24 Hours with my New XZ Premium REVIEW

[ukemochi]

The camera isn't bad during the daytime. It barely edges out my Pixel in detail, which is good, but disappointing at the same time considering it's 19 MP vs 12.3 MP. In low light though, there is no comparison. Even manually setting the ISO, it's hard to get a good photo. I really expect Sony to be the #1 smartphone camera... there's no excuse not to be, but I guess they either don't care or want you to buy a real camera, which is stupid.

I can't fault the HDR thing. I just mentioned it because I noticed it. You're right - the content is rare, and it's new. Frankly anytime I want to watch something, I'm using my 65" 4K OLED TV, so this doesn't matter to me.

I've gotten more used to the fingerprint scanner. I still occasionally have trouble hitting it (still not using a case), but I actually quite like it.

Even though the vibration is weak, it at least feels decent. Not a deal breaker, and it could almost certainly be strengthened via custom kernel whenever development kicks off.

Sunlight visibility isn't bad, but not class-leading either.

I guess what I'm looking for is something that makes this phone stand out amongst the others. There has to be something this phone is unbeatable at... I just can't exactly figure it out. The slo-mo is cool, be really limited (first gen product problem). 4K is ever so slightly sharper, but not enough that it matters at this screen size. Audio quality is solid. Speakers are good, not great. It performs extremely well... one of the top Android phones today.

Maybe my expectations are just off. Maybe this phone will only ever be really good at everything, but the best at nothing?... except for it's incredibly unique and stunning design.

The phone is the fastest mobile device on the market, it never slows. I love the fact that I can open 100+ apps it doesnt even matter the thing doesnt even shudder. So master of fast...yes. The audio quality using bluetooth is awesome and second to none, the display in 4k.....it is the leader in some things.

 

[Nitemare3219]

I thought I would chime in here because maybe I can help you out.

So starting from the top of your complaints, the camera not being impressive enough for you, I really cant say anything because to me its great but maybe to either an enthusiast or someone with a keen eye and want more from a camera probably see eye to eye with you. It does what I need it to do for pictures.

When you talk about HDR, understand this isnt the phone's fault that the content is not there so that's not a slight towards the phone. It's like when 4k became available for the first time to TV's and someone going out and buying the first one and then complaining that there isnt any 4k content, instead of praising the TV that its an option thats there to use when you have the content. Also you can watch 4k content on the phone, open Google Chrome and change the settings. Also Amazon video shows 4k as well through the app.

Voice over LTE even though awesome, is very rare for people to actually be in a area that supports it not to mention its a battery killer, just because your Pixel has amazing battery and you dont notice it, VOLTE does eat your battery. Once again its a technology that has been out for awhile but not something that has been widespread or accepted by major carriers enough to push hard.

When the phone is facing upwards and sitting on the table, I use my right index finger so I dont have to pick it up, add more fingers.

Motor for vibration, no comment because I dont use it, I hate vibrators.

I would check your screen settings and change it to a more vibrant setting, I have no problems seeing in the sunlight with this phone.

The sound definitely could be a lot louder especially for front facing.

So really there only 3 things that could be improved, remember no phone ever hits all the marks.

The phone is the fastest mobile device on the market, it never slows. I love the fact that I can open 100+ apps it doesnt even matter the thing doesnt even shudder. So master of fast...yes. The audio quality using bluetooth is awesome and second to none, the display in 4k.....it is the leader in some things.

I don't know if I'd call it the fastest. It's pretty much tired with the OP5 and iPhone 7, which is impressive.

The only slowdowns I've had are a few dropped frames, usually when switching apps or something like that. The in-app experience is usually perfect. Sometimes I think my Pixel is a hair smoother (not faster), but sometimes the Xperia is definitely smoother at other things my Pixel drops frames at. I'm the kind of person who values smoothness over load times, but this phone doesn't disappoint at all.

The 4K display is a market leader, true. But it's also kind of a gimmick. The difference in sharpness between 1440p and 4K on a 5.5" screen is very negligible... but I believe I can see the benefit, especially when zoomed out on a webpage filled with text (I set the display to 4K inside ADB). I do wish it were AMOLED simply because AMOLED panels have less blur when scrolling (due to faster pixel response times), but otherwise the display is great - colors are awesome and it's tuned very well (no ghosting).

Oh, and I forgot to mention in my last post. VoLTE is a big deal to me. I don't see how it drains battery (unless you're on a phone call), and I have an LTE signal 100% of the time where I live and work. Anytime I get a phone call I'm going to lose my data connection which isn't cool. And there are occasions where I have poor service, so WiFi calling is a great thing to have.

