The Sony Xperia Z2 is the flagship phone for the latest Xperia range – it’s the Ferrari of Sony phones at the moment. I used it exclusively during Gamescom. As an Android virgin and iOS fan, I was sort of expecting to hate it. Instead, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the thing, and how sad I was to see it go.
See me, Feel me
Featuring a 5.2″ full-HD display, the Z2 is certainly following the new trend of bigger phones. No, it’s not quite as big as a phablet, but it was quite an adjustment for me coming from the iPhone. However, once you get used to the larger size, it really is quite comfortable. Despite having relatively small and ladylike hands, I found the phone easy to use one-handed.
The on/off button is on the side of the phone, an innovation that Sony has used for all their devices in this generation. It really is fantastic on the phone – when holding the phone normally you can check the time or your notifications without changing your grip. Add to that the slick finish on the phone and it starts to feel like you’re holding a really sturdy piece of glass with metal finishes – I kept feeling like I was using the future.
So you think you’re tough?
One of the key things that Sony keeps highlighting about the Z2 is that it’s waterproof. While plenty of phones are making this claim, I put it to the test. I can proudly report that the Z2 is safe for leaving on bar counters while drinks spill over the course of the evening, and you can even take it into the bath with you for all your Pornhub YouTube bath time fun.
Beyond being waterproof, the phone in general is incredibly tough. I didn’t get a cover for it, and despite dropping it while it was wet from the previous tests, I never saw a scratch, scuff or sign of damage. I often would throw it into my bag at a moment’s notice, landing up in the same pouch with keys or other sharp implements – the Z2 is a seriously tough piece of tech.
The metal finishes don’t just make the phone look slick and modern – they seem to extend signal strength. I found that the reception on the Z2 far surpassed any other mobile device in my home; not only could it pick up cellular reception when everyone else was struggling, it also could grab onto Wifi and maintain signal up to a much greater distance.
The battery life on the Z2 also seems to go the distance. On a “normal” day, it lasted me for the full day without any issue while keeping WiFi on the whole time. Force of habit meant that I charged it every night, but the battery lasted while on the phone or messaging. That said, when I was live-blogging the press conferences at Gamescom, I did find that the battery ran down quite quickly; if you’re someone who tweets, posts to Facebook or is generally just a social media obsessed type, you might find that the battery requires a midday top up.
Make it (sn)appy!
Another impressive aspect of the Z2 is that it comes with a 20.7 megapixel camera. This means that pictures are incredibly clear and crisp, although I did find that due to the need for extra focusing I wasn’t able to take pictures as quickly as I was used to. However, I was easily able to shoot videos in stunning quality off of the phone, there’s even an option for HD video recording although I’m sure that would chow through your battery and storage space. There are a ton of settings available – the camera is able to simulate DSLR cameras by focusing on certain elements and blurring the background if you so desire. However, I generally just kept it on auto and was still impressed by the photo quality achieved.
The Z2 comes with the suite of applications that you’d probably expect: Gmail, social media staples (Twitter and Facebook), YouTube and others. It also comes with some apps that I never saw a need for, such as the Walkman app. I know this was a cool proprietary thing for Sony back in the day, but it feels a bit outdated now when iTunes is so ubiquitous.
The Android KitKat interface is really quite quick and intuitive. Already on the first day I was moving apps around, ensuring that my front screen basically had everything I could possibly need all in one place. Swapping between apps was very quick – the phone never lagged or stuttered for me. Of course, it’s still a shame that Twitter can’t make an app that works for Android reliably, but that’s more on the app than the phone.
Specs
SCREEN
| Screen size (inches) | 5.20 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | Capacitive |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 pixels |
| Pixels per inch (PPI) | 424 |
| Colours | 16M |
HARDWARE
| Processor | 2.3GHz quad-core |
| Processor make | Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Internal storage | 16GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes |
| Expandable storage type | microSD |
| Expandable storage up to (GB) | 128 |
CAMERA
| Rear camera | 20.7-megapixel |
| Flash | Yes |
| Front camera | 2.2-megapixel |
SOFTWARE
| Operating System | Android 4.4 |
| Skin | Xperia UI |
| Java support | Yes |
| Browser supports Flash | No |
CONNECTIVITY
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standards supported | 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac |
| GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v 4.00 |
| NFC | Yes |
| Infrared | No |
| DLNA | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| MHL Out | Yes |
| HDMI | No |
| Headphones | 3.5mm |
| FM | Yes |
| USB | Micro-USB |
| Charging via Micro-USB | Yes |
| Proprietary charging connector | Yes |
| Proprietary data connector | No |
| Number of SIMs | 1 |
| SIM Type | Micro-SIM |
| GSM/ CDMA | GSM |
| 3G | Yes |
SENSORS
| Compass/ Magnetometer | Yes |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
| Temperature sensor | No |
Conclusion
After spending about two weeks with the Z2, I realized that Android people aren’t crazy – this phone is seriously impressive. I loved the ergonomics, design and experience; I would have been very happy if Sony had forgotten to take it back. It’s a fantastic piece of technology and arguably one of the best Android phones on the market. It’ll cost you in the region of R9,699.00 without a contract.
Last Updated: September 1, 2014
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Admiral Chief Assassin
September 1, 2014 at 15:06
Android FTW.
Man, this looks like a damn fine piece of tech!
Admiral Chief Assassin
September 1, 2014 at 15:06
LTE?
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 1, 2014 at 15:10
So this Android phone was a whole new… Xperia-nce!
Admiral Chief Assassin
September 1, 2014 at 15:14
[insert cricket and tumble-weed noises]
buks
September 1, 2014 at 15:22
Well,if this is sony’s “flagship”. I think thats a funny question.
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
September 1, 2014 at 15:23
Which question?
FoxOneZA
September 1, 2014 at 15:15
For iOS hipsta’s yeah 😛
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
September 1, 2014 at 15:18
[the sound of a single, distant, awkward clap]
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 1, 2014 at 15:25
haha At least ONE person appreciates my genius, however pityingly.
Admiral Chief Assassin
September 1, 2014 at 15:33
Awkward clap sounds like some sort of VD
Thats_how_I_Troll
September 1, 2014 at 16:39
It was not a single clap, just the start of a slow clap taken to the extremes…..
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
September 1, 2014 at 15:17
1080×1920… that made my eyes hurt lol. So used to seeing it the other way round
Raven
September 1, 2014 at 15:21
“The metal finishes don’t just make the phone look slick and modern – they seem to extend signal strength.”
Thats not how metal works I’m afraid! Otherwise good review, phone is a beast.
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
September 1, 2014 at 15:22
Zoe, it’s great that you guys are covering more and more types of gadgets; and in such great depth too! 🙂
I’ll ignore the fact that your supplier has given you a 5-month old phone (the Z3 is due for announcement this week) to review. Shame on them.
FoxOneZA
September 1, 2014 at 15:32
The Z2 wasn’t as hot in the sales department as the original was so I guess they are still trying to push this one.
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
September 1, 2014 at 15:35
It’s a surprise that Sony doesn’t push the advertising on their premium range like Samsung. The Z2 is much, if not much much much better than the Galaxy S5. It’s just lacking the S5’s gimicky heart-rate monitor and fingerprint scanner, in place it has a 20mb camera.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 1, 2014 at 15:38
Yeah; we’ve only just started convincing distros of tech that we’re a) capable, b) willing and that c) we have an audience wholl read this stuff.
Thankfully, they’re seeing that yes, people will read our tech reviews, and we’ll be in line to get this stuff a lot earlier from now on. 🙂
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
September 1, 2014 at 15:42
Nice one, bud! Keep ’em coming and I’ll keep reading. 🙂
FoxOneZA
September 1, 2014 at 15:32
Meh…LG G3 is still a better deal for me.
Viking Of Science
September 1, 2014 at 15:46
MY Z1 is still going strong! After over a year of heavy use, I’m still impressed, And the earbuds still work too…. (Earbuds never last that long around me…..) But, as much as I Love it, I’m thinking of going back to my first love, HTC come my upgrade in 9 months…. IF i can get the 2015 “One” at that time….
Admiral Chief Assassin
September 1, 2014 at 15:52
“heavy use”
O_O
Viking Of Science
September 1, 2014 at 15:56
Constantly online, GPS, music almost always, lots of calls… I put the battery through it’s paces….
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
September 1, 2014 at 16:01
“constantly” O_O
Viking Of Science
September 1, 2014 at 16:08
gotta get updates on new pornhub videos… i mean website related emails….
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
September 1, 2014 at 15:56
On a obviously related topic… I am getting my Nexus 5 this week! DAT GOOGLE LIFE! o/
Raven
September 1, 2014 at 18:50
Did you order online?
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
September 1, 2014 at 18:52
Yup! At the link below.
http://store.orange.com/za/mobile-phones/sim-free-phones/google-nexus-5-32gb-black-lg-cradle-262841/
Raven
September 1, 2014 at 18:56
Nice. Orange are great, got my LG G pad 8.3 through them and they did not disappoint!
Sk3tz0
September 1, 2014 at 17:05
Compass is always great on a mobile phone when u’re lost in the wilderness and ur battery is dead..
BacchusZA
September 2, 2014 at 05:58
Alright, Darryn brought Redtube to my attention, and Zoe raises with Pornhub in this article.
We should get a list of Lazygamers approved porn sites going, rated by how well they display on various mobile and desktop platforms, variety and quality of content and the like.
I am a little concerned about what sites Geoff might come up with though, I must admit………