Sony Xperia XZ1: A Comprehensive Review of Its Features

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is a flagship device that boasts an impressive 19MP camera, with features like Predictive Capture and 960fps slow-motion video recording. This camera is a game-changer for capturing life's precious moments.

With a 5.2-inch display, the Xperia XZ1 offers a great viewing experience, and its IP68 rating means it's dust and water-resistant, so you can take it with you on all your adventures.

The phone's processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which provides fast performance and efficient battery life. This means you can enjoy seamless multitasking and gaming without worrying about running out of power.

Its 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage ensure smooth performance and ample storage for your apps, photos, and videos.

Broaden your view: Sony Xperia X Performance

The Sony Xperia XZ1's display is a 5.2-inch Full HD display, which is a decent size for watching videos or browsing the web. It's covered in Gorilla Glass 5 for added protection.

The display has a pixel density of 424 ppi, which is quite high and ensures that text and images are rendered with a high level of detail. However, it's not as high-res as some other flagships on the market.

HDR support is a nice feature on the XZ1, which allows for bright, clearer, and more impactful visuals from supported services like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. Videos with HDR support look impressive on this display.

Sony's TRILUMINOS display and X-Reality for mobile technology also enhance the viewing experience. The display is HDR10 compliant, but it doesn't support Dolby Vision.

The XZibit One design approach is a refreshing take on the traditional smartphone design. Sony has always been a company to think outside the box, and this is perfectly illustrated by the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact duo.

The XZ1 and XZ1 Compact have a unique design that sets them apart from the competition. This is a deliberate choice by Sony, which has its own approach to the mobile market.

The XZ1 and XZ1 Compact have a sleek and durable design that is both functional and stylish. This is evident in the phone's premium feel and attention to detail.

Sony's design approach is not just about aesthetics; it's also about creating a phone that is easy to use and navigate. The XZ1 and XZ1 Compact have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find your way around the phone.

Recommended read: Sony Xperia X Compact

Design is all about creating a visual identity that captures the essence of your message. The color palette you choose can greatly impact how your audience perceives your brand.

Using a limited color palette can help create a cohesive look and make your message stand out. This is evident in the design of the famous Coca-Cola logo, which uses just two colors.

The shape and form of your design elements can also greatly impact their effectiveness. A simple shape like a circle can be more attention-grabbing than a complex shape.

The use of typography can also add depth and interest to your design. The font choice for the title of a book can greatly impact the reader's first impression.

The use of negative space can also be an effective design element. By leaving some space empty, you can create a sense of calm and clarity.

The display on the Sony Xperia XZ1 is a notable feature. It's a 5.2-inch Full HD display, which is sharp and easy to read.

The screen has a pixel density of 424 ppi, making it a pleasure to look at. It's also covered in Gorilla Glass 5, which provides added protection against scratches and drops.

One thing to note is that the display isn't as high-res as expected for the price. You can find flagships with QHD displays from rival brands for the same or even less money.

However, the display has some redeeming qualities. It supports HDR, which provides an excellent viewing experience for video. Videos with HDR support look bright, clearer, and more impactful on the XZ1's display.

Here are some key specs for the display:

The HDR support is a significant upgrade, and it's great to see Sony incorporating it into the display. It's a feature that's sure to enhance your viewing experience.

The Sony Xperia XZ1 packs a punch when it comes to performance.

It's powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor found in the Xperia XZ Premium, built on 10 nm process technology with 8 custom Kryo processors.

The device features 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which is plenty for most users, and uses the Adreno 540 for graphics rendering.

You'll also get 64 GB of internal storage, with the option to expand it up to 256 GB via microSD card.

The camera on the Sony Xperia XZ1 is a real standout feature.

It has a 19MP primary sensor, which is capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps.

This camera is also equipped with a feature called Predictive Capture, which can take a burst of photos before you even press the shutter button.

You can also record slow-motion videos at 960fps, which is perfect for capturing those special moments.

The camera app is also very intuitive, with a simple and easy-to-use interface.

This makes it perfect for users of all skill levels to take great photos and videos.

The Sony Xperia XZ1 has a decent audio setup. It comes with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack for plugging in wired headphones.

