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Sony Xperia Z2 review

8.6/10 AVG.
RATING
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Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia Z2
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8.6/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia Z2 currently has an Informr score of 8.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 34 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Vivid, bright display with excellent viewing angles
  • Snappy processor performance
  • Water and dust resistant
  • 4K video recording

What's bad

  • Some images look unnaturally vivid
  • Not worth upgrading from Z1

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."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.3 GHz
5.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.2"
20+ MP
Camera
Camera
20+ MP
3200 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

Sony might have a tough time going up against Samsung and HTC, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve.

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

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.

- Andrew Williams, TrustedReviews
GreenBot
GreenBot

I really like this phone. In fact, had I not recently purchased the G3, and the Z2 was available on AT&T, it might be in my pocket. I can live with the big port covers and the sometimes finicky camera, as the whole package is still very appealing. Of course, if it were in the market this second,...

- Blake Stimac, GreenBot
What Mobile
What Mobile

It may not have evolved much, but the Xperia Z2 is still a powerful smartphone that can match its rivals in terms of power and usability. The lack of design innovation and similar specs may put off owners of the Z1and the large size may not appeal to fans of smaller devices, but ultimately this is s...

- Saqib Shah, What Mobile
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

I really liked the Sony Xperia Z2, having been disappointed with previous models I was really pleasantly surprised with the Z2. Yes the launcher might be a bit iffy and yes the overall size of the device compared to the screen size is huge, but I really liked it. The overall speed of the device, a g...

- James Pearce, Coolsmartphone


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia Z2 user manual here.


Sony backs up the Xperia Z2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Xperia Z2 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
5.2"

The Sony Xperia Z2's screen size is 5.2 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.3 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8974AB Quad Core 2.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallow) operating system (OS).

Camera
20+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 20+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3200mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3200 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 1140 minutes.

Xperia Z2 Specs

Overview
Release Date March 24, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallow)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8974AB Quad Core 2.3 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.34 W/kg
Body: 0.82 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Headphones, Data Cable
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
Micro-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
20+ Megapixels
Zoom
8x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, HDR, Scene recognition, Metering
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, ASF, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 424 pixels
Size 5.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capaciitve touch screen, Triluminos display
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3200 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 600 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1140 minutes
Standby Time Up to 30.8 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Black, White, Purple
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.7 x 7.3 x 0.8 cm (5.8 x 2.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 163 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 58
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
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 D6502, D6503, D6543

Additional Sensors
- Game rotation vector
- Geomagnetic rotation vector
- Pedometer
- Motion detector
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia Z2 Reviews
Where to buy Sony Xperia Z2
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