IT LOOKS GREAT
WITH everyone seemingly choosing between a Samsung or an Apple when it comes to buying a new smartphone, it’s a wonder that anyone else bothers.
But bother they do, and it’s a good thing too, because occasionally other phone makers – even the underdogs – come out with a winner.
Our test device this week proves that, although it does feel a little bit weird describing consumer electronic giant Sony as an underdog...
The company now excels in gaming and cameras, as well as TVs and a host of other devices, but has rather lagged behind when it comes to phones. Why? Because till now the offering has been a touch underwhelming.
That’s why the Xperia XZ3 comes as a bit of a surprise – it’s really very good in lots of ways.
And, if like me, the mere sight of that logo drags you down memory lane for a wistful ponder on the glory that was the Walkman, you might already have a soft spot for Sony.
So let’s take a look at why – if you’re in the market for an Android device – this new Sony might fit the bill for you...
THAT Sony has taken a few design cues from Samsung shouldn’t come as too much of a shock – Samsung has got its act together over recent years and forged an aesthetic all its own, rather than just borrowing ideas from others.
And the XZ3 certainly looks the part – the curved glass on the front is the most obvious similarity to the Galaxy S9, but that’s no criticism. It’s a nice look, and functional too – Sony has enabled a cute feature called SideSense, which you may find useful. Various taps and swipes on the edge of the screen bring up a range of features... and it works (most of the time) as advertised.
I CAN sleep anywhere, at any time, and on any surface, but the brief snatches of not being able to nod off, I have experienced, have been hell on earth, so I cannot imagine what it must be like to suffer from actual insomnia. And I hope I never find out.
But if I do, I will be turning to an app called Slumber – the very name invokes visions of Saturday