Sony Xperia XZ3 (4GB + 64GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Sony Xperia XZ3 represents a significant upgrade for the brand, highlighted by a 6-inch QHD+ OLED display and a sleek, curved design, paired with a snappy Snapdragon 845 processor. However, the experience is hindered by ergonomic issues, including a poorly placed, low-set fingerprint scanner that frequently causes camera lens smudging. Additionally, the Side Sense edge controls are unreliable, and the 19MP camera lags behind dual-lens competitors, ultimately leaving the phone struggling to stand out in a competitive market.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is hailed as a "blockbuster" for its 6-inch QHD+ OLED display, which leverages Bravia TV technology for exceptional color accuracy and depth. While offering a premium, curved Gorilla Glass 5 design and high-end Snapdragon 845 performance, the device is considered a minor iteration of the XZ2, failing to innovate beyond its screen. Key pros include the superior display, strong performance, and 4K HDR recording capabilities. Conversely, cons center on poor ergonomics—specifically, an overly slippery chassis and a poorly positioned fingerprint scanner. The device also lacks modern staples like a 3.5mm headphone jack and features gimmicky, unreliable software. Despite its multimedia prowess, ITPro suggests its high price makes it less competitive than rivals, ultimately concluding it is a strong choice for video lovers but hindered by design flaws.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is a high-performing smartphone featuring an exceptional 6-inch OLED QHD+ display with superior brightness and resolution, alongside robust durability that passed rigorous, high-impact drop tests. Driven by the Snapdragon 845 processor, the device delivers fast, efficient performance, accompanied by high-quality stereo speakers. However, key drawbacks include the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) for the camera and only average battery life, measured at approximately 22.5 hours. The phone is noted for its tall, heavy design, weighing 6.9 ounces.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is lauded for featuring a stunning 6-inch QHD+ HDR OLED display and a modern, sleek design with IP68 water resistance. It delivers strong performance via a Snapdragon 845 processor and ships with Android 9 Pie, but falls short with unrefined features like the temperamental "Side sense" and unnecessary "Dynamic Vibration System". While boasting the best camera in an Xperia at the time, it lags in low-light behind competitors and lacks a headphone jack, leading to a mixed recommendation despite its premium hardware.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 refines previous design languages with a more ergonomic feel, featuring a standout 6-inch OLED display with Bravia technology, impressive front-firing stereo speakers, and a functional Dynamic Vibration System. However, the device suffers from a poorly positioned fingerprint scanner, a slippery, scratch-prone glass back, and the unreliable "Side Sense" interface. While offering solid Snapdragon 845 performance and launching with Android 9 Pie, the phone is hindered by only 4GB of RAM and a 19MP camera that lacks modern features like Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS).

The Sony Xperia XZ3 represents a significant turning point, departing from dated designs with a premium, curved glass body and featuring a standout 6-inch QHD+ OLED display. It is praised for excellent stereo speakers and high performance, but critics noted poor ergonomics due to a low-placed fingerprint sensor, the removal of the headphone jack, and only average battery life. While the 19MP camera delivers in daylight and 4K, it lacks a secondary lens and struggles in low-light, leaving the device as a strong contender that ultimately remains a niche choice.

The DxOMark review of the camera highlights its capability in good lighting conditions but ultimately positions it behind its high-end rivals due to its single-lens setup and resulting image artifacts. The camera received an, with pros in bright-light photo exposure and accurate white balance, but cons including limited dynamic range, numerous artifacts like distortion and noise, and poor zoom performance. Video performance is stronger with pros like effective stabilization and good target exposure, although cons include limited dynamic range in bright light and lack of detail in low-light footage.

According to a Digital Trends review, the Sony Xperia XZ3 is a premium flagship phone with a 6-inch OLED screen, dual front-facing stereo speakers, and a Dynamic Vibration System making it suitable for media consumption. While it features a Snapdragon 845 processor and clean Android 9.0 Pie software, the review notes frustrations with the low fingerprint sensor placement and the temperamental Side Sense feature. The device's strengths include its HDR OLED display and speakers, but weaknesses include average battery life, lack of a headphone jack, and a single camera that underperforms competitors in low light.

ZDNET describes the Sony Xperia XZ3 as a "return to form," highlighting its 6-inch OLED screen as a standout feature. While praised for its Bravia-engineered panel and IP68 water resistance, it suffers from practical flaws such as a poorly placed fingerprint sensor and average battery life. The 19MP rear camera performs well in good light but lags in low light, and the lack of a headphone jack is noted despite good speakers.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is considered a "low-key entertainment winner" by Android Central, featuring Sony's first 6-inch QHD+ OLED display with Bravia TV technology for vivid visuals and HDR upscaling, paired with quality front-facing stereo speakers. It launched with a clean, near-stock Android 9 Pie software experience. Despite its flagship Snapdragon 845 performance and reliable all-day battery with wireless charging, the design has drawbacks, including a slippery glass body, a misplaced fingerprint sensor, and a camera that falls short of rivals like the Pixel 3. Android Central found the $900 price point difficult to justify compared to competitors, particularly noting the lack of a headphone jack and carrier support on some networks.

The Engadget review of the Sony Xperia XZ3 describes it as a powerful flagship notable for its shift to OLED technology, though it struggles to stand out in a crowded market. While praising the vibrant 6-inch QHD+ OLED display, Snapdragon 845 processor, and improved 13MP front camera, the review notes drawbacks including an awkwardly placed fingerprint sensor, an average rear camera lacking a dual-lens setup, and merely average battery life. The review concludes that the phone's $900 price point, coupled with a lack of a unique selling proposition compared to similar or better-specced Sony models and competitors, makes it difficult to recommend.

According to Tom's Guide, the Sony Xperia XZ3 is a "serviceable" premium smartphone hindered by poor ergonomics and a slippery design, ultimately failing to justify its $899 price despite its gorgeous 6-inch curved OLED display and the inclusion of Android 9.0 Pie. Key drawbacks include the frustrating Side Sense feature, an awkwardly placed fingerprint sensor, lack of face unlock, and a single-lens 19MP camera that underperforms compared to rivals. The review concludes the XZ3 doesn't offer enough value for its cost, with average performance benchmarks, battery life, and slow charging speeds, especially when better alternatives were available for less.

TechRadar highlights the Sony Xperia XZ3's stunning OLED display and premium, water-resistant design as key strengths, though camera performance and software issues prevent it from being a must-have for everyone. A dedicated camera button is a pro, while the lack of a headphone jack and awkward fingerprint scanner placement are notable cons. The standout QHD+ OLED screen with Bravia technology offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making video playback a major plus, but the stills camera struggles in certain conditions, and the "Side Sense" UI can be buggy.