Launched in 2017, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium revolutionized the smartphone market with its stunning 4K HDR display and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. Aimed at multimedia enthusiasts and smartphone gamers, this device stood out, offering excellent camera capabilities and a sleek, premium design. Despite its age, it remains a notable option for users who prioritize display quality and performance.
This review references benchmark data from Geekbench and UL Solutions, alongside user reviews from GSMArena and other tech websites. The scores and specifications provide an insight into the Xperia XZ Premium’s performance and capabilities compared to contemporary devices. By aggregating user experience and technical metrics, I aim to provide an honest overview of this smartphone's strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium is a powerful device that excels in display quality and design but shows its age in performance benchmarks. With a single-core score of 392 and a multi-core score of 1251 on Geekbench 6, it runs today’s applications adequately, although it struggles against newer competitors like the Sony Xperia 1 series. However, its 4K HDR display and camera performance remain among its highlights, making it a worthwhile choice for specific users.
How does the Xperia XZ Premium perform in daily tasks?
The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4 GB of RAM, yielding decent performance in typical scenarios. In user-submitted benchmarks, it received a single-core Geekbench score of 392 and a multi-core score of 1251, positioning the device 375th out of 578 in the Geekbench 6 ranking, indicating it's about 35% above the average device.
While it handles most applications and multitasking with relative ease, it may struggle with more demanding games or multitasking compared to newer models with advanced processors, such as the Snapdragon 8 series.
Is the display quality worth the hype?
The Xperia XZ Premium is recognized for its impressive 5.5-inch 4K HDR display, boasting a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This results in remarkably sharp visuals, making it an excellent choice for media consumption and mobile gaming.
However, while the display remains a standout feature, the battery life can be affected when viewing high-resolution content. Users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently during prolonged use.
How effective is the camera system?
Sony has equipped the Xperia XZ Premium with a 19 MP rear camera, which produces high-quality images, especially in well-lit conditions. Users report satisfaction with the camera's overall performance, including video recording capabilities.
Nonetheless, in low-light situations, the camera may not perform as well as newer devices, indicating a trade-off in technology that has evolved significantly since its release.
Does the design hold up after several years?
The Xperia XZ Premium features a premium glass and metal build with a distinctive mirror finish that adds elegance to its aesthetic. Its IP65/IP68 rating provides resistance to dust and water, enhancing durability.
However, the reflective surface is prone to fingerprints and smudges, which some users find frustrating. Additionally, its bulkier form factor might feel less comfortable compared to slimmer, more modern smartphones.
Is the software experience satisfactory?
Launching with Android 7.1, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium has seen updates but might not support the latest features available in newer Android versions. Users may experience limitations in software functionality as newer devices evolve.
While the software provides core features and functions efficiently, it lacks some of the enhancements and user interface improvements seen in the latest Android iterations, which can detract from the user experience over time.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Stunning 5.5-inch 4K HDR display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels
- ✅ Strong camera performance with a 19 MP rear camera under optimal conditions
- ✅ Solid performance for everyday tasks with a Snapdragon 835 processor
- ✅ IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance rating for durability
- ❌ Age shows in performance benchmarks compared to newer devices like the Xperia 1 series
- ❌ Camera struggles with low-light conditions compared to contemporary models
- ❌ Reflective surface prone to fingerprints and smudges
- ❌ Limited software support for the latest features of Android
How It Compares to the Competition
- Apple iPhone 8 — Offers superior performance in a more compact design.
- Samsung Galaxy S8 — Competes closely with excellent display quality, but offers better software support.
- Google Pixel 2 XL — Delivers excellent camera performance with a focus on software updates.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is ideal for multimedia enthusiasts who prioritize display quality and camera versatility. Users who watch a lot of media or enjoy photography will appreciate the smartphone's advanced features.
Skip it if: If you require cutting-edge performance for gaming or extensive multitasking, consider newer models equipped with advanced chips. Additionally, those who often shoot in low-light conditions may want to explore more recent offerings.
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