Menu
homeFiles and folders

Data for smartphone sony xperia zl. Official deputy flag officer. Review of the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone. The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.

Sony Xperia Z, like any flagship, was doomed to close attention from the press long before it went on sale. And there are reasons for this: in addition to powerful hardware, the smartphone has a water- and dust-resistant case. Sony Xperia ZL is, in fact, the same Sony Xperia Z, only dressed in a regular case, the bonus of which can be considered compactness.

Technical specifications Sony Xperia ZL

Sony Xperia ZL
operating system Google Android 4.1.2
Display TFT, 5 inches, 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD), 441 ppi, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, multi-touch 10 fingers
CPU Qualcomm S4 Pro APQ8064 1.5 GHz, 4 cores, Adreno 320 accelerator
RAM 2 GB
Flash memory 16 GB + microSD card slot
Camera 13 MP, autofocus, 1080p video recording, LED flash, HDR mode, LED backlight, front camera for video calls (2 MP)
Wireless technologies Wi-Fi a/ac/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA+ 850/900/1900/2100, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC , LTE
Interfaces micro-USB, 3.5 mm headphone output
GPS Yes
Battery 2370 mAh
Dimensions and weight 132x69x10 millimeters, 151 grams

What is in the box

Just what you see in the picture. Smartphone, charger with microUSB cable, headset with several sizes of tips and user manual.

Case and design

Marketers love the prefix “most.” It was also applied to the Sony Xperia ZL. In the phrase “the world’s smallest smartphone with a five-inch screen.” This is probably true: 132x69x10 millimeters is not much compared to other lucky owners of large screens. Although one hesitates to call the ZL “small” when you see smartphones with more modest diagonals next to them.



Together with iPhone 4s

Such compactness was achieved thanks to the design: the screen occupies almost the entire front panel. There was no place even for the touch buttons (they “went” into the screen), and this also explains the strange placement of the front camera. It, dear readers, is hidden in the lower right corner under the screen. Visually, it seems that it was quite possible to place the camera peephole on top. In the end, there was a place here for the Sony logo and the voice speaker (well, moving it from here to save space would, really, be completely strange).

The corrugated plastic that protects the rear of the smartphone is not nearly as impressive as the glass surface of the Xperia Z, but it is practical: no slipping, no annoying fingerprints. It contains a camera with flash and a sound speaker. The entire cover is non-removable, but you won’t have to use the “magic key”, like in the iPhone, to install a SIM card or memory card. Sony, in my opinion, acted very wisely by providing the lid with a retractable “hatch”, under which the necessary connectors are hidden.

But you can’t get to the battery yourself, alas. Metal strips are built into the sides of the device, which not only decorates the smartphone, but makes it stronger than its all-plastic counterparts.

The main controls are located on the right side. This is a volume rocker closer to the top, access to the camera is at the bottom, and a round metal button in the center is responsible for turning the power on and off.

Personally, I don't find it very comfortable as I prefer left-handed controls. But it seems to me that this arrangement is not suitable for anyone who is right-handed, but only for those with large palms.

The left side contains a microUSB connector, the top - a 3.5 mm headphone output. The device lies comfortably in the hand, but still both its size and weight (151 grams) indicate that the Sony Xperia ZL is a smartphone more likely for men. Its design is neutral and pleasant, not too flashy, but extremely neat. Among the cosmetic features, I would like to note the presence of a strip-shaped LED under the screen. It glows green while charging, and when you view photos, this smart light lights up in the dominant color of the current photo. I don’t know why, but it turns out funny. It’s a pity that the light can’t dance to the beat of the music, as is sometimes found in various models.

Screen

The affairs of smartphone manufacturers are wonderful. Honestly, I don’t quite understand why it was necessary to install such a screen in such an expensive and fully equipped model. Moreover, this also applies to the Xperia ZL, and even the flagship Z, the cost of which can cause convulsions in most inhabitants of our latitudes. Of course, the screen has its advantages. This is a large area, high sensitivity, resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with an excellent pixel density of 441 ppi... All this would be just wonderful if it were not for the unnatural color rendition, low brightness and completely non-black black color.

The usually dull screen is somewhat transformed when watching videos or pictures: the mysterious Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 mode is turned on, making life, or rather some objects on the screen, bright to the point of hurting the eyes. In this mode, the inversion of colors when turning is especially noticeable, and in a very specific way. For example, a bright red jacket with minor deviations became acid pink. I don’t want to mislead readers by sharply criticizing the screen: it’s not bad at all, it just doesn’t correspond to the class of the model at all. In a mid-range device, such a huge display with excellent pixel density would look simply gorgeous. And in order not to be unfounded, I will present graphs with measurements taken using a Datacolor Spyder4 colorimeter.

