4G SIM NewsEarlier this month Sony announced a new flagship 4G smartphone called the Xperia Z5, whose release in October will be accompanied by a smaller Xperia Z5 Compact and, at a later date, a higher spec device called the Xperia Z5 Premium.
The Xperia Z5 follows on from the Xperia Z3+, which may seem counter-intuitive but makes sense when you realise the Xperia Z3+ was called the Xperia Z4 in Japan. So what do we know about the Xperia Z5 and its little brother the Z5 Compact?
The design of both phones is similar to previous Xperia models, although the glass back design has been replaced with a brush metal back. The frame edges are metal and the handsets have squared corners. In terms of size the Xperia Z5 measures 146mm x 72 mm x 7.3mm and weighs 154g, while the Xperia Z5 Compact measures just 127mm x 65mm x 8.9mm and weighs 138g. The Premium version is expected to be larger at 154mm x 76mm x 7.8mm and a weight of 180g.
The Xperia Z5 has a super-bright Full HD 5.2 inch TRILUMINOS™ display which has 428 pixels-per-inch and is capable of viewing in any light. The Xperia Z5 Compact has a 4.6 inch display with just 323 pixels-per-inch. The most interesting development is likely to be the Z5 Premium which will be the first smartphone with a 4K display. With a 5.5 inch screen and a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, this device’s display is expected to have an astonishing 806 pixels-per-inch.
The rear-facing camera on the Xperia Z5 is the biggest upgrade from the Z3+ and is thought to be one of the best available in a smartphone. With a 23 megapixel sensor and Sony’s new Hybrid Autofocus technology, users will be able to take high quality images at lightening speeds. Other features of the new camera include a 24mm wide angle G lens, 5 x zoom, and HDR.
All three smartphones will run the Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system with Sony’s user interface overlaid on top, and will run the same octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chip that was found in the Xperia Z3+. The Xperia Z5 has 3GB RAM and a 2,900mAh battery designed to last up to 48 hours with standard use. Other features include an IP 65 / 68 waterproof rating and QC 2.0 Quick Charge Technology.
Sony Xperia Z5 available from EE
Both the Sony Xperia™ Z5 and Xperia™ Z5 Compact have been available to pre-order on EE’s superfast 4G network since 2nd September and will be available in October. Both handsets are compatible with EE’s WiFi Calling service, allowing users to make calls in more places when only connected by WiFi. The Xperia Z5 is available in graphite black or gold, while the Z5 Compact is currently only available in graphite black. EE will also be offering the Z5 Premium later in the year when it becomes available.
According to Sharon Meadows, Director of Devices at EE, “Sony’s Xperia™ smartphones have always showcased the very best in mobile performance and camera technology, and Sony has pushed the boundaries again, with the Z5 and Z5 Compact which are sure to excite consumers. The ability to record and share stunning images and high quality video is a great way to share incredible moments with friends and family, making these handsets a perfect match for our superfast 4G network.”