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The Sony Xperia XZ1 doesn’t look too different from previous Xperia phones of the same size, but don’t let that fool you. It’s packing some serious weight under the hood, and best of all comes with the latest version of Android that won’t be coming to other manufacturers for a while at least.
While software is strong for the XZ1, the design is starting to look more and more outdated, and it’s about time Sony did something about those larger bezels. It’s still an attractive phone by some means, but when compared to the likes of LG and Samsung, it doesn’t quite sing the same tune.
The HDR screen is certainly pretty, even if it is just HD. Netflix looks fantastic on it, and we can easily see more apps opening up their content offering as smartphone screens become more and more powerful. For the average user however, HDR won’t mean a thing, so it’s only something you care about if you’re constantly watching media on the go.
Who's it for?
Consider yourself a smartphone shutterbug? Then you’ll certainly appreciate the camera improvements you’ll get with the Xperia XZ1. Need a phone that will power through the day without shutting off? With great battery management and a faster charging time, you’ve got that covered too. A price point of AED 2,199 makes the phone fairly accessible as well, so overall you’re getting a decent amount of value for what you’re paying for.
Should I buy it?
If you’re using a phone such as the Xperia XZ currently (like I have been), then the XZ1 seems like a marginal upgrade. You’re getting a better processor, some fancy camera tricks, and a newer version of Android, but outside of this there’s little here to coax an upgrade.
On the other hand, if you’re using an older Xperia handset or a phone that’s still running Android 6.0, then this is a phone that you’ll certainly benefit from buying.
Not convinced with the Xperia XZ1? Here are some other alternatives that are worth looking at instead.
Samsung Galaxy S8
At AED 2,349 the Samsung Galaxy S8 may be priced closer to the Xperia XZ Premium, but its design will easily win you over.
Add to that the convenience of features like Samsung Pay, and you’ve got a really fantastic and attractive phone to work with.
Sure, you’ll lose out on features like slow-motion recording and the new 3D scanning that the Xperia XZ1 features, but it’s not something you’re going to lose sleep over.
- Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S8 review
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
A bigger and better screen for an additional AED 200? That’s what you’ll get with the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. If you’re a fan of lager screens, you’ll certainly appreciate the 4K HDR display and just how ridiculously good everything looks.
While the Xperia XZ1 does ship with Android 8.0, the Xperia XZ Premium is not far behind, so when the update eventually hits, you’ll have all the slick features that currently makes the Xperia XZ1 stand out.
- Read our in-depth Sony Xperia XZ Premium review
LG V30
While it’s not out in the region yet, the LG V30 is a stunning smartphone, with nearly-invisible bezels and some serious power to show off.
You’re wandering into slightly larger display territory with this phone, but it won’t be too unwieldy – this is one slickly designed phones, and heads are sure to turn wherever you pull this bad boy out.
- Read our in-depth hands on LG V30 review
