Sony Introduces Xperia Z2: Waterproof, 4K Video Recording

The Sony Xperia Z2 is the latest flagship super-phone from Sony, replacing the Z1 released last year. The new handset keeps the same aluminium-edged design, sexy glass front and back, Full HD display, quad-core processor and impressive 20.7-megapixel camera. Like its predecessor, it’s completely dust-resistant and waterproof to IP55/IP58 rating.

While the design remained similar to Z1, the Z2 has a slightly larger 5.2-inch display, slimmer bezels around the edge, a faster 2.3GHz Qualcomm processor, the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS, 3GB of RAM, 3,200 mAh battery and a camera capable of capturing 4K video.

Design

The Z2 is completely waterproof, allowing you to submerse it in up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. There’s a dedicated camera shutter button on the edge to capture underwater shots.

Around the edges you’ll find a microSD card slot and micro-USB port hidden under a waterproof flap, a flap-free 3.5mm headphone jack and the same power button you’ll see on all of Sony’s recent phones. The speakers now sit on the front of the phone on the top and bottom, designed to point the sound towards you, rather than away.

Display

The 5.2-inch display packs the same 1,920×1,080-pixel resolution as the previous Z1. The handset uses the same ‘Triluminous’ technology from its Bravia TVs, which makes it more vivid.

Software and performance

The Xperia Z2 is loaded with usual software including a customizable app menu and access to its PlayStation Mobile games store and Music and Video Unlimited streaming services. It’s all powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor clocked in at a mighty 2.3GHz, backed up by 3GB of RAM. The phone has a built-in LTE/4G modem. This enables blazing internet connections with up to 150Mbit/s download and 50 MBit/s upload speeds.

Camera

In keeping with the current trend for 4K video recording in smartphones, the Xperia Z2 joins the fray with a new SteadyShot feature borrowed from the company’s Handycam line. It allows you to digitally zoom in to the video while maintaining quality.

The software powering the camera has been updated to include a background defocus tool, more creative effects, a slow-motion video option and the ability to record video while using the augmented-reality effect, which can digitally place a dinosaur (among other things) over the top of whatever you’re pointing the camera at.

The Xperia Z2 will be available globally from March in the familiar choice of black, white, or purple.

Sources: cnet.com, mashable.com