Sony Xperia XZ Premium (4GB + 64GB) Review | 197 Data compared

In a 2017 Forbes review, Ben Sin calls the Sony Xperia XZ Premium a powerful device, though its 4K HDR display is largely considered overkill for a smartphone, often defaulting to 1080p upscaling to manage battery consumption. Despite this, the screen is praised for its brightness and contrast, and the 960fps "Super Slo-Mo" camera feature is highlighted as a fun, yet limited, innovation. However, the standard 19-megapixel camera often underperforms compared to contemporaries, with the device criticized for its bulky, dated Omni-Balance design and uncomfortable, heavy, blocky, and ergonomic issues.

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium features a 4K HDR 5.5-inch display, a powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, and a unique 960 fps Super Slow Motion camera, making it a high-performance device. Its design is marked by a Luminous Chrome finish, IP68 water resistance, and Gorilla Glass 5, although it suffers from large top and bottom bezels. While the device boasts "Very Good" battery life and retains a 3.5mm audio jack, a significant drawback for US users is the lack of a fingerprint reader.

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium features a high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and a "stunning" 19-megapixel "Motion Eye" camera, yet it is hampered by dated, bulky design with large bezels. While the 4K display is technologically impressive, it often renders in 1080p, and the device is a significant fingerprint magnet. Despite stellar, "lightning-quick" performance, the battery life is average and significantly trails competitors, with the 3,230mAh battery struggling to keep up with the power-hungry screen.

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium features an industry-leading 5.5-inch 4K HDR display and a capable Snapdragon 835 processor, delivering a smooth, premium user experience. Key pros include a dedicated physical camera shutter button, while notable cons include a disabled fingerprint sensor in the US and a highly reflective design that acts as a fingerprint magnet. The device also features a unique 960fps "Motion Eye" camera capable of impressive slow-motion, though it lacks optical image stabilization in low light.

The GSMArena review praises the Sony Xperia XZ Premium for its unique 5.46-inch 4K HDR display (807 ppi) and top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 835 chipset. Key strengths include excellent thermal management, robust IP68 waterproofing, and a "Motion Eye" camera capable of 960fps super slow-motion video. However, the design is considered outdated, featuring large bezels and a heavy, fingerprint-prone body, while the 4K resolution is primarily restricted to specific media rather than the full user interface.

Expert Reviews notes that while the Sony Xperia XZ Premium features high-end specifications and a unique ultra-slow-motion camera, its outdated design and price position it below competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S8. The review highlights the stunning 4K HDR display and the fun 960fps slow-motion video as pros, but finds the 4K resolution often unnecessary for everyday use and the camera's low-light performance lacking optical stabilization and showing over-sharpening. Performance with the Snapdragon 835 processor is fast, but cons include a heavy, bulky design that attracts fingerprints and only average battery life, although the phone is IP68 water-resistant and retains a headphone jack.

TechRadar describes the Sony Xperia XZ Premium as a flagship smartphone notable for its 4K HDR display and slow-motion camera, though its design felt dated and its high price made it hard to recommend over competitors. Pros include the 4K display, Snapdragon 835 processor, 3.5mm headphone jack, IP68 water resistance, and a 19MP camera capable of 960fps slow-motion video in good lighting. Cons include the scarcity of 4K/HDR content, the camera's poor low-light performance and lack of OIS, chunky bezels, sharp corners, and a fingerprint-prone reflective finish.

The Tech Advisor review highlights the Sony Xperia XZ Premium's 4K HDR display and powerful Snapdragon 835 processor as key strengths, alongside features like a 19MP camera with super slow-motion, IP68 water resistance, and a headphone jack. However, the device faces criticisms including limited 4K content availability, a design with large bezels, and inconsistent low-light camera performance.

According to a Tom's Guide review, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium features a "world-first" K HDR display with excellent color accuracy and brightness, and delivers strong performance processor. However, the design is considered "dated" and "bulky" with sharp edges and a mirrored finish. The battery life is also a weakness, minutes in testing. -megapixel Motion Eye camera captures crisp fps super-slow-motion video is described as a "gimmick" due to its limitations. The review concludes that while technically advanced, the high price and lack of modern design make it difficult to recommend.

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is highlighted as a high-performance flagship featuring the world's first 5.5-inch 4K HDR display and strong internal specifications including the Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM. Its audio capabilities, with high-resolution support and front-facing stereo speakers, are noted as a "pro". Conversely, the review points out a "dated" and "bezel-heavy" design, a mirror finish prone to fingerprints, a disabled fingerprint sensor for US users, and lack of support for CDMA carriers as "cons". The camera offers groundbreaking 960fps super-slow-motion video but struggles in low light and lacks optical image stabilisation, ultimately making the phone a tough sell against competitors despite being a "genuine flagship".

CNET reviewed the Sony Xperia XZ Premium (2017) as a phone with powerful features but an outdated design compared to contemporaries. While its specifications are premium, it lacks refinement and value for its high price, featuring a world-first 4K HDR display, 960fps slow-motion video, and a Snapdragon 835 processor. Pros include IP68 waterproofing, a headphone jack, and expandable storage, but cons highlight its thick bezels, chunky design, average battery life, and a camera with a clunky interface and weaker low-light performance.