A solid smartphone: Sony Xperia Z1 reviewed

We found low-light photography wasn’t the best in this camera, and while on-screen the images would look noisy, if these were shot in 8 megapixel, you found motion blur due to the camera keeping the sensor recording for longer, while the pretty basic 20 megapixel mode revealed dark shots with very little visible information.

There are some positive sides to the camera, though, with daylight images working a treat, some of the colourful effects being useful for the people who like being artistic, and we have to say that we’re fans of the augmented reality features Sony has thrown into the mix, including the ability to turn any environment into a dinosaur and volcano filled island, a butterfly park, or even apply funny masks to your face.

One camera mode can also be used with the GPS to work out where you are and tell you what’s around you, and there’s a neat mode which will take photos and send them directly to a social networking site.

Overall, these are extras to the camera mode, and do a lot to help make this camera special and not just a 20 megapixel shooter that doesn’t quite fulfil its dream of shooting 20 megapixel images.

While they’re neat, don’t expect to rely on any of these extras full time, as the gimmick wears off pretty quickly.

Another feature we’re seeing on other flagship smartphones is missing in action on this device, and that’s an infrared port. If you want to turn your phone into a universal remote, there’s no chance of that on the Xperia Z1.

Conclusion

You have to feel for the people who bought the Sony Xperia Z earlier in the year, only to realise recently that this model was coming out to take its place. There are similarities between the models, but in many ways, the Z1 is the phone the Z should have been.

There are positives and negatives to both, and we wish Sony had made an improvement to the battery here, as a day just isn’t as impressive as what competitors offer in a similar screen size.

Then again, there is so much else to like, and if you’re looking for a phone that will survive the next summer or two, and look stylish while doing so, you have to check out the Sony Xperia Z1.