Mobile Technology

Sony announces flagship Xperia Z1 handset with improved camera and specs

Sony announces flagship Xperia Z1 handset with improved camera and specs
Sony's new Xperia Z1 smartphone at IFA 2013
Sony's new Xperia Z1 smartphone at IFA 2013
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Sony's new Xperia Z1 smartphone at IFA 2013
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Sony's new Xperia Z1 smartphone at IFA 2013
The new device features a large 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile sensor, combined with the company's G Lens and its BIONZ for mobile image processing engine
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The new device features a large 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile sensor, combined with the company's G Lens and its BIONZ for mobile image processing engine
The hardware is backed up by a suite of new apps that provide a range of new features such as live posting and commenting on Facebook, a burst mode that takes 61 images in just two seconds, and a visual search feature that provides information on the objects and landmarks in your snaps
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The hardware is backed up by a suite of new apps that provide a range of new features such as live posting and commenting on Facebook, a burst mode that takes 61 images in just two seconds, and a visual search feature that provides information on the objects and landmarks in your snaps
A back view of the Sony Xperia Z1
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A back view of the Sony Xperia Z1
A top view of the Sony Xperia Z1
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A top view of the Sony Xperia Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 with the QX-100 lens-style camera
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The Sony Xperia Z1 with the QX-100 lens-style camera
The Sony Xperia Z1
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The Sony Xperia Z1
View gallery - 7 images

Sony has announced the latest addition to its Xperia smartphone lineup in the form of the Xperia Z1. The new device improves upon the specs of January's Xperia Z release, offering a beefier CPU, improved screen and better camera. The new handset ensures that Sony stays competitive on the spec sheet while offering a little something different to consumers.

Camera

Sony has made some significant improvements to the Xperia Z1's camera in comparison to its predecessor. The new device features a large 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile sensor, combined with the company's G Lens and its BIONZ for mobile image processing engine. Sony claims that the new technology provides “the same level of quality and performance as a conventional compact digital camera.”

The hardware is backed up by a suite of new apps that provide a range of new features such as live posting and commenting on Facebook, a burst mode that takes 61 images in just two seconds, and a visual search feature that provides information on the objects and landmarks in your snaps.

The device is also compatible with the company's QX lens-style cameras unveiled earlier this week.

The Sony Xperia Z1 with the QX-100 lens-style camera
The Sony Xperia Z1 with the QX-100 lens-style camera

Improved Specs

Outside of the camera, Sony has made a number of other improvements over the Xperia Z. Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the new handset features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor running at 2.2GHz, 2 GB RAM and a 3000 mAh battery. The device's 5-inch 1920 x 1080 features 441 pixels per inch and includes Sony's TRILUMINOS display technology and its X-Reality picture engine.

The company has also included PlayMemories Online, a cloud-based image and video storage service that enables users to save media in the cloud, freeing up some of the device's 16 GB expandable internal storage. Purchasers will also get an entertainment package with the new device that includes six movies and a two month trial to the company's Music Unlimited streaming service.

Still water-resistant

Aesthetically, the Xperia Z1 is very similar to other models in the line, and is constructed from a single piece of aluminum with tempered glass on the back and front. Sony made a point of highlighting the dust and water-resistant nature of its Xperia Z smartphone during its announcement back in January, and the Z1 continues the tradition.

Source: Sony

View gallery - 7 images
4 comments
4 comments
Nairda
Stopped considering the Xperia after various reviews showed poor image quality and an average screen (compared to the SG4 and Ihone 5)
For this reason was eagerly anticipating the SG5 or reluctantly Note 3 (as I don't believe the rumors surrounding the new iphone getting bigger)
But if the Sony can take pics like its camera counterpart I might reconsider my options as it sits firmly in a large size category that can fit in a shirt pocket.
FoulMermaid
Judge the screen for yourself, I think it strikes a good balance of color accuracy and outdoor performance compared to some others
Nairda
When this new one comes out I most certainly will, as I need an outdoor touch screen that can be viewed in full sun.
Anti Sony Z1
Beware the mysterious Sony cracking screen - it does it while your phone is in your pocket! More importantly be aware of Sony's refusal to acknowledge the problem = no refunds. Mine cracked for no reason after 10 days. Check this site for a trail of disappointed customers - http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-Z1-Z1-Compact/Z1-likely-has-a-self-cracking-screen-like-the-Z/td-p/401577/page/4