System


Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean will be updated to version 4.2 after some time. The Sony interface is familiar from some of the company's other modern devices; in my opinion, it is quite convenient and functional. As usual, desktops are brought up by hovering your finger over the screen of one, after which you can add widgets and applications to it, as well as choose a background and theme. And, of course, add a new desktop.


Virtual keys are located directly on the screen, the right one, which calls up a list of active programs, also provides access to the so-called “small applications”. A calculator, on-screen notes, sound recording, timer and remote control are pre-installed. Others can be found on Google Play if desired.


Among the branded applications, I would like to mention Walkman. The music player has a lot of settings, allows you to create playlists and fine-tune the sound of tracks using an equalizer. In addition, there is a ClearAudio+ function, but for my taste it only distorts the sound. Although, I can assume that in nature there are tracks that will sound better after applying such an “improver” to them.


“Album” provides access to all the pictures stored on the smartphone. At the same time, it allows you to change the scale of the preview pictures and move them. Here you can also find a simple photo editor, as well as find out where a particular photo was taken (with geotagging mode enabled). To the delight of many users, the smartphone has a radio. And, of course, GPS.

Performance


As befits a decent flagship this season, the Sony Xperia ZL has a quad-core one and a half gigahertz Qualcomm S4 Pro APQ8064 processor with an Adreno320 accelerator and 2 gigabytes of RAM. Naturally, the operating system interface flies, like the vast majority of programs. Frankly speaking, I have not come across an application that can fully load this system.

Performance tests agree with me and confirm the leading position of the Sony Xperia ZL. If he is not the fastest, he is certainly among them. 16 gigabytes of disk space is not at all an indicator of super capacity today. But support for memory cards with a capacity of up to 64 GB radically changes things, leaving all sorts of such claims unfounded: there’s enough for photos, games and movies.

Camera

The fashion for 13-megapixel cameras in flagship smartphones seems to me somewhat unjustified and ridiculous. It would be better if there were 8 of them, but the same as in the iPhone! May Apple haters forgive me for my expressed weakness, but I really don’t understand what’s stopping Android smartphone manufacturers from bringing the quality of built-in optics closer to that of the latest Apple devices. Hardly awe or fear of non-compliance with patents... However, the Exmor RS sensor used in the Xperia ZL is relatively good. Equipped with a variety of software add-ons, the camera can shoot video and photos with HDR, perform high-speed burst shooting and apply effects in real time. There is an automatic super mode here, which, in theory, should understand what is happening around and select the settings according to what is happening. Also, it seemed to me that manual focusing on objects does not always work correctly.

In short, the camera is noticeably inferior to that of the Samsung Galaxy S4, and it is far from the 8-megapixel sensor of the iPhone 4s/5.

Sound

Sound was once the strong point of Sony devices, and to some extent it remains so today. I can't say that the Xperia ZL has the best speaker I've heard, but it's definitely not bad. At least because it is loud and clean enough. You will hear the call, you can also watch a movie. True, there is no bass, but hardly anyone seriously considers listening to music through a speaker. There are headphones for these purposes. And with them, complete ones, or even better - some higher class, the smartphone can be used as a full-fledged music player. It’s best to listen to rock and classics as is, without equalizers, but electronics lovers can experiment with sound settings, including the ClearAudio+ function I mentioned above.

Heating and autonomy

Due to the design features, the smartphone heats up, and unconventionally - from the back. And it heats up quite noticeably, especially when it comes to tests or toys. But even in normal operating mode, life-saving warmth spreads across the back of the smartphone, warming your hands. This is due to the location of the battery closer to the screen, and the main hardware, on the contrary, closer to the lid.


The non-removable battery, closed on all sides, has a capacity of 2370 mAh, which is quite a lot. However, we should remember: this is a smartphone with insatiable flagship hardware and a large FullHD screen; it’s not easy to feed them. Let's say, in my usual mode of working with a smartphone (20 minutes of calls, SMS, sometimes the Internet, music and shooting with a camera), the Xperia ZL barely survived until the evening. In the settings you can find several modes to save energy. For example, Stamina, which turns off data transfer when the screen goes dark. Moreover, if you want some applications to still implement it, you can add them to the exception list. You can also activate the energy saving mode and set a certain charge level threshold (for example, 20%), after reaching which the smartphone automatically turns off a number of functions. For example, vibration alert, GPS, Wi-Fi. In general, if you put up with it and pay due attention to the device settings, you can make it work a little longer.


Competitors

The competitive environment of a smartphone is quite natural: these are other flagships of famous companies. Comparably priced, the HTC One has a metal body, while the Galaxy s4, although not a sleek design, has an excellent screen. At the same time, both competitors are somewhat more affordable (not to mention the LG Optimus G), so unless the starting price starts to drop rapidly, it will face a rather difficult fate.

