Sony Xperia Z2
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“All seven months a new model, can there be any big changes? Sony actually managed to (slightly) improve the Xperia Z2 in some critical areas: The panel is significantly better compared to the Xperia Z1, but still not quite as good as the AMOLED display of the Samsung Galaxy S5. The software looks noble, was enhanced even further, and Sony also includes free content from the company’s portfolio to improve the sales figures: Free movies, Michael Jackson album, high-quality headset. We still have the feeling that the synergy effects have not been exhausted completely, especially in terms of gaming and PlayStation. The battery capacity has been increased, but the runtimes are not automatically better. The Xperia Z2 can at least clearly beat the HTC One M8. The camera was only improved in regard to the software. It is still one of the best smartphone cameras you can currently get. You can take pictures in the pool as well since the smartphone is waterproof and dust resistant. You should hold the smartphone before you buy it to see if you like the boxy case and the smooth back cover. Unfortunately, the build quality is not perfect, HTC and Samsung are superior. If you like this special Sony touch in regard to the design, you will get a great smartphone with the Xperia Z2. The Japanese always manage to give their products a certain luxurious touch. We can fully recommend the device, even though there are small drawbacks in terms of the case and the panel.”
“The Sony Xperia Z2 is an easy phone to love and want. And not necessarily by die-hard Sony fans either. Great looks matched by performance, the premium Xperia line has been earning the company both profit - and a loyal following. It's just not as straightforward for a portion of the latter. Xperia Z1 owners will probably see little point upgrading. There is no need to sugarcoat this fact. Iconic design and standard-setting build quality in a package powered by the latest chipset. Sony fans will love it (never mind the chipset could've been an extra bit more powerful). You can love it, too - if you believe in good just got better. Not quite so if you trust in better because it can do more.”
“Sony’s new flagship device doesn’t have much else to differentiate itself, besides integration with the company’s Unlimited music and video stores and PlayStation Mobile. Truth be told, much of this sort of content can already be found through the regular Google Play store so there isn’t much that’s exclusive and/or desirable. The Z2 is refreshingly free from bloatware so it’s a straightforward Android experience, running the latest KitKat 4.4 version. In terms of battery life, it’s also on par with pretty much everything else out there, meaning that you’ll have to charge it every day. Ultimately, the Z2 is a strong – if expensive – phone that you can’t really go wrong with. With Android devices having only a precious few ways to differentiate themselves from each other, it’s really coming down to simple aesthetic preferences and brand loyalty at this point. The Z2 doesn’t have much to lure away loyal users of other devices, but at the same time it isn’t lacking anything that might cause existing Sony users to flee either.”
“The Xperia Z2 is a great phone in most respects. It has a very good camera and outlasts the competition without compromising the experience. However, it is a bit awkward to use at times and gets hotter than the other top phones when under strain.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
The Sony Xperia Z2 was released only several months after the Xperia Z1, but many critics view the latest update to Sony’s flagship phone to be markedly better than its predecessor. Design-wise, reviewers can hardly tell the difference between the Z1 and the Z2 except for its weight and thickness. The Z2 is 7 grams lighter than the Z1 weighing in at 163 grams and 0.01 inches thinner at 0.32 inches. As with the Z1, the Xperia Z2’s body is constructed from an aluminum frame and tempered glass front and rear panel. Sony also boosted the device’s ruggedness by upping its IP certification to IP58, allowing it to be dust resistant and water resistant for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water.
Despite its lighter weight and thinner body, the Z2 manages to pack additional features. At 5.2 inches, the Z2 beats out its predecessor by 0.2 inches. With that being said, most critics could barely tell the difference not only in size but quality as well.
The LCD display offers the same HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 and a pixel density of 423ppi. Sony has improved upon the display by adding IPS technology and proprietary color technology called Live Color LED which adds red and green phosphors to widen the color gamut. According to Sony, the technology allows users to boost colors without oversaturating. In real life testing, critics were impressed with the vivid colors, contrast and excellent viewing angles though Expert Reviews states, “some example photos we saw looked unnaturally vivid.”
Running the smartphone is a 2.3GHz quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM. PCPro describes the performance as “exceedingly snappy” though they go on to mention that the gaming performance remains the same as the graphics chip has not been updated from the Z1. Generally, however, fast speed was enjoyed and there was no noticeable lag even when utilizing more processor intensive apps. The device also comes equipped with 16GB of internal storage and a 3200mAh battery.
Despite all of these improvements, Sony opted to keep the same 20.7 megapixel camera from the Z1. In addition to many of the same camera apps, it also offers SteadyShot image stabilization. When tested, experts did notice a significant reduction in visible camera shake. Much of Sony’s focus went more into video recording as evidenced by the Z2’s ability to record 4K video and new Timeshift Video feature that enables users to capture 720p video at 120 frames per second.
As a whole, most critics were impressed with the Z2. Expert Reviews states, “Sony appears to have listened to its critics and genuinely improved its flagship smartphone for the Xperia Z2.” KnowYourMobile adds that the new display and faster processor has made “a great handset even greater.” Tech Radar, on the other hand, is a bit more reserved about their praise noting, “…it’s too much like the Xperia Z1 – albeit a better version.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Sony Xperia Z2 released?
The Sony Xperia Z2 was released on March 24, 2014.
How long does the battery last on the Sony Xperia Z2?
The Sony Xperia Z2 has a 3,200 mAh battery.
Is the Sony Xperia Z2 water resistant?
The Sony Xperia Z2 carries an IP58 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Sony Xperia Z2 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Sony Xperia Z2 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Sony Xperia Z2 have NFC?
Yes, the Sony Xperia Z2 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Sony Xperia Z2?
Visit Sony's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Sony Xperia Z2 manual?
You can view and download the Sony Xperia Z2 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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How it compares
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