xperiaxz2premium
Latest
Sony explains why Android updates take so long
If you're like many smartphone owners using non-stock versions of Android, you're probably twiddling your thumbs waiting for your device maker to release an upgrade to Android 9 Pie. But have you wondered why you're waiting so long when your Pixel- and Essential-toting friends already have their upgrades? Sony can explain. In a blog post promising Pie updates for recent Xperia phones (the XZ Premium, XZ1 family and XZ2 series) in November, the company also provided an infographic outlining the steps between Google's OS release and seeing the new software on your handset. It's a simplified take on what's happening, but it does provide a good summary of what's involved.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium review: Too quirky for the mainstream
Sony's latest flagship is all about 4K HDR. The Xperia XZ2 Premium not only has a 4K HDR display, but it's also one of the first phones that can record video at that resolution and dynamic range. It's also the first Xperia to sport dual rear cameras and, like its predecessors, comes with two front-facing speakers and shoots super-slow-mo clips. The Premium also offers stronger-than-usual haptic feedback that's meant to enhance music playback and gaming, something its brothers from this year's XZ2 family also offer. On paper, the XZ2 Premium is a promising device, but only for a very specific audience.
Sony's $999 Xperia XZ2 Premium pre-order includes $279 earbuds
Phone makers are increasingly sweetening the pot for pre-order buyers (just ask the Canadians who got a free 4K TV with their LG G7s), and Sony doesn't want to be left out of that trend. It just launched Xperia XZ2 Premium pre-orders in the US, and early customers are getting a promised pair of Xperia Ear Duo earbuds. That's $279 worth of wireless audio. You'll still have to stomach the idea of spending $999 on a smartphone, of course, but this makes the price easier to swallow if you were already looking for an earbud upgrade.
Sony's 4K-capable XZ2 Premium reaches the US on July 30th
While Sony's XZ2's didn't amaze us, the Premium model announced weeks later promised a superior photo experience with dual rear cameras and sensors capable of impressive low-light footage. And now we know when it will reach US shores: On July 30th, the smartphone will be available online at Amazon and Best Buy for $1,000.
Sony's dual camera Xperia XZ2 Premium takes ultra-low-light photos
Sony's regular Xperia XZ2 is, to put it mildly, underwhelming -- as capable as it is, there's little to recommend it over its rivals. You can't say that about the just-announced Xperia XZ2 Premium, though. The new handset preserves the 4K HDR visuals of its predecessor (this time on a 5.8-inch screen that's 30 percent brighter), but the real centerpiece is the photography. Sony is hopping on the dual rear camera bandwagon with a focus on low light performance: it melds the input from a monochrome sensor (for contrast; 12MP, 1/2.3-inch, 1.55um) and a regular color sensor (19MP, 1/2.3-inch, 1.22um) to capture video at ISO 12,800 sensitivity, and photos at a whopping ISO 51,200. (Huawei's P20 Pro is also claiming similarly crazy high-level ISO options in a forthcoming software update -- we yet haven't tested that either.) We'd be skeptical of Sony's claim that the performance rivals pro cameras, but this might help you shoot with confidence in truly dark environments.