Bottom line

Sony Xperia ZL turned out to be an interesting, albeit controversial smartphone. It seems to me that anyone who is determined to buy a flagship model will not fight for those 500 hryvnia, which is approximately the difference in price between the protected Xperia Z in a spectacular glass case and the Xperia ZL, the advantage of which compared to its brother and other 5-inch models can be considered compact body dimensions. Thus, the Xperia ZL does not have such a clear competitive advantage as the Xperia Z. Like any flagship, this smartphone is very productive, well-built, and has a large FullHD screen, which, in fact, is its biggest drawback. Otherwise, high-quality body materials, a decent design, a relatively good camera and good sound make the Xperia ZL a worthy choice for those who buy flagships and love Sony's style.

4 reasons to buy Sony Xperia ZL

  • Excellent performance
  • Good design and materials of the case
  • Compact case for a 5-inch smartphone
  • Good sound, high volume

3 reasons not to buy Sony Xperia ZL

  • The screen, by flagship standards, is rather weak
  • Not the best camera
  • Non-removable battery

How long can modern smartphones remain relevant? Usually, it depends on the manufacturer, who continues to support the smartphone, releasing new firmware and supporting it to the last.

The relevance depends very much on the component base of the phone. Flagship devices receive the best components, which are often ahead of their time, when budget smartphones are content with outdated technologies.

You can use flagship devices from well-known manufacturers (A-brands) for as long as possible, which have the latest spare parts and receive software updates for several years. I wanted to tell you about just one such device.

Specifications Sony Xperia ZL C6503/C6502:

  • Display - TFT matrix, 5 inches, resolution 1980×1080 pixels, density 441 ppi, screen-to-front ratio 76%
  • Chipset - Qualcomm APQ8064 (S4 Pro) 4 cores, frequency 1.5 GHz. Video accelerator Adreno 320, frequency 533 MHz
  • Memory - 2 GB RAM, 16 GB ROM, microSD card slot up to 32 GB
  • Main camera - 13 MP, Exmor R
  • Front camera - 2.1 MP
  • Battery - 2370 mAh, STAMINA support
  • Dimensions - 131.6 x 69.3 x 9.8 mm with a weight of 151 grams
  • Interfaces - micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
  • OS - Android 4.1 with update to Android 5.1 and proprietary Xperia Home shell
  • Colors - white, black and red

Experience using Sony Xperia ZL for 3 years

It so happened that more than three years ago I became the proud owner of a Sony Xperia ZL smartphone, which I continue to use to this day. By the way, I consider it one of the most successful Xperia devices in recent years.

This model was announced in January 2013 at the CES 2013 electronics exhibition along with the first smartphone under the letter Z.

Then, Sony decided to rethink its line by introducing the OmniBalance design concept, some ideas of which are still used today (for example, the round power button in budget smartphones).

The flagship was the Sony Xperia Z, which had water protection, powerful hardware and an attractive design. Before this, a rugged smartphone was considered to be a simple device in a massive case, but Sony showed that this may not be the case.

Its younger brother was the Xperia ZL - the same “Zetka”, but without moisture protection and in a different case. At the same time, the ZL had at that time the maximum amount of screen space on the front panel - 76% screen/front panel ratio! This made it the smallest smartphone with a 5-inch screen.

3 years in one hand

Let me start with why there was no desire to change it to newer Sony Xreria models. The fact is that Sony supported this smartphone with new firmware for a very long time. The initial version was Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Subsequently, the phone received Android 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0 and the last official version was Android 5.1 Lollipop.

This allowed us to use the latest applications today. Also, with each firmware, the number of system bugs decreased, and the speed of operation increased.

Wear resistance

The body of the smartphone turned out to be very strong. He survived many falls on the floor (linoleum, tiles, asphalt), was exposed to moisture and dust, low and high temperatures. In my white version of Xperia ZL, after 2 years, the paint on various elements began to peel off. Otherwise, everything is very good: there is no play, nothing is wobbly, the camera window and screen are not worn out, it is still not a shame to take it in your hand. I would like to note that my friend, the black version of this smartphone does not have such problems with paint.

Camera

The Xperia ZL is equipped with two cameras: a front 2.1 megapixel and a rear 13 megapixel Exmor R. As for the front camera, its capabilities were enough for a long time. When the phone first came out, selfies were not yet so popular, so something better was rare in 2013. Of course, now even budget devices have 5 MP modules, so in this regard the device looks outdated.

However, the quality is enough for video calls through any services. The location of the camera in the lower right corner of the smartphone was not very convenient, as it did not allow talking while holding the phone vertically.


The rear camera of the Xperia ZL has shown its best side over the years. The quality is acceptable even now. In good weather, decent shots are obtained, and video is also taken well. However, due to lack of performance, we had to abandon AR modes, as they work very slowly and heat up the phone a lot.

