Sony's Xperia Z5 family includes the world's first 4K smartphone

Zorachus

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http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/02/sony-xperia-z5-premium-compact-hands-on-video/

Interesting new releases from Sony. The camera is supposed to be top notch, best in class for any smartphone, across all three of the new Z5 models, Sony supposedly went all out on the new camera. I like the main Z5 they announced, with a 5.2" 1080p screen, 2,900mAh battery, 3GB RAM, 810 SoC, and now the Sony UI, is said to be like Moto's, being 90% pure Android like a Nexus phone now, I would think a phone like this will get pretty sweet battery life, and be fast enough.


Software:
On the software side, the Z5 family runs Android 5.1.1, and Sony says "stay tuned" about an Android M update. The good news for virtually everyone but the most die-hard of Sony fans, though? The company's Android skin is no more. Instead, the devices all run a virtually stock Android experience. Sure, there are some differences in iconography, but the general look-and-feel isn't too far from a Nexus device.


Spec's;
As far as specs go, though, the displays are pretty much the only things distinguishing the Z5 Premium from the Z5 and Z5 Compact. All three have Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 processor inside, up to 32GB of internal storage (expandable by microSD), high-res audio chips and "up to two-day battery life." That's a cute way Sony found to say "you only need to charge this one once a day." How they eke out that battery life differs of course, with the Premium having a 3,430mAh battery, the Z5 a 2,900mAh and the Z5 Compact a 2,700mAh. The only other differentiator is RAM: The Z5 Premium and Z5 have 3GB; the Z5 Compact only has 2GB.
 
Good to hear they're embracing stock Android. Makes their devices that much more appealing.
 
Hard to get excited about it if it's going to be an AT&T/TMobile exclusive. Verizon will probably get some bastardized variant again.

No reason they can't sell it unlocked and compatible with all US carriers like the new Moto X and Nexus phones. Then have a finance option available like moto does, because you know most people don't want to drop $800+ at once on a phone.
 
The new 5.5" 4k display should be huge for VR.

Full coverage FOV VR with 1440p is still pretty pixelated.
 
Looks good, but that phone will be pricey! Will stick with my LG G3 for now. LG has already said the G3 and G4 will be getting 6.0. Lets hope they continue moving closer to stock Android
 
If they do VR or something, might be wortwhile but I'm not convinced the extra resolution will be wortwhile in daily use.

It's good to see Sony trying to differentiate themselves though. Time will tell.
 
We have to be careful, the Z5 Premium is NOT really 4K capable. It has a 4K screen and can record and playback 4K video, however apps are just being upscaled at the moment because the QSD 810 seems to not be capable of rendering 4K at an acceptable frame rate. That may change, but at the moment this is not really a full 4K phone IMHO :D
 
This phone looks nice. Looks high quality too, I just have never owned a Sony phone.
 
The new 5.5" 4k display should be huge for VR.
Hah, called it when we were talking about VR!
Ducman69 said:
And 4K phones/phablets are coming 2016 or 2017 latest anyway, mark my word. Bump this and say "hah hah" then, but I'm pretty sure I'll be right.
Although a launch date before the end of 2015 even surprises me! That was quick!

BUT, how are they going to solve overheating issues with the Snapdragon 810, that's the real question. Their VR headset is going to need to include a fan I think.

After all, its not as powerful as the 7240 in the Galaxy S6 powering a lower resolution screen, so I can see it getting crazy hot when trying to do 3D 180o+ gaming or even high res videos.
 
This phone looks nice. Looks high quality too, I just have never owned a Sony phone.

You should try one. I have the Z2 and I was waiting for a bigger upgrade. Looks like I will definitely get the Z5 premium. The Z2 has been absolutely faultless, everything works, battery life is superb, water resistance, good camera, premium build quality and feel.

Sony still promises 2 day battery life, which if its as good or better than my Z2 you have me sold. Love the fingerprint sensor on the power button, also I read it has 3430 mAh battery, and this is crucial still has Micro SD. The 4k screen is a plus.
 
You should try one. I have the Z2 and I was waiting for a bigger upgrade. Looks like I will definitely get the Z5 premium. The Z2 has been absolutely faultless, everything works, battery life is superb, water resistance, good camera, premium build quality and feel.

Sony still promises 2 day battery life, which if its as good or better than my Z2 you have me sold. Love the fingerprint sensor on the power button, also I read it has 3430 mAh battery, and this is crucial still has Micro SD. The 4k screen is a plus.


Looks like everything I've been waiting for, as well. Especially if its dual sim, like I've read. Only thing I'm waiting for is hands on reviews to confirm battery life. I won't be getting the premium though, I have no need or desire for 4k or a phone that large. The standard 1080p is all i need
 
Can the 810 even drive a 4k display? Not that I plan on switching since I just got an Edge+, but I feel like we just recently got a generation of SOCs that can push the 1440p displays properly.
 
Can the 810 even drive a 4k display? Not that I plan on switching since I just got an Edge+, but I feel like we just recently got a generation of SOCs that can push the 1440p displays properly.

None of the gpu's in these SoC's drive the native resolution unless a specific app really wants to (I'm unaware of one).
 
Can the 810 even drive a 4k display? Not that I plan on switching since I just got an Edge+, but I feel like we just recently got a generation of SOCs that can push the 1440p displays properly.

My question is .. What's the point? Seriously. So the already unnoticeably crisp icons/fonts can be extra crispy on a nano-level? I suppose this is great if I view my phone under a microscope.

Although this camera and stock Android does intrique me. I may look into this for a possible S5 replacement.
 
My question is .. What's the point? Seriously. So the already unnoticeably crisp icons/fonts can be extra crispy on a nano-level? I suppose this is great if I view my phone under a microscope.

Although this camera and stock Android does intrique me. I may look into this for a possible S5 replacement.

it's only 4K when displaying 4K content like videos. At othertimes it downscales to save battery.
 
Anyone else notice that the S6/Note 5 has now been supplanted by the Z5 as the top smartphone camera? At least according to DXOMark.

http://www.dxomark.com/Mobiles

I'l be interested in playing around with one of these. Although not a lot of hope that Verizon would get one.
 
Got my Z5 Compact today, and it's easily the most premium feeling phone I've ever held - which is interesting since the sides are plastic. What am I comparing it to? Well I owned the N4, Z3C and S6E; and I'm familiar with the M8 and iPhone 4/5/6.

I mean just holding the thing makes me want to start humming the Bond theme.

Then you combine the squared-off minimalism of the phone with an appropriate homescreen, and it's pretty amazing.
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Also the first phone I've had that had a case so good I prefer it with the case on (Nillkin).
 
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