Sony Xperia XZS – an honest review of the updated flagship

In the past couple of years, Sony has predominantly focused on launching high-end smartphones. With each release, the models have been enhanced further. In 2017, Sony unveiled the impressive Sony Xperia XZS, which is still considered by brand enthusiasts as one of the company’s finest achievements.

Technical specifications of the phone

The specifications of the Sony Xperia XZS indicate that this smartphone competes with flagship devices from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Meizu in 2017. The table below provides more details about the hardware of the device.

It is important to take note that in the Sony Xperia XZS Dual version, one of the slots can only accommodate SIM cards, while the other is versatile and supports the use of either SIM cards or a microSD card for additional storage.

Sony Xperia XZS

Appearance and build quality

The design of the Sony Xperia XZS follows the same lines as its predecessor, the Xperia XZ. While the two smartphones may look similar, the new gadget boasts several significant differences. The classic rectangular shape of the body is enhanced by the gently rounded edges of the display frame, which add symmetry and smoothness to the smartphone. However, one downside of the square display is the increased risk of damage when dropped, as this shape is more prone to hardware failure upon impact with a hard surface.The power button is located on the top end of the Sony Xperia XZS smartphone and features a built-in fingerprint scanner, improving ergonomics. The volume keys and microphone can be found on the right end. All the buttons are easily accessible when holding the smartphone in one hand. Despite its outdated shape and noticeable thickness, the device sits comfortably in the hand and is quite user-friendly. The build quality, apart from the corners which are susceptible to bruising, is solid. Additionally, the device boasts an IP68 protection standard, offering dust and moisture resistance. Available colors:

1. icy blue;
2. silver;
3. black.

By the way, the latest collection of Xperia XZ gadgets has a new and improved Ice Blue color scheme that surpasses all previous color options.

Screen with improved Triluminos and X-Reality technologies

The Sony Xperia XZs comes with a 5.2" IPS screen that offers a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the smartphone’s design due to its large front bezels. Many fans of the Sony brand believe that it would be more preferable to have a bezel-less design, similar to the Sony XA series of smartphones.

The display of this device is truly impressive. The developers have incorporated their own screen technology called TRILUMINOS, which ensures excellent brightness and readability even in direct sunlight. The display is further enhanced by the X-Reality software engine, which is responsible for producing vibrant colors and optimal contrast. Users have the option to disable the X-Reality settings or manually adjust them to their preference. There are two available modes for display color calibration:

• White balance adjustment
• Image Enhancement mode

For white balance adjustment, users can utilize the red, green, and blue switches to achieve the desired level of warmth for the display.

Software shell and its functions

The Sony Xperia XZs Dual smartphone operates on Android 7.1.1 and comes with a built-in Sony Launcher. If you have experience using previous phones from this manufacturer, you will have no trouble mastering the functionality of the XZS model.

Attention! The Sony Xperia XZS now includes a new feature called Xperia Actions, which can automatically perform necessary actions. For instance, it can adjust the brightness level in the evening and activate "Silent" mode, among other things.

The developers have carefully considered the selection of essential applications. This phone is equipped with all the necessary software for work, including document viewers, news apps, and multimedia tools. However, there are a few differences compared to previous models. In the desktop settings, users will find some new themes for the home screen design.

The result of the performance test

AnTuTu test reveals that the device obtains a score of 4216 points, which places it in the "above average" category. This outcome is satisfactory for a high-end mobile phone; however, it is considerably lower than the scores of the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.

Need a smartphone that can handle modern games and resource-intensive applications? Look no further than the Xperia XZS! It’s the perfect choice for seamless gaming and multitasking.

Battery life of Xperia XZS

Despite its large size, the smartphone is equipped with a relatively small 2900 mAh battery. According to the developers, the battery can last for:

• Up to 9 hours of continuous movie playback;
• Approximately 8 hours of Internet browsing;
• A whopping 74 hours in standby mode;
• A full day (24 hours) of uninterrupted talk time on the cellular network.

Main and front cameras

Now it’s time to delve into the camera analysis of the Sony Xperia XZS. The primary camera module has undergone significant enhancements and boasts fascinating features. Sony has integrated a dedicated sensor into the camera, equipped with 1 GB RAM, for object identification. This implementation enables the utilization of Slow Motion effects and facilitates the production of truly exceptional photos and videos.

The Camera app offers a variety of features and options that will enhance your photography experience:

• Explore a wide range of color filters to add a unique touch to your photos.
• Easily adjust the white balance and customize the "warmth" of your pictures for the perfect look.
• Choose from different shooting modes like slow motion, standard, or accelerated to capture the moment just the way you want.

The primary camera provides the opportunity to capture high-detail images. Whether on the street or in low-light conditions, the photos turn out to be of excellent quality. However, if the HDR settings are not properly adjusted, noticeable noise may appear.

Check out this collection of sample photos taken with the impressive 19 MP primary camera:

The 13 MP front camera is nearly identical to the primary module in terms of quality. The only drawback is the face recognition mode, which is not as effective as similar functions found in Samsung, Xiaomi, Meizu, and Apple devices. The facial color smoothing effect does not always appear natural.

Prices and whether to buy

The Xperia XZS is a timeless device by Sony that upholds the brand’s legacy of producing rectangular gadgets with a durable chassis. If you appreciate the standard of Japanese craftsmanship, it is certainly worth exploring this device.

• The ability to capture videos in Slow Motion;
• Adequate amount of RAM and a powerful processor;
• Protection against dust and moisture in the body;
• High-quality cameras.
• Not the best battery life;
• The camera lacks optical image stabilization;
• Inconsistent appearance.

Important! The Xperia XZS model with 32 GB of internal memory will cost around 30,000 rubles, while the model with 64 GB of internal memory can be purchased today for an average price of 37,000 rubles.

The user reviews of this smartphone are generally positive. The main drawbacks mentioned by the owners of the device are the limited battery life and the lack of some proprietary features from Sony.