Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Great Phone - Style - Speed - And That 4K Display!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2017
A great phone.
Purchased after 4 iPhones over the years. Also thoroughly reviewed the newest Samsung and LG phones, and did like the Samsung, but not as much as this one. The 4K display is at the cutting edge, and those who say "Who needs 4K on a tiny phone?" have no idea the difference it can make! If you ever want to use a VR 3D viewer, then you'll SO notice the difference. And even if you don't, you'll see details you never saw on other phones. The design/styling is very "Bauhaus" and looks simple and elegant. Classic even. I really like the Galaxy too, but I'd call it a little over-styled. I like the curved glass edges on the Samsung - yeah, they're cool - but they can also be a source of reflected glare, making edge details hard to see or read. And while some don't like the edge bezels on the Sony, I think they look clean and refined. I also found that - holding the Samsung - I'm constantly covering up information on the screen edges that I want to see.
On the Sony, I do wish that the speaker volume were a little louder, but it is very usable. I use some Sony headphones I've had for years, and they have a decently high 'sensitivity' rating, about 105 db, which gives a really strong volume for music and videos - it is not the least bit weak. I can blast my ears off with it. I think some may be using low sensitivity headphones, which can sound great with a lot of power - but they tax the power of weaker headphone outputs. Try a headphone with good sensitivity, and you'll be happy.
The Camera is everything you could ask for in a modern phone - perhaps a half notch below that of the Galaxy. Not perfect, but nothing is - still excellent. And it does have that ultra-slow 960 fps slow-motion, and the 4K is outstanding. I have no issues with the still camera, the autofocus, and other features. But I have an excellent big camera for when I need true pro features. No phone is there yet, but they are improving each generation. And the XZ Premium still comes very close in quality to low-level pro cameras, and might actually be overkill for personal use.
Speed of use is SUPER FAST opening apps, checking mail, using the phone, browsing - even viewing images and videos in full 4K - all you could want and more. Snapdragon 835 is no slouch - neck and neck with the very best!
The touch screen is effortlessly smooth and a pleasure to use, gestures interpreted well.
So you don't think I'm only positive, here's the mostly minor other side...
I do hope that Sony will fix a few things in their First firmware update:
1. Do boost the volume, and dispense with the unnecessarily low 'loud limit,' which is too low (though you can always override it). Don't forget the ringer volume (or louder ringtones please?).
2. Make the Fingerprint Reader work for US customers!... What, are we so inferior to Europeans, Brits, and Japanese in your eyes, Sony? Not a deal-breaker, but really??
3. Give us full control of the Resolution and Audio Settings for the phone, so that we can decide when full resolution - 4K - is important, and when battery life is more important. Sony can't know when we NEED something, but we are capable of making that choice ourselves, I think.
4. I'd take a few more "modern" ringtones, but I can do that myself ...
If you use your phone a LOT, and the display image is important to you, then this is just about the only phone that jumps ahead in resolution - and the other phones WILL be upping theirs (perhaps in another generation or two), but the Sony has 4K now ...
The stereo speakers will not knock your socks off or power your Block Party, but they are nice if you want a medium low background sound, and it's in Stereo. And the audio sounds beautiful and powerful through good, sensitive headphones or most any stereo input.
It feels great and solid in your hand, and it can be operated with just one hand, though two is better due to size.
The menus are really not bad at all - just takes a few minutes to get it after 4 iPhones. No prob.
I'm loving this phone.
I just can't stop myself finding reasons to look at everything on the 4K display. (3840 X 2160 pixels!)
A very few detractions, but still five stars.