Despite its shortcomings, the more I use this phone, the more I really start to love it... maybe Sony sprinkles cocaine on it or something, because it seems the Xperia lineup has a devoted following, hell or high water.

 

[robertc88]

The phone is the fastest mobile device on the market, it never slows. I love the fact that I can open 100+ apps it doesnt even matter the thing doesnt even shudder. So master of fast...yes. The audio quality using bluetooth is awesome and second to none, the display in 4k.....it is the leader in some things.

Which Bluetooth head/earphones are you utilizing?

I know this has BT 5.0 (so does s8), and there aren’t any cans that have that tech yet as far as I know. And I think it improves range more than anything else, not sound quality.

 

[ukemochi]

Which Bluetooth head/earphones are you utilizing?

I know this has BT 5.0 (so does s8), and there aren’t any cans that have that tech yet as far as I know. And I think it improves range more than anything else, not sound quality.

There is proprietary software that Sony has built in. If you go into the audio settings theres a list of settings it auto adjusts and improves the quality of sound being transmitted out, the Hi-Res Audio is 4x the amount of data pushed out then just your standard Bluetooth 5.0. Just take a look here and scroll down https://www.sonymobile.com/us/products/phones/xperia-xz-premium/sound/

Yes there are Bluetooth head sets that take advantage of this technology -

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1abt

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1000x

These are just a few examples.

 

[iliramove]

From my experience, comparing Samsung Galaxy S series, LG G6 and Xperia Z/XZ series, Xperia Z/XZ series have always won in the Bluetooth audio area. Which is why I've always stuck to them.

Sound quality is great when listening to Spotify downloaded High Quality tracks. LDAC or aptX enabled Bluetooth headphones sound really good, and the Equalizer is very customizable.

Sent from my G8142 using Tapatalk

 

[YorkZhu]

Today will be the third day with my Chrome G8141 Unlocked UK model and I'm very satisfied overall. My wife has the S8+ so I've had time to compare the two side by side. I didn't write this as a direct comparison but used her phone for a reference.
Here's my summary:

Camera:
Stills: Very good quality for stills. Seems to be more accurate in the detail colors by switching to manual. Picture quality is flagship level but not class leading. It's good but not great in low light. It snaps and focuses very accurately and quickly. You'll get great stills of objects in motion. No RAW support that I['m aware of. This is a very good camera and have no problems using it regularly.

Video: Excellent overall and very quick. 4k and HD look amazing, sound and picture top notch. The slo mo feature takes some practice to get the timing right and it's easy to miss the chance to capture, but it can be very rewarding in use. No delay with commencing any recording. Very fluid and image stabilization is excellent.

Camera UI is missing some settings for serious photo bugs but decent.

Battery Life:
Could go a least a day and half no worries. I haven't had to put it on the charger even once before the end of my day. There aren't excessive sudden power drains and has been very consistent is use. I've only experienced slight warmth during heavy use. That's major compliment coming for me as I use mine for work applications and personal so it sees very heavy use on a typical day. I'm very impressed with battery life and it's far exceeded my expectations.

Software/UI:
Very light skinned and super quick. I've had no lag and very smooth performance. If you like the Nexus experience you'll be very close on this one. Camera UI is little clumsy and for some reason Sony left group (mass) text messaging responding out. Texting issue easily remedied by additional texting application. This phone is somewhat quicker than my wife's S8+.

Sound/Speakers
Very good sounding speakers on the phone though a little soft in volume. Not as quite as good or loud as HTC boom sound but very satisfying nonetheless. Call quality all speaker phone all very good, though not the loudest phone I"ve owned.
Music playback is excellent IMO either through the headphones or Bluetooth.

Display:
In short, amazing! Clean, crisp, great color, plenty bright, and 4k looks stunning on this phone! Daylight visibility isn't quite as good as my wife's S8, but more than acceptable. I wouldn't trade screens for the S8 for certain.

Connectivity:
In short excellent. Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and, LTE/4G+ speeds, cellular reception all top notch. I'm on AT&T in the US.

Build Quality:
Solid, evenly balanced in hand and built very well. Top notch quality. Fingerprints will be your main issue. Recommend a clear case.

To sum up this up. This phone is the best phone overall I've ever owned. IMO it may be the best phone out this year. There is nothing about my wife S8+ is wish for except for the always on screen. It's not for you if you need the absolute best low light camera in a phone or you don't like the design.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your review.
I love Sony and I really want to buy xperia xz premium . But I have a small question: you talked about 4K video, is it 60fps?

