Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact – The new two smartphones from Sony launched

At Mobile World Congress last month in February 2018 Sony launched two new smartphones the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact each equipped with the Advanced X-Reality engine that can up-convert any standard dynamic range download or streaming videos to HDR-quality. Both phones come packed with Sony’s 19MP Motion Eye camera system and a 1GB memory-stacked camera sensor, upping the camera’s slow-motion capabilities by allowing for 1080p full HD or HD. The phones’ cameras can capture video in 4K HDR as well.

The phones will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo and Sony to be the first to rollout Bell’s new LTE network Canadians will be able to experience Bell’s new gigabit network speeds through Sony’s Xperia XZ2 models. The XZ2s, which feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 mobile platform with X20 LTE, will also support theoretical upload speeds of 150 Mbps.

Full specification of Xperia XZ2

• Body: Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 back and front; IP65/68; 153 x 72 x 11.1mm, 198g.
• Screen: 5.7-inch, 18:9, FHD+ IPS LCD, HDR, 424 PPI
• Rear Camera: 19MP, 1/2.3″ Sony IMX400 camera, f/2.0 lens, predictive hybrid laser/phase detection/contrast AF, burst AF, IR sensor for white balance, LED flash, dedicated hardware shutter key, BIONZ for mobile image-processing engine; ISO 12800
• Video Recording: 4K video recording @30fps, HDR video up to 4K, 1080p @60fps, 1080p @960fps, 720p @960fps, Steady Shot; Stereo audio recording; Predictive capture; ISO 4000
• Front Camera: 5MP, 1/5″ Exmor RS for mobile, 23mm wide angle lens, 90-degree FOV, f/2.2; 1080p video
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Kryo 385 (8x custom Cortex-A75 @ up to 2.8GHz), Adreno 630GPU
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB UFS + microSD (up to 400GB)
• OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
• Battery: 3180mAh; Quick Charge 3.0; Wireless Charge (QI)
• Connectivity: Hybrid dual SIM (4G), 4G VoLTE, 5CA LTE Cat.18, 4×4 MIMO, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, USB 3.1 Type-C
• Audio: Dynamic vibration system, High-res audio, DSEE HX, LDAC, Stereo speakers with S-Force surround, aptX HD audio
• Misc: Fingerprint sensor, 3D creator scan on back and front cameras, SDR to HDR up conversion

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Specs

• Body: Aluminum frame, Polycarbonate back, Gorilla Glass 5 front; IP65/68; 135 x 65 x 12.1mm, 168g.
• Screen: 5.0-inch, 18:9, FHD+ IPS LCD, HDR, 483 PPI
• Rear Camera: 19MP, 1/2.3″ Sony IMX400 camera, f/2.0 lens, predictive hybrid laser/phase detection/contrast AF, burst AF, IR sensor for white balance, LED flash, dedicated hardware shutter key, BIONZ for mobile image-processing engine; ISO 12800
• Video Recording: 4K video recording @30fps, HDR video up to 4K, 1080p @60fps, 1080p @960fps, 720p @960fps, Steady Shot; Stereo audio recording; Predictive capture; ISO 4000
• Front Camera: 5MP, 1/5″ Exmor RS for mobile, 23mm wide angle lens, 90-degree FOV, f/2.2; 1080p video
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Kryo 385 (8x custom Cortex-A75 @ up to 2.8GHz), Adreno 630GPU
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB UFS + microSD (up to 400GB)
• OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
• Battery: 2870mAh; Quick Charge 3.0
• Connectivity: Hybrid dual SIM (4G), 4G VoLTE, 4CA LTE Cat.15, 4×4 MIMO, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, USB 3.1 Type-C
• Audio: High-res audio, DSEE HX, LDAC, Stereo speakers with S-Force surround, aptX HD audio
• Misc: Fingerprint sensor, 3D creator scan on back and front cameras, SDR to HDR up conversion

The Sony Xperia XZ2 comes with a bold new design, wireless charging, improved screen technology and a focus on features that will actually have a material effect on the way you use the phone. The changes to the design of the Sony Xperia XZ2 are probably the most intriguing thing about this handset.  The new design language is called ‘Ambient Flow’, which is just flowery design-speak to highlight the fact that this is a more curved handset, with fewer of the sharp edges that characterized previous devices.

Encased in Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, the Sony Xperia XZ2 is a shiny, curved handset with far less bezel.

The way the light plays off the Xperia XZ2 is attractive, with all sides having a pleasant shine when the phone’s in your hand.

It has an attractive shape that feels futuristic when combined with the 18:9 larger display, with the rounded edges and bulging back sitting nicely in the hand.

Thanks to the longer screen aspect ratio, Sony has managed to create a phone that’s not a lot larger than last year’s Xperia XZ but with a much bigger 5.8-inch screen – the reduction in bezel makes everything just seem visually more appealing.

The XZ2 offers “entertainment to the extreme” said the company’s communications executive vice president of global sales and marketing in a press release, while citing the phone’s sleek design. Both versions of the phone feature Sony’s S-Force Front Surround Sound speakers. They’ve also abandoned the headphone jack. The XZ2 includes the Sony Dynamic Vibration System, which mimics the effects of vibrating video game controllers, allowing users to feel what they see and hear.

Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact availability and Price

At the time of writing there was no mention of the price as Sony has yet to announce an official price for the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, but their predecessor, the Xperia XZ Premium, retailed for around $800 when it launched in the US last year and you can believe the new Xperias will be available in the same range until officially you know the exact price.

The 5.7-inch Xperia XZ2 will be available in Liquid Silver, Liquid Black, Deep Green, and Ash Pink. The 5-inch Xperia XZ2 Compact will come in White Silver, Black, Moss Green, and Coral Pink.

Both phones will be sold unlocked in the United States, through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H. The XZ2 Compact is the first device in the XZ series that is Verizon-certified and compatible with GSM networks like AT&T, T-Mobile, and their MVNOs.

In Canada, the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact will be carried by Bell and support Gigabit LTE, which should ensure solid data speeds even in rural areas. A range of accessories, including covers, stands, wireless chargers, quick chargers, and headphones will be offered, with availability varying by market. These include the Xperia Ear Duo “open ear” earphones, which were first introduced as a concept last year.

About Sony Mobile Communications

Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia smartphone and tablet portfolio, as well as innovative Smart Products, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information you can visit www.sonymobile.com

About Bell 

Bell is Canada’s largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services throughout the country. Bell Media is Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home, and digital media. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE; NYSE: BCE). To learn more, you may visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.