Designed to entertain
> The Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact feature technologies Sony used in its TVs, audio systems and cameras
THE SONY Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact were first revealed at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. Both of these Android phones feature near identical specifications, apart from the screen and overall size.
As the new flagship phones in the Sony Xperia lineup, the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact run on the latest and most highperformance mobile chipset Qualcomm has to offer: the Snapdragon 845.
This processor is backed by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage.
Although the memory is smaller than the 6GB most flagship phones tout, it is more than enough for the efficient Sony Xperia phones.
Sony designed the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact to entertain. Both phones feature a Full HD+ HDR display powered by technology Sony uses in its TVs.
What makes it unique is its ability to convert and display standard videos to a highdynamic range movie.
Simply put, it makes dark details visible, without making brighter details overpowering.
Here, we see the first difference between the two phones. The XZ2 has a 5.7in screen, while the XZ2 Compact has a 5in display.
Both phones fit well in hand, and feel good to hold despite using a different design language than their predecessors.
The XZ2 Compact is thicker and uses a polycarbonate back.
Additionally, the XZ2 features a Dynamic Vibration System that analyses the sound being played from the phone, be it music or movies, and turns it into vibrations, adding another dimension to the user experience.
Imagine holding on to a subwoofer, and feeling the reverberations through your hands.
The visual prowess is paired with excellent sound features. Here Sony leverages its experience making audio systems, and includes technologies that enhance music and sounds to be clear and as close as possible to the original recording.
The sound is then delivered through built-in stereo speakers or Bluetooth.
You will not find a headphone port here, but there is an adapter included in the box.
Saying that Sony’s prowess with cameras is underrated is an understatement. The brand is a master at making image sensors.
Features that it has had for the last couple of generations are only now being imitated by the top most marketed flagship smartphones.
The XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are the first smartphones in the world capable of recording in 4K HDR.
In other words, movies recorded on a mobile phone never looked this good.
On top of that, Sony is bringing back the Super Slow Motion, a capability the premium models in the series is known for.
With the Motion Eye camera, the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact can record video up to 960fps
Even with all the video features, the phone is said to still be able to take excellent images, thanks to its memory-stacked image sensor.
Sony employs Predictive Capture, a feature that takes pictures as it detects motion or smiles before you press the shutter, and Autofocus burst which can track and capture sequences of moving objects in sharp focus.
But that is not all. The camera is capable of scanning objects, heads, and faces to create 3D renderings that can be used as emojis, avatars, models, or be printed by a 3D printer.
The feature may be a novelty, but it is simple to use, and the results are surprisingly good.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are currently available in Malaysia, priced at RM3,299 and RM2,899 respectively.