Two months with the Xperia XZ2: finally something compelling
It's a lucky problem for a tech writer to have: Which smartphone should I use next? There are so many choices, and it was hard to make up my mind. I've never found Xperia smartphones that appealing, but then the Sony Xperia XZ2 fell into my hands. What can I say, I'm thrilled!
I used to use a Sony phone, the great K750i, a long time before smartphones came around. But once the smartphone age began, I never really warmed up to the Xperia line. Especially in the last two or three years, there was nothing I found very compelling. The old design alone deterred me.
But this year, Sony has finally shaken things up a bit, and the Xperia XZ2 has an appealing look. The workmanship is superb, it's waterproof and very beautiful. Our colleague Luca tested the XZ2 and he was quite impressed. So, let's get into the Sony adventure!
After two months with the Xperia XZ2, I can say it: This thing is really great! The performance is always excellent, the sound is great when listening to music and the display is fantastic. I don't mind the notch in general, but it's nice without it. For me, a smartphone like this doesn't have to be bezel-free.
The Xperia XZ2's battery is a dream
I've been using the Huawei P20 Pro for a long while during the spring, and it has notoriously good battery life, but even that didn't spoil me. With the Xperia XZ2, I never have to be afraid to look for the charger before the evening, really. That feels so good!
It's a pity that Sony doesn't offer Android One, but even so, I really like the Xperia UI. Everything is where I expect it to be, the software is up to date (and looks like it), and there's hardly any bloatware.
I'm a little torn on the camera, though. I miss the bokeh effect that other smartphones can do much better and faster, and the camera app is terrible for anything but automatic mode. But the image quality is really, really good – especially the richness of detail in the photos.
Not all that glitters is gold
Of course, it's not all smooth sailing with the Xperia XZ2, there are a few things that still annoy me after two months. The position of the fingerprint sensor takes a lot of getting used to, the flashlight is isn't very bright, the body of the smartphone is not overly slim, and there is no headphone jack either. Whoever came up with this camera app should also reconsider whether they would be better off doing a different job.
But, these are little things I can come to terms with. A little tip for everyone about the fingerprint sensor: Buy a cover to better define the edges of the sensor, making it easier for your fingers to find.
The Premium version does not convince me
Let's see if Sony brings the successor of the Xperia XZ2 on the market already at the IFA. The Premium version, which our colleague Shu is currently testing, is a lot less appealing to be, especially in terms of handling.
In any case, my experience with the Xperia XZ2 has brought me closer to the Sony brand. I hope that Sony, despite any issues, continues on this path and lets it flourish into something great.
What do you think about Sony's recent smartphone endeavors? Are you excited by the XZ2? Let us know in the comments!
Sony has good design ability. They seem to have lost their way for the last 15 or so years. It would be good if they could become a leader again.
Remember xperia Z2? Metal frame with glass on both sides, stereo speakers, waterproof and with close to stock android, one of the best looking\performing devices of 2014. It was the first smartphone that I've kept for two whole years.