For the last 5 months I’ve been a happy Samsung Galaxy S4 user. But I must say that the phones being released over the last few months have me intrigued.
On paper the LG G2 and the Sony Xperia Z1 sound like great phones, especially the Sony Xperia Z1 with it’s headline grabbing 20.7 megapixel with a comparatively large sensor and Sony G lens. It may sound good in theory, but how does it measure up in the real world?
Camera – Why so noisy?
From my very limited time with Xperia Z1, I walked away unimpressed with its camera. I visited the Sony Centre at Marina Square and tested the Xperia Z1 against my Samsung Galaxy S4. In Superior Auto mode, the Xperia Z1 performed worse than my Galaxy S4’s 13 megapixel camera. Considering how the Xperia Z1 only shoots in 8 megapixel in Superior Auto, I was surprised by its noisy photos.
For the majority of users who leave their phones in full auto mode, this will be a problem. I don’t understand why Sony insists in bumping the ISO (hence creating noisier photos), for a faster shutter speed. As the Galaxy S4 has shown, you can get away with a slower shutter speed in this kind of lighting.
I was also disappointed with the dedicated camera shutter button. It seemed to be slow and unresponsive in launching the camera. Perhaps it is because the Xperia Z1 was in demo mode, but it was slower in launching the camera and taking a first shot compared to my Galaxy S4.
Phone Size – Why so big? Making Phablet Izzit?
Despite both phones having the same 5 inch screen size, the Xperia Z1 is considerably bigger than the Galaxy S4. It’s quite ridiculous when you overlay the Galaxy S4 on top of the Xperia Z1.
Fortunately, Sony’s button placement is quite sensible (unlike HTC), so it’s still quite easy to reach the power button and volume rocker. But the Xperia Z1 is quite unwieldy to use with one-hand. The Xperia Z1’s glass and aluminium body feels marginally better than the Galaxy S4, but then again, I’m not a stickler for a phone’s build quality.
The screen is not bad leh!
Sony has got to be using the least photogenic screens on their phones possible, because the Xperia Z1’s screen looks a lot better in person than compared to the videos and reviews I’ve seen. Having used Samsung’s superb Super AMOLED display, could I live with the Xperia Z1’s screen?
Yes.
Honestly, the Xperia Z1 ‘s screen isn’t as saturated as the Galaxy S4, but it looks brighter. The screen gets washed out when viewed off-angle, but it’s still very usable. If I had the phone mounted to the dashboard of a car, I’d still be able to use Google Maps quite easily.
Seriously Sony, no speed dial?
I was quite impressed by the Xperia V I used, but I was interested to see if Sony had fixed some of the software quirks I encountered. Sure, all Android phones have calendars, music players and quick settings via the notification shade, but the question is, how good are these apps?
The Xperia Z1’s software is as functional as the Galaxy S4. Given my hectic schedule, I was particularly interested in the calendar app. I am more accustomed to the Galaxy S4’s calendar, but the Xperia Z1’s calendar is quite usable too.
Strangely, I was unable to find the speed dial function on Xperia Z1’s dialer app, a software quirk I also encountered on the Xperia V. Honestly, I was hoping that they would have fixed this problem by now. I use speed dial all the time, and seriously Sony, why don’t you have a basic, 20-year old calling feature in your flagship phone?
Sure, you could download another dialer app, but considering how you need to pay for most of them, it is an expense Xperia Z1 owners should not have to bear. It is basic functionality.
Strangely, this quirk turned me off more than the underwhelming camera.
Would I buy it?
If I was in the market for a new smartphone today, would I consider the Xperia Z1?
Despite its size, lack of speed dial and noisy camera, I would still consider the Xperia Z1. I’m willing to give Sony the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the camera. Perhaps it is considerably better than my Samsung Galaxy S4, but I haven’t tested it under the right scenarios yet.
I could begrudgingly solve the lack of speed dial by purchasing a new dialer app; but the lack of this basic function doesn’t inspire confidence in Sony’s ability to churn out consistently great software.
I could conceivably live with a bigger phone, but I am not sure if I could get used to it. But if millions of people can get used to the Samsung Galaxy Note, then I’m willing to wager that I could get used to the Xperia Z1. The waterproof aluminium and glass build is a fair trade-off for a bigger body.
All Android phones currently on the market come with compromises. From my hands-on with the Xperia Z1, none of its features are class-leading, but in a world full of compromises, the imperfect Xperia Z1’s mix of build quality, screen, camera and performance definitely makes it a compelling device for anyone looking for a new Android smartphone.
