Sony has launched the new Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact smartphones at IFA this year. The phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 processor and feature refined designs, which, in the case of the XZ1, include a full metal frame.
These phones will also be the first phones to launch with Android 8.0 Oreo pre-installed. Both the phones feature Sony’s Motion Eye camera system. It comes with a 19-megapixel sensor with Predictive Capture that will take an image a few seconds before you actually hit the shutter button to cut down on missed moments.
In addition, the camera can record super slow motion 720p video at 960fps in addition to 4K video at standard speeds. The phones will also offer Sony’s SteadyShot electronic stabilization for video. In terms of front camera, the XZ1 has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, while the XZ1 Compact has a super-wide-angle 8-megapixel front camera.
Another new feature that comes in the XZ1 is the 3D scanning mode. The camera can scan an object and save the file as a 3D image. You can then send the scanned image to a 3D printer or share it on a social media platform. The company also plans to integrate the feature with games, so it will be possible to scan your head and use it as an avatar. However, these capabilities are yet to be worked upon.
The XZ1 features a 5.2-inch, 1080p HDR display, while the smaller Compact model comes with a 4.6-inch 720p screen. Both feature Gorilla Glass 5 for durability and both are rated IP68 for water resistance. Other specs include 4GB RAM and a 2,700mAh battery. In terms of built-in storage, the XZ1 comes with 64GB of storage, while the Compact has 32GB.
Both the phones support microSD card storage expansion, though the XZ1 can use two SIMs at the same time if you don’t put in a microSD card. Sony says that these specs make the XZ1 Compact the only premium compact phone on the market, as all of the other phones with the Snapdragon 835 have larger screens.
The Sony Xperia XZ1 will be available for pre-order from September 7th 2017 in the UAE and it will be priced AED 2,199 with complimentary Sony XB20 Bluetooth Speaker. It will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo. The Sony Xperia XZ1 will be available for pre-order from September 10th to 24th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it will be priced SAR 2,199. It will come with free Smartwatch 3, Touch cover, Car charger type C and Tempered glass. It will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo.
The XZ1 Compact arrives on October 4th for $599.99 globally. Regional availability and pricing details haven’t been shared yet.
