Sony Xperia Z1


The Sony Xperia Z1 is an Android smartphone produced by Sony. The Z1, at that point known by the project code name "Honami", was unveiled during a press conference in IFA 2013 on 4 September 2013. The phone was released in China on 15 September 2013, in the UK on 20 September 2013, and entered more markets in October 2013. On 13 January 2014, the Sony Xperia Z1s, a modified version of the Sony Xperia Z1 exclusive to T-Mobile US, was released in the United States.
Like its predecessor, the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1 is waterproof and dustproof, and has an IP rating of IP55 and IP58. The key highlight of the Z1 is the 20.7 megapixel camera, paired with Sony's in-house G lens and its image processing algorithm called BIONZ. The phone also comes with Sony's new camera user interface, dedicated shutter button and has an aluminium and glass unibody design.

Specifications

Hardware

The Sony Xperia Z1's design is "Omni-Balance", according to Sony, which is focused on creating balance and symmetry in all directions. Xperia Z1 has subtly rounded edges and smooth, reflective surfaces on all sides, which are held together by a skeleton frame made from aluminium. The phone features tempered glass, which is Sony's own and they claim is even tougher than Gorilla Glass, front and back, covered by shatterproof film on front and back. The aluminium power button is placed on the right side of the device. A dedicated hardware shutter key for easy access to camera is provided on the lower right side. The location is said to make operation easier. The metallic look and positioning of the power button is inspired by luxury watch crown design. Easy access to external memory card and sim card slots are provided. The sim card can be removed easily with bare hands. The phone is available in three colours: black, white, and purple. The Xperia Z1 is thicker and heavier and has thicker screen bezels than the Xperia Z, even though the two phones share the same screen size. Sony said that the frame had to be enlarged due to the larger than average camera sensor. The camera sensor size is 1/2.3" same as commonly are used in bridge camera. The phone is certified waterproof to 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes. The Z1 is dust resistant with an IP rating of 55 and 58. Unlike the Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1 doesn't have a flap covering its headphone jack, but maintains its waterproofing, a move welcomed by many due to the waterproofing warranty on the Sony Xperia Z being reliant on all ports being sealed. Additional less obvious connectivity includes support for USB OTG allowing for the connection of external USB devices as well as support for MHL output connection. The Xperia Z1 comes with 2GB of RAM and Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.15 GHz. It also contains a 5.0 inch Sony Triluminos and its X-Reality Engine for better image and video viewing, the displays resolution is 1920x1080 with 441 pixels per inch. The Sony Xperia Z1 has a 3000mAh battery.

Software

The Xperia Z1 was initially shipped with Android 4.2 with Sony's custom launcher on top. Some notable additions to the software include Sony's Media applications – Walkman, Album and Videos. NFC is also a core feature of the device, allowing 'one touch' to mirror what is on the smartphone to compatible TVs or play music on a NFC wireless speaker. Additionally, the device includes a battery stamina mode which increases the phone's standby time up to 4 times. Several Google applications already come preloaded. Sony also radically changed its camera user-interface; it added new features, such as TimeShift and AR effects.
As of firmware update.290 the bootloader can officially be unlocked without losing camera functionality.
On 28 January 2014 Sony began the roll out of firmware update.136, in addition to bug fixes Sony included the White Balance feature which allows the user to customize the white balance of their display.
On 7 November 2013, Sony Mobile announced via their blog that the Xperia Z1 would receive the Android 4.3 update in December. It also announced that the Android 4.4 update will eventually be released for the Xperia Z1.
On 19 March 2014, the Xperia Z1 received the Android 4.4.2 update.
On 27 June 2014, the Xperia Z1 received the Android 4.4.4 update, which corrected various bugs introduced in the previous Android 4.4.2 update.
On 18 November 2014, the Xperia Z1 got an update that removed the "What's new" application when swiping up, because of user complaints.
On 15 April 2015, Sony Mobile officially released the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for the Xperia Z1 starting with build number 14.5.A.0.242. The PlayStation App on the Xperia Z1 came preinstalled on the Lollipop update, whereas it was previously not preinstalled on earlier Jelly Bean and KitKat updates.
In September 2015, Sony Mobile officially released the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for the Xperia Z1 starting with build number 14.6.A.0.368
On 5 November 2015, Sony Mobile officially released another update to newly released Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for the Xperia Z1 bearing the build number 14.6.A.1.216
On 4 December 2015, Sony Mobile released another small bug-fixing update for the Xperia Z1 models with build number 14.6.A.1.236. Initial reports suggest few noticeable changes over the previous build.

Features

Camera

With a focus on camera, Xperia Z1 also introduces many new camera modes and apps.
Although featuring similar CPU and GPU chipsets as used in the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 that supports 2160p at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps video recording, the Xperia Z1's video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps.
However, this limitation can be bypassed by applying custom third-party modifications to the device.

Remote-controllable

The phone is capable of being fully remote-controlled from a computer through the free TeamViewer QuickSupport app.

Variants

ModelFCC idCarriers/regionsGSM bandsUMTS bandsLTE bandsNotes
C6902/L39hPY7PM-0500WorldwideQuadPentaN/AThis model contains the MSM8274 chipset instead of the MSM8974
C6903PY7PM-0450WorldwideQuadPenta1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20
C6906PY7PM-0460North AmericaQuadPenta1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17
C6916 PY7PM-0590T-Mobile US QuadPenta4, 17This model has a plastic edge as request from T-Mobile to boost LTE speeds and reception. The notification LED is moved from the earpiece to a small hole next to the front light sensor. The rear Sony logo is replaced with "Xperia" and the Xperia logo is replaced with T-Mobile branding. A front and rear plastic film is pre-applied to prevent scratches on the glass. The Z1s is only available in black, and 32GB internal storage. It is also noted that the headphone jack has been moved along the top edge.
C6943PY7PM-0650BrazilQuadPenta1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20This model is identical to C6903 but also supports ISDB-T International in Brazil
SOL23PY7PM-0470au by KDDI Quad1, 2, 4, 51, 3, 11, 18
SO-01FPY7PM-0440NTT DoCoMo Quad1, 5, 6, 191, 3, 19, 21
L39tChinaQuaddomestic TD-SCDMA: 34, 39
roaming only UMTS: 1, 2, 5		domestic: 38, 39, 40, 41
roaming only: 3, 7

All variants support four 2G GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 and five 3G UMTS band 850/900/1700/1900/2100.

Reception

A CNET.co.uk review liked the sleek, waterproof design, powerful core and sharp, bright screen. A Wired review by Dave Oliver thought the phone felt heavy but liked the screen, sharp image and covered expansion slot covers.