 

[rnimlot]

Thanks

Enviado desde mi G8141 mediante Tapatalk

 

[ps000000]

Low light camera also made me return the phone.

 

[Mangtas_666]

Well all i can say that this phone camera is great specially shooting a moving object. Ived tried other phone's mostly shots taken on moving subjects gives me a blur result, but the xperia-xzp gives me a fantastic result without any blur on the subject.

Sent from my G8142 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

 

[tsquare2112]

I have the international version, working fingerprint scanner and all. I love almost everything about this phone. The ONLY thing I would change, is to have the navigation buttons able to be reversed, back on the right, recent apps on left, and have them built into the bezzel, not on the screen. I absolutely love the text message app, while you're in a conversation and a reply comes through, it will sound to let you know. That is an awesome feature to me, I will send a reply and lay phone down or look away, this allows me to know a reply is waiting.

I don't take many pictures or videos, so I can't comment on the camera.
Speaker phone is perfect for me. Reception is great. Battery Iife is great. I've been using this along side S8 plus and mate 9. Snappier than the s8plus and battery is on par with mate 9.

Overall, I'm really happy with it. I bought a skinomi full body clear film.

 

[Charliebill33]

Loving my G8142 in the states. $800 for a single SIM and no fingerprint sensor was a non-starter for me. I'm using the XZP at the same time as HTC U11; the XZP's fit an finish is superior and the camera is as good as the U11 (in it's own way). I prefer the U11's capacitive buttons and a front mounted fingerprint sensor; as well as double tap and swipe to wake. The XZP's screen is so far superior to the U11 and any other device I've owned, that my niggles are overwhelmed watching video.

For a huge device the XZP handles like a dream, for me. Until and unless video and app content moves to an 18:9 aspect ratio, I find LG and Sammy to be rather silly with their push that way.

 

[blah_00]

Loving my G8142 in the states. $800 for a single SIM and no fingerprint sensor was a non-starter for me. I'm using the XZP at the same time as HTC U11; the XZP's fit an finish is superior and the camera is as good as the U11 (in it's own way). I prefer the U11's capacitive buttons and a front mounted fingerprint sensor; as well as double tap and swipe to wake. The XZP's screen is so far superior to the U11 and any other device I've owned, that my niggles are overwhelmed watching video.

For a huge device the XZP handles like a dream, for me. Until and unless video and app content moves to an 18:9 aspect ratio, I find LG and Sammy to be rather silly with their push that way.

Can I ask which one out prefer for battery life? I'm currently on a U11 but really tossing up moving over to the xzp. Would really appreciate thoughts as battery life is a big factor for me!

 

[Charliebill33]

I've found battery life to be a wash between the two. I play a lot of games and video, so I've never seen blog screen on times. The U11 charges much quicker.

I'd tell you which I thought was the best, if I had managed to answer that for myself but I'm still trying to figure out which one stays and which goes to Swappa.

 

[brockyneo]

Hi guys I've just ordered the xz premium just a couple of questions does anyone here have or own a s8 and if so is the s8 display better then on the xz as the main usage for me will be YouTube ect and I was couldn't decide between the s8 and xzp but a took a gamble and got the xzp ordered and do you think they will ever be a way around rooting on a locked boot loader as I really don't want to unlock it and loose the drm keys ect

Thanks again

Oh and do you think that the whole aspect ratio thing that most phone seem to be going is gonna put the xzp at a disadvantage in the near future

 

[Charliebill33]

Hi guys I've just ordered the xz premium just a couple of questions does anyone here have or own a s8 and if so is the s8 display better then on the xz as the main usage for me will be YouTube ect and I was couldn't decide between the s8 and xzp but a took a gamble and got the xzp ordered and do you think they will ever be a way around rooting on a locked boot loader as I really don't want to unlock it and loose the drm keys ect

Thanks again

Oh and do you think that the whole aspect ratio thing that most phone seem to be going is gonna put the xzp at a disadvantage in the near future

I haven't the GS8, my last Sammy was the Note7... I find the XZP display on par with the Note7 and significantly superior to the U11.

Since you asked for thoughts on 18:9; I'll weigh in that I see no disadvantage for the XZP in the near future. There is very little content in 18:9, 4K has far more content, which isn't saying anything. Also apps still aren't universally scaled for 18:9, I despise letterboxing so apps and content not scaled to 18:9 would drive me batty. Even if Apple hops on the 18:9 wagon, TV (and YouTubers) isn't going to suddenly switch from 16:9 to 18:9.