The Xperia Z1 is jofully button free on the front and gets high points for just having great lines and an oh, so solid feel.

The design and level of build and precision of the Xperia Z1 simply outclasses many of the flagship Android devices right now and, as a premium device,  it can be considered on par with the likes of the HTC One and iPhone 5s.

In terms of specs, Sony has drawn an impressive list of features. A powerful 2.2GHz Quad Core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (expandable via microSD) access to faster LTE speeds on networks like Bell Mobility and a cracking camera that boasts a 20 Megapixel sensor and stunning 5-inch Triluminous display with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. It is crisp, fast, responsive, and a treat to watch videos on.

While I'm not a big fan of Sony's overlay (or any intrusive overlay for that matter), users get that, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with a question on when Sony or carriers will update to the newer version of Android. The 20.7 megapixel  G camera is clearly the star here and coupled with the 5-inch display, should keep camera shooters quite happy. 

Sony promises, "the large 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, Sony’s award-winning G Lens and intelligent BIONZ  for mobile image processing engine. This unique combination gives you images that are delivered with a superior sharpness, clarity and brightness."

Throw in Sony's new QX10 or QX100 lens camera attachments and you have the best of both worlds with a great smartphone camera and a rather redundant large sensor point and shoot add on that can use the Xperia Z1 as an expensive viewfinder and grip.

The Experia Z1's design isn't perfect. There's an inexplicably large amount of bezel above and even more below the screen. Visually, this is dead space, an area that doesn't accept touch nor does it double as capacitive buttons. This stretches out the Z1 a bit. It could be where the various radios are hidden but it just feels like a waste of space.

Conclusion

In terms of performance, call quality and battery life, I would say the Xperia Z1 is above average in every respect. It really is an impressive step up from the earlier Xperia models and a fine flagship Android smartphone that can stand toe-to-toe against the best devices out there today.

Sony Xperia Z1 is available from Rogers (Black, Purple), Bell (Black, White) and TELUS (Black), making it one of the most widely available models to Canadians today.

Rating: 4 out of 5