I bring to your attention a selection of some, in my opinion, successful shots taken over the years:

Screen

The strength of the Xperia ZL when it was launched was its screen. The FHD matrix provides a pixel density of 441 ppi, which gives maximum clarity even now. The screen is made using TFT TN technology, so the picture is inferior to any modern IPS and AMOLED matrices, and has poor viewing angles, which is one of the main disadvantages of the device. I consider the main advantage to be high brightness and readability in direct sunlight.

Performance and battery life

The platform used is Qualcomm APQ8064, 1500 MHz, also known as S4 Pro, Adreno 320 video accelerator and 2 GB of RAM. At the time of its release it was one of the most powerful platforms. The smartphone simply flew on it, and any toys went without problems.

Now the device’s performance is not enough and only thanks to the optimized firmware the device can be used, although many applications, such as 2GIS, take a very long time to load.

What is there to be surprised about, because even the budget smartphone Xperia XA 2016 on the Mediatek P10 platform is more productive. The device heats up noticeably, and when the phone is used for a long time, it literally begins to burn your hands.


From left to right: Antutu, Geekbench and 3dmark.

Battery life was not the device's strong point. A 2370 mAh battery coupled with a power-hungry platform and a TFT screen is clearly not enough for long-term operation.

However, the STAMINA mode helped a lot, as it saved precious percentages of charge. I would like to note that after three years of use, with approximately one charge per day, the device does not yet require battery replacement. The capacity, of course, has dropped, but the percentages do not “jump”, although there is a noticeable reduction in battery life.

Software

The latest firmware version runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which can already be considered outdated. At the same time, you can bring your phone to a modern look using various programs.

For example, I became a participant in the Xperia Home Beta program, which allowed me to get a new version of the shell. Application icons from the Xperia X line can be obtained by installing the appropriate themes from the store. Also, I really liked the new official Sony themes in the spirit of PlayStation.

The speed of the system is decent, everything works quite quickly.


Communication and sound

There were no complaints about the quality of communication. The sound of the speaker is loud, but it only became so on the latest firmware versions. Before this it was much quieter, which was quite annoying. The vibration is strong, but very strange in sound, rattling. The sound in the headphones is decent for its time.

Xperia ZL had two versions with differences in 4G support; there is no dual-SIM version. I got the C6502 model, which differed from the basic one in the absence of 4G. For a long time this did not pose a problem, since 4G coverage in 2013 was worse than it is now.


A very unusual compartment for SIM and MicroSD cards. There is also an insert with information and a forced reboot button.

***

As a result, I can say that the Xperia ZL has faithfully served its intended purpose and continues to function properly.

What advantages can I give to this gadget after such a long use?

Pros:

Stylish design

Powerful platform for its time

Long-term software support for the device from Sony

Not bad cameras

Excellent screen behavior in the sun and its high resolution

Small size for 5″ screen

Minuses:

— Small screen viewing angles

— The phone case in the white version is prone to paint peeling

— Inconvenient placement of the front camera

The Xperia ZL is a worthy representative of the Sony smartphone line, created in an era when the company showed very interesting, competitive and desirable devices. Sony Mobile tried its best to support this device, which evokes respect and a desire to continue using the products of the Japanese company.

The only logical question arises: what can you take as a replacement? For a long time, Sony produced beautiful phones, but inferior in key parameters, which significantly crippled the mobile business.

The Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z3+ (Z4) lines are no longer relevant, since they do not have a fingerprint scanner, the front cameras are weak, some of the models have problems with defects and overheating, and so on.

The Xperia Z5 series costs almost the same as the Xperia X and XZ, but the shell is outdated, the scanner is not the most sensitive and the cameras are worse. The situation was slightly aggravated by the industry's transition to the USB-C connector, which seems to me more convenient and modern, which immediately made many good smartphones with old micro-USB obsolete.

The situation changed in the spring of 2017, when the stunning and balanced Xperia XZs was presented at MWC. Finally, smartphones have appeared that are more modern in all respects than the old ZL, and this difference is already felt very strongly.

At first glance, the new products do not have any weaknesses and are filled to capacity with the spirit of Sony Style. If their prices are competitive, then good sales are guaranteed.

If you still use old Xperia devices, then tell us about them in the comments. What do you want to change them to and why?

Xperia ZL could now become a new impetus for the Japanese corporation. The gadget is very similar to the Xperia Z: it has the same design and finish, but does not have IP57 certification.

Main disadvantages:

  • non-removable battery;
  • weak camera;
  • slightly thicker than Xperia Z;
  • Questionable rear panel build quality and aesthetics.

The difference between the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL essentially comes down to different sizes, finishes and ruggedness. The plastic case here doesn't look as good as glass, but it has its advantages. Water resistance is, of course, a significant plus, but not everyone needs it.

The Sony Xperia ZL comes in a box identical to the Xperia Z smartphone. Note that