The Sony Xperia XZ2 marked a departure from the traditional Xperia design, opting for a more curvaceous and modern aesthetic. While it introduced innovative features, it also faced criticism for certain compromises. Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build

  • Curved and Comfortable: The Xperia XZ2 boasted a significant design overhaul, adopting a rounded, ergonomic shape that felt comfortable in the hand.
  • IP68 Rating: The phone maintained Sony’s commitment to durability with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
  • Glass Build: The front and back were covered in Gorilla Glass 5, offering protection but attracting fingerprints.

Display

  • Vibrant HDR: The 5.7-inch HDR display delivered vivid colors and good contrast, making it enjoyable for multimedia consumption.
  • 18:9 Aspect Ratio: The adoption of the 18:9 aspect ratio was a step in the right direction, reducing bezels compared to previous Xperia models.
  • Resolution Compromise: The decision to opt for a Full HD+ resolution instead of a higher pixel density was a point of contention for some users.

Performance

  • Flagship Power: Equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor, the XZ2 offered smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
  • Gaming Capable: The phone handled graphically intensive games without significant issues, thanks to the powerful hardware.

Camera

  • Motion Eye Camera: Sony’s Motion Eye camera system returned with improved low-light performance and impressive slow-motion video capabilities.
  • Good Image Quality: The primary camera produced decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggled in challenging environments.
  • Front-Facing Camera: The selfie camera was capable but didn’t stand out from the competition.

Software

  • Clean Android Experience: Sony’s Android skin was relatively clean, with minimal bloatware and a focus on core features.
  • Some Bloatware: Despite efforts to keep the interface clean, there were still some pre-installed apps that could be considered bloatware.

Battery Life

  • Average Performance: The battery life was adequate for a day of moderate use, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.

Overall

The Sony Xperia XZ2 represented a bold step forward for the Xperia lineup in terms of design and features. However, the decision to prioritize a curved design over a higher resolution display and certain camera limitations prevented it from reaching its full potential.