Sony Xperia Tablet Z Cellular (2GB + 32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a highly portable 10.1-inch Android device, measuring only 0.27 inches thick, featuring IP57-rated water and dust resistance, and a 1920 x 1200 display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2. Powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, it offers smooth performance, expandable storage via microSDXC, and an IR blaster, though it lacks the sharpest resolution compared to some competitors. Notable drawbacks include average battery life, a long recharge time, the lack of a flash on the 8.1MP camera, and annoying port covers for the waterproofing mechanism.

The 2014 EdTech Magazine review praises the Sony Xperia Tablet Z as an exceptionally thin, lightweight (0.27-inch profile, 1 lb), and durable 10.1-inch tablet with IP5/7 water resistance. Powered by a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM, the device provides strong performance for both business applications and HD media, complemented by a vibrant display featuring BRAVIA Engine 2 technology. While the tablet excels in design and display, it faces criticism for a non-removable screen coating that easily catches fingerprints and a high price point relative to competitors. For more details, visit EdTech Magazine. EdTech Magazine

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a remarkably thin and light 10.1-inch Android tablet featuring IP57-certified water resistance, allowing it to be submerged in up to three feet of water. While the 1920 x 1200 display is vibrant and performance is strong thanks to a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, the plastic back is prone to fingerprints and the build feels less premium than competitors. Key strengths include a useful IR blaster, capable of turning the device into a universal remote, and a light software skin with functional "Small Apps". However, the tablet suffers from underwhelming battery life compared to the iPad or Nexus 10, alongside a mediocre 8-megapixel camera that produces noisy images. Despite experiencing occasional, minor lag when waking, the device is considered a top-tier option for users prioritizing extreme portability and water resistance. The necessary, yet cumbersome, protective flaps for ports are a minor drawback in daily use.

The PCMag review highlights the Sony Xperia Tablet Z as a premier, ultra-thin Android device (0.27 inches, 1.1 pounds). Key advantages include its IP-rated waterproof design for added durability and a high-quality 1,920-by-1,200-pixel display. Its fast Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, expandable microSD storage, and IR blaster enhance its functionality. However, the tablet’s extreme thinness causes it to feel delicate, which is noted as a design drawback. Battery life is underwhelming, lasting only about 5 hours and 42 minutes in testing. Furthermore, the waterproof charging flap can make charging slow and finicky. Despite these drawbacks, the Xperia Tablet Z was considered one of the best Android tablets available for its combination of features and design. Its display quality and waterproof design are specifically praised as standout features compared to competitors.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is highlighted by PhoneArena as a top-tier, ultra-slim 10.1-inch Android device featuring an IP55/IP57-certified waterproof chassis suitable for varied environments. It boasts a vibrant 1920x1200 "Reality Display" with good contrast, though it is highly reflective, and includes a functional IR blaster for controlling home electronics. Powered by a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, it provides smooth, efficient performance, although the 8.1-megapixel camera produces average, "smudgy" images and lacks a flash. While the four-speaker system provides decent audio, the tablet's 6,000mAh battery may struggle to last the full day for heavy users, and the screen is prone to fingerprints. Ultimately, the review identifies the tablet as a premier, versatile option, notes a user, due to its design, expandability, and unique waterproofing.

The TechRadar review praises the Sony Xperia Tablet Z for its exceptionally thin and lightweight design, featuring water and dust resistance (IP55/57) and a vibrant 10.1-inch display. While the screen is a highlight, the device’s plastic, rubberized back is noted as a con for feeling less premium, and it is prone to fingerprints. Performance is driven by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, allowing for smooth operation, along with useful features like an IR blaster. However, the 8.1MP camera lacks a flash and performs poorly in low light. Practical drawbacks include slow charging times and flimsy covers protecting the ports for water resistance. Despite these issues, the tablet is recommended for its premium, portable build and strong display.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is highlighted as a remarkably thin (6.9mm) and lightweight 10.1-inch device with IP57-rated water and dust resistance, making it a strong competitor in the Android market. Powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and featuring a 1920x1200 display, it offers robust performance, micro-SDXC expansion, and an IR blaster, though the screen is prone to scratches and the glossy finish struggles in bright sunlight. While it excels in portability and media consumption, the device is hampered by a 16:10 aspect ratio less suited for productivity, sharp edge design, and the need to maintain port covers for waterproofing.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is recognized for its "OmniBalance" design, featuring a remarkably thin 6.9mm profile, light 495g weight, and unique IP55/57 dust- and water-resistance. While offering a rigid, premium build with glass fibre reinforced materials, it requires protective plastic covers over all ports. Internally, the 10.1-inch display with Mobile Bravia Engine 2 and the 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro with 2GB of RAM provide a smooth, vibrant experience, complemented by practical additions like an IR blaster, NFC, and microSD expansion. Key drawbacks highlighted include a premium price point, starting at roughly $499, which makes it less competitive against lower-cost, higher-resolution alternatives like the Nexus 10. Despite improvements, the 8.1MP camera lacks a flash and performs poorly in low light. Additionally, while software tools like "Stamina Mode" exist, the device faces the broader issue of limited tablet-optimized Android applications and roughly 10 hours of heavy-use battery life.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z, reviewed by Ars Technica, is praised as a premium, "diamond in the rough" Android device featuring an exceptionally thin 6.9mm design and a waterproof IP55/57-rated chassis. Its 10.1-inch 1920x1200 display is vibrant, though highly reflective, while the 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro provides smooth performance alongside a near-stock Android experience. Notable additions include functional "small apps" and an IR blaster for home theater control. However, the tablet suffers from drawbacks, including a high $499 starting price that undercuts its competitiveness, paired with a smaller 6000mAh battery offering only average life. The 8-megapixel rear camera produces grainy images, and the built-in speakers are described as tinny and weak.

Digital Foundry hails the Sony Xperia Tablet Z as a top-tier Android tablet, highlighting its incredibly thin 6.9mm design and robust, waterproof IP57-certified construction. While the matte-finish back is less premium than the Xperia Z phone, the build quality is exceptional, featuring strong glass-fibre reinforcement. The 10.1-inch 1920x1200 screen is noted as a strong point, offering great sharpness and color via the Mobile Bravia Engine 2. Performance is driven by a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro with 2GB RAM, which provides a smooth user experience and high-end gaming capabilities. Despite this, the review notes the chipset was on the verge of being outdated by the superior Snapdragon 800 at launch. The 6000mAh battery is highlighted as a significant compromise, leading to underwhelming battery life compared to the iPad 4, which is a key con against its premium price point. Ultimately, the tablet is praised for features like microSD storage, infrared control, and PS3 controller support, making it Sony's best tablet effort. However, Digital Foundry deems the high price point a tough sell against alternatives like the Google Nexus 10.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is praised by What Hi-Fi? for its exceptionally slim, lightweight design and unique IP57-rated waterproofing, making it a highly portable, durable device. While the 10.1-inch, 1920x1200 Full HD screen offers vibrant, sharp visuals for media, the angular design can be less comfortable to hold for extended periods compared to rivals. Performance, driven by a quad-core processor, is generally capable, though it experiences minor, occasional lag in graphic-heavy scenarios. What Hi-Fi? Audio performance via headphones is lauded for its dynamic, rhythmic quality, though the built-in speakers are described as thin and overly bright, requiring EQ adjustments. As a premium-priced offering, the tablet faces stiff competition from the Google Nexus 10 and iPad 4, with a less comprehensive, tablet-optimized app ecosystem, making it a better fit for loyal Sony users. What Hi-Fi?

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is an ultra-thin (6.9mm) and lightweight (495g) 10.1-inch Android tablet, distinguished by its IP55/57 waterproof and dust-resistant design, a 1200 x 1920 display, and 4G LTE connectivity. Key advantages include its powerful 1.5 GHz quad-core performance, MicroSD storage expansion, and a quality 2.2-megapixel front camera, though the 8.1-megapixel rear camera lacks a flash. While the device offers robust features, the build, which features rubberised plastic instead of glass, and a battery that requires frequent charging under heavy use are noted downsides. 4

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is highlighted by T3 as a "decent return" for Sony, featuring an "insanely thin" 6.9mm profile and a lightweight 495g build that makes rivals feel "overweight". This sleek "Omni-balance" design is IP55/57 rated, allowing it to withstand water and dust, a rare feature for a 10-inch tablet. 4 Equipped with a 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2GB of RAM, the tablet zips through menus without the lag of previous models. However, performance can feel "mediocre" compared to newer competitors, with slower app loading times than the iPad 4, while the 10.1-inch screen, though bright, lacks the extreme sharpness of its competitors. 4 Key pros include the remarkably slim, waterproof design and good battery life, while cons focus on the "rubberised plastic" build, weak speakers, and grainy low-light camera performance. T3 concludes that while it is an excellent Android device, the Google Nexus 10 remains a better value for most users. 4

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z (July 2013) is highlighted by The Register as a premium, exceptionally thin (6.9mm) 10-inch Android tablet featuring Sony's "OmniBalance" design and IP57 water/dust resistance. It features a 10.1-inch 1920x1200 display, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, and 2GB of RAM, making it a capable, high-performance device for its time. While praised for its design, microSD slot, and IR blaster, the device is criticized for below-average battery life, a highly reflective screen, and sometimes cumbersome protective port covers.