Sony Xperia Z1: For the last few months, there has been an ongoing battle between some of the multinational mobile phone brands to capture the top-end of the Indian smartphone market. Other than Apple Inc, the likes of BlackBerry, Nokia, Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony have all introduced their flagship models in order to attract customers and stay relevant in the fiercely competitive market. Not surprising, we have seen the emergence of a new breed of smartphones, with bigger screens than ever, fast processors and larger batteries than we have seen before. It?s natural, then, that Sony?s follow-up to its 5-inch Xperia Z (introduced in March this year) should fit into this category.
Buyers of the Xperia Z may understandably be displeased at being left behind so soon, but it?s time to say hello to the Sony Xperia Z1, a beautiful smartphone in a great design and with a lot of high-end features. It comes in white, black and purple colour and carries a price tag of Rs 44,990.
The earlier Xperia Z was a very capable device with some outstanding features?but it was quickly overshadowed by the might of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4. This time around, the Japanese firm feels its new flagship will give it a stronger foothold in the Indian mobile phone market. It aims to increase its smartphone market share to 20% by FY14. The plan is to have around 200 Xperia dedicated stores by FY13, up from the current 30 stores.
Back to the good-looking Android phone, Sony Xperia Z1, which packs the very best of Sony?s technologies, entertainment and wide range of companion products, with a unique and ground-breaking camera experience into one device. This elegant 5-inch device is a combination of the fully integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU. It also features Sony?s widely acclaimed G Lens with a 27 mm wide angle and bright F2.0 aperture, custom made large 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor Exmor RS for mobile with 20.7 megapixel and a BIONZ for mobile image processing engine.
BIONZ for mobile is basically image processing engine with the algorithm from Sony?s leading digital compact cameras. It ensures pictures have less noise, fast auto-focus as well as high stable images for video shooting, preventing shots from being blurred. The combination of these technologies delivers the same level of quality and performance as a conventional compact digital camera in a slim mobile phone, pretty amazing isn?t it?
Furthermore, this Sony beauty features the company?s unique Triluminos display for mobile, which creates a wider palette of rich natural colours for an immersive viewing experience. It also includes X-Reality for Mobile?Sony?s intelligent super resolution technology which analyses each image and optimises the quality to deliver super sharp videos.
Near field communication (NFC) compatible, the Sony Xperia Z1 also includes all the features consumers have come to expect of a Sony smartphone. A solid one-piece aluminium frame with tempered glass on the front and back ensures beauty and durability as well as a consistent viewing experience from any angle. The power button, volume rocker and camera button are placed on the right side of the phone. There are also plastic flaps over the SIM slot (just above the power button) and the microSD slot and micro-USB/charging ports (both on the left side).
The reason for the new device?s ruggedness is its water-proof and dust-proof design. The phone?s predecessor, the Xperia Z, was rated to survive immersion down to a depth of one meter, whereas the Sony Xperia Z1 can go slightly deeper, to a depth of 1.5 meters, and it can function there for up to 30 minutes.
In my usage, the Sony Xperia Z1 emerged as a cut above the rest. It is a good-looking, fast and easy-to-use device that delivers effortless multitasking.
Its water and dust-proof feature is unique enough to stand out in the already over-crowded mobile phone market.
The first time you start your device, a setup guide explains basic device functions and helps you enter essential settings. The Sony Xperia Z1 is built with the very same components as Sony?s compact digital cameras meaning you can take the most stellar pictures you can imagine. And, you can shoot beautifully smooth and stable videos too.
My takeaways: when you have this phone in your hand, you get amazing photos and videos. You also get a fantastic screen experience. Truly, the best smartphone Sony?s ever made.