The phone also features improved LDAC, Sony's audio coding technology, which enables the transmission of 24bit/96 kHz High-Resolution (Hi-Res) audio content over Bluetooth at up to 990 kbit/s.

In terms of connectivity, the Xperia XZ1 has Bluetooth 5 with aptX and Low Energy, NFC, and dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac with 2x2 MIMO antennas, making it a reliable choice for wireless connectivity.

For more insights, see: Samsung Galaxy A6 / A6+

The Xperia XZ1's battery is a powerhouse, with a non-removable 2700 mAh capacity.

It's charged via a USB-C port that supports USB 3.1, making data transfer and charging a breeze.

Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0 and Qnovo adaptive charging technology are built-in, allowing the device to monitor the cell's electrochemical processes in real time and adjust charging parameters to minimize cell damage and extend the battery unit's lifespan.

Battery Care, a Sony proprietary feature, controls the charging process by learning and recognizing the user's charging patterns, preventing excessive heat damage from overcharging.

The Xperia XZ1 has a standard 3.5 mm audio jack for plugging in wired headphones, making it easy to connect your favorite pair.

One of the standout features of the Xperia XZ1's audio capabilities is its improved LDAC technology, which enables the transmission of 24bit/96 kHz High-Resolution (Hi-Res) audio content over Bluetooth at up to 990 kbit/s.

This is three times faster than conventional audio streaming codecs, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. I've noticed that this feature makes a big difference when streaming music from my phone to my home speakers.

The Xperia XZ1 also supports Bluetooth 5 with aptX and Low Energy, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices.

Additional reading: Sony Home Audio System Bluetooth

The Sony Xperia XZ1 runs on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, offering a seamless user experience.

The device features a 5.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, protected by Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.

Here are the key specs at a glance:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is the first smartphone to launch with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.

This flagship device comes with Android 8.0 Oreo, which brings a range of exciting features and improvements. It's also worth noting that the Xperia XZ1 is a Sony smartphone, which means you can expect high-quality multimedia apps.

The device also boasts a minimalist approach to customizing its interface, which is a hallmark of Sony's design philosophy. This approach makes the phone feel clean and intuitive to use.

Here are some key features of the Xperia XZ1's software:

The Sony Xperia XZ1's tech specs are impressive, to say the least. Android 8.0 Oreo is the operating system that powers this device.

The display is a 5.2-inch LCD with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, protected by Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.

The processor is a Snapdragon 835 64-bit chip, paired with an Adreno 540 graphics processing unit. This combo provides smooth performance and efficient battery life.

You'll get 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card.

The rear camera is a 19MP Exmor RS sensor with hybrid autofocus, capable of capturing 960 fps slow-motion video and recording in 4K resolution.

The front camera is a 13MP f/2.0 wide-angle lens, perfect for selfies and video calls.

Here are the key tech specs at a glance:

The battery life is indeed great, and the device also supports USB-C, Quick Charge 3.0, and Qnovo Adaptive Charging for fast and efficient charging.

The Sony Xperia XZ1 has its share of positives and negatives. Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider.

The pros of the Xperia XZ1 include its dust- and water-resistant design, HDR display that's great for video, and the fact that it was the first phone to run on Android 8 Oreo. It also features a Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB of RAM, and a 19MP rear-facing camera.

However, there are some notable cons to consider. The phone's design is dated and bezel-heavy, and its camera, while improved, doesn't quite match the quality of its rivals. Additionally, the phone's price is high, especially considering it only has a Full HD display.

Here are some of the key pros and cons summarized in a table:

The Xperia XZ1 has its share of drawbacks. The design is dated and heavily bezel-ed, making it look like a phone from a few years ago.

The camera, while improved, still can't match the quality of its rivals. It's a shame, considering Sony's best camera in years is still not good enough to justify the phone's high price.

You'll notice the screen quality isn't up to par, especially in bright sunlight. It's just an average LCD, and it doesn't get particularly bright or dim.

Here are some of the key cons:

The fingerprint sensor is another issue, as it's disabled on U.S. phones due to a legal situation. This is a ridiculous limitation that may deter many potential buyers.

The phone has several advantages that make it a great choice. One of the standout features is its dust- and water-resistant design, which means you can use it in harsh environments without worrying about damage.

The display is also a highlight, with an HDR display that's perfect for watching videos. I've personally experienced the difference it makes, and it's impressive.

This phone was actually the first to run on Android 8 Oreo, which is a significant upgrade from previous versions.

Here are some of the key pros of this phone:

You can customize the stock Android 8.0 Oreo on the Japanese Xperia XZ1 with temproot, a process that's been detailed in a helpful guide.

For those looking to unlock their bootloader, there are a few options available. You can unlock the bootloader of the Xperia XZ1 701so, but the process may vary depending on your region. If you're having trouble, you can try reaching out to the community for guidance.

If you're looking to get rid of bloatware, there's a guide on how to debloat the XZ1 with ADB, even without root access. Alternatively, you can try using ADB to debloat the XZ1 (SOV36) au Japan with Pie.

Expand your knowledge: Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact

The Sony Xperia XZ1 has its fans, and one user has been using it since 2018. They prefer it over their Pixel for music playback due to its better music quality. The user also likes the design of the phone, calling it compact.

Some users swear by the phone's music player, and the XZ1 delivers.

If you're looking to customize your Sony Xperia XZ1, you can follow a guide on customizing the stock Android 8.0 Oreo on the Japanese model using temproot.

There are also various kernel updates available, such as the POP-KERNEL (4.4.267) for G8431/2 and XZ1 AUS, which can be downloaded and installed.

You can also share your Xperia XZ1 homescreens with the community, or try out a full root with Magisk and DRM fix, although this guide is currently unmaintained.

If you're interested in debloating your XZ1, you can use ADB to remove unwanted apps on the Oreo 8.0.0 version, or try a different method on the SOV36 au Japan version with Pie.

Here are some additional guides and resources for customizing your XZ1:

Additionally, you can try to keep VoLTE compatibility with AOSP for XZ1 (USA), or unlock your bootloader for JP devices, although this may require some extra steps.

If you're looking to customize your Sony Xperia XZ1, you've got plenty of options. LineageOS 17.1 is available as an unofficial ROM, with the latest version being 1.2, released on October 10, 2020.

You can also consider PixelExperience Plus, which is another unofficial ROM for the Xperia XZ1. The most recent version of this ROM is 13-10-2022.

Havoc OS is a popular choice for many users, and it's available as an unofficial ROM for the Xperia XZ1. The latest version of this ROM was updated on August 27, 2020.

LineageOS 20.0 is also available as an unofficial ROM for the Xperia XZ1, with the latest version being 1.5, released on December 27, 2023.

If you're looking to root your device, you can use a rooted kernel that hides the bootloader unlock with working fota. This kernel is specifically designed for the Xperia XZ1.

For kernel enthusiasts, the Pop Kernel is a great option. This kernel supports various versions of Android, including 10, 11, 12, and 14.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the ROMs and kernels available for the Sony Xperia XZ1:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was released in the US on September 19, 2017, and in the UK on September 22, 2017.

Related reading: 2017 Edition of the Samsung Galaxy a Series

The launch price of the Xperia XZ1 was £599 ($699.99, around AU$875) SIM-free in the UK.

The US and UK release dates were followed by several other regions over the months.

The original price of the Xperia XZ1 was a bit higher than some of its contemporaries, including the LG G6 and HTC U11, but it came in cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8.

Here are the key release dates and prices for the Sony Xperia XZ1:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is a beautifully designed phone, but it's not without its flaws. With a unique design and top-notch build quality, it's a treat to hold and use every day.

The XZ1's internal specs are strong, and it runs Android 8.0 Oreo perfectly, making it a great performer. You'll get excellent battery life, despite the phone's relatively small battery.

However, the 5.2-inch 1080p LCD screen is just average, and the camera quality doesn't match the competition in the same price range. The phone's expensive price tag of $699 is also a major drawback.

Here are the key pros and cons of the Sony Xperia XZ1:

Ultimately, the Sony Xperia XZ1 is a phone that's all about style over substance. If you're willing to overlook its flaws and pay a premium price, it might be the phone for you.