4G SIM NewsDescribed by Sony as “The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone” the Sony Xperia Z2 4G phone was launched at Mobile World Congress 2014. While some were surprised that Sony chose to introduce the update to their flagship handset just five months after the Xperia Z1 was launched, the general opinion seems to be that the Z2 is enough of an upgrade to justify its hasty release.
Key Features of the Xperia Z2
Screen: The most striking feature of the Xperia Z2 when you first try it out is its screen. At 5.2 inches it is ideal for streaming videos and watching catch-up TV with 4G. The full-HD screen features Live Colour LED, a brand new technology integrated into Sony Mobile displays for increased colour depth and gradation, which makes colours more natural and true to life. With a pixel density of 423 ppi, images are bright and razor sharp, and IPS technology means you get a great image whatever angle you are looking from.
Camera: Sony suggests that the 20.7 megapixel camera on the Xperia Z2 is on a par with their compact digital cameras, and that its sensor is 30% larger than on average smartphone cameras. It features Sony’s award winning G Lens and the BIONZ™ intelligent image processing engine, as well as motion detection for blur free images. While previous Xperia cameras haven’t been great at taking pictures in low light, Sony is confident that this has been improved with the Z2. The camera can also be used to record 4K video with ultra-high definition. It features time shift to allow you to switch to slow motion for dramatic effect, and SteadyShot™ for steadier videos.
Other features of the Xperia Z2 include:
- Google Android 4.4 (Kitkat)
- 2.3 GHz Qualcomm MSM8974AB Quad-core
- Battery: 3200 mAh minimum
- 16GB flash memory
- Expansion slot for microSD™ card up to 64 GB
The Xperia Z2 is an attractive smartphone with a one piece aluminium frame. It is slightly larger than the Z1 due to the bigger screen, but generally feels better to hold. The handset is also waterproof and dust resistant with an IP55/IP58 rating. As long as the ports and slots are closed you should be able to swim with this handset in fresh water for up to 30 minutes, and dive to a depth of 1.5m.
Another feature of the Xperia Z2 is digital noise cancellation, which allows you to block out up to 98% of all ambient sounds. Combined with Sony’s MDR NC31EM noise cancelling headset, the Z2 uses active noise control to remove the low-frequency portion of background noise, preventing high frequency noise from reaching the ear.
The Xperia Z2 should be available in the UK in April, and is advertised on the Sony website at £599 sim-free. Networks such as O2, Vodafone and EE have already announced they will be offering it, and it will also be stocked by retailers such as Carphone Warehouse. It will be available in black and white, and O2 have announced an exclusive purple version.