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Sony Xperia M4 Aqua review

6.8/10 AVG.
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Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
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6.8/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua currently has an Informr score of 6.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 14 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • IP68 and IP65 waterproofing and dustproofing without rubber flaps
  • MicroSD card support
  • Price

What's bad

  • Plasticky feel
  • Lower resolution than many competitors
  • Small internal storage capacity

With waterproofing, the familiar omnibalance design and a quad-core processor, Sony is looking to make a splash in the mid-range market with the Xperia M4 Aqua. While it might not be a flagship device, the spec list looks quite nice. But how does it perform when put to the test? Let’s dig into the reviews.

If there was one thing that reviews were on the fence about with the new handset, it would be the materials used to make the phone. While it keeps the omnibalance design, with stereo speakers and the aluminum power button in the center of the phone’s edge, it swaps the glass and metal construction of the Z series with a plastic shell and polycarbonate chassis with a nylon scuff-resistance coating. Trusted Reviews handled the device and found, “There was no undue bend or flex in the body and construction felt strong.” However, all reviews agreed that the phone felt cheaper than many competitors in its price range.

Housed within the shell is a 5-inch 720p IPS display. In a market where 4K phones are looming on the horizon, this resolution is certainly behind many of the competitors. However, thanks to some tweaks from Sony’s Bravia Engine, the reviews of the display are decent. Digital Trends noted that it “looks better than it sounds.” One area of concern many reviews noted was with text clarity. Otherwise, color, contrast and brightness were all applauded.

To keep performance snappy, the phone includes a octa-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor with 2GB of RAM. While the RAM might limit multitasking abilities with heavy apps or games, reviews found no issues with general performance, launching apps or playing the latest games. Trusted Reviews called the M4 Aqua “a strong device at a wallet-friendly price.” It ships with the latest version of Android (Lollipop 5.0) with minimal changes from Sony.

The processor also touts improvements in battery efficiency, which will be important with a 2400mAh non-removable battery. Sony claims that a single charge will net two days of mixed usage and that their STAMINA power saving mode can power the phone with basic functionality for up to five days.

The only area where reviews indicated that performance lagged was taking pictures. Which is a shame, as reviews of the camera are generally positive otherwise. TechRadar said the handset “doesn't seem up to the task of taking photos at full speed.” As long as you’re not taking quick action shots or catching spur-of-the-moment memories, the 13MP rear-facing camera performs well, even in low-light. If you’re a fan of selfies, the 5MP front-facing camera includes a wide-angle lens to make it easy to cram you and your friends into the shot.

Lastly, the phone includes 8GB of internal storage with roughly 4GB available after Android and pre-loaded apps are installed. Fortunately, it also supports microSD cards up to 32GB in capacity. If you plan to download many games or store music or video on your M4 Aqua, you’ll probably want to invest in a microSD card to add a little more freedom in how you use your phone.

In all, the mid-tier handset receives outstanding reviews. Digital Trends declared that it offers a “level of quality and a lack of compromise that’s rare in this category.” Summing up the reviews well, iDigitalTimes states, “While the plastic build does make the device feel cheap, the trade off of a good camera, battery, display and snappy performance, at a great price point is more than worth it.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
13+ MP
Camera
Camera
13+ MP
2400 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

While clearly not competing with the formidable Oneplus One and the like in terms of specs alone, Sony has packed enough features and usability into the Xperia M4 Aqua Dual to justify its price tag. Sure, you aren't getting the fastest processor or the crispest screen, but there's a world of differe...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

We love the look of the M4 Aqua and how, despite being predominantly plastic, it offers much the same design as Sony's flagship Xperia devices. It's a charming smartphone, especially in the coral colour as reviewed here, which almost tricks you into thinking it's part of the flagship line thanks to...

- Britta O'Boyle, Pocket-lint
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The mid-range smartphone market is always tricky, especially with budget devices getting so good. If you are looking for something around this price, the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is a solid choice although the Honor 6 is worth a look for extra features. It offers flagship-like design, a great camera and...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

With the exception of the M4’s screen, Sony has created a phone that is, by all accounts, an excellent entry into the mid-range market. As with any device in this price range, there are compromises. But, for the most part, the company has packed in features that many different types of consume...

- Igor Bonifacic, Mobile Syrup
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

So if you are looking for an inexpensive mainstream smartphone with IP certification and can live with the mentioned issues, then you should consider the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua.

- Michael Moser, Notebookcheck


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua user manual here.


Sony backs up the Xperia M4 Aqua with a 2 Years parts & labour warranty.


If your Xperia M4 Aqua has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sony support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sony's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua's screen size is 5 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 13+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8/16 GB

Internal memory is 8/16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2400mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2400 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 797 minutes, 420 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Xperia M4 Aqua Specs

Overview
Release Date June 12, 2015
Regions Available Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 5.0 Lollipop

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 8/16 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.19 W/kg
Body: 0.82 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 2 Years
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Panorama, Red-eye reduction, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
HDR, Scene recognition
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density 294 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2400 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 417 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 420 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 797 minutes
Standby Time Up to 28.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White, Coral, Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.6 x 7.3 x 0.7 cm (5.8 x 2.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 136 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Sony E2303, E2306, E2353
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Reviews
Where to buy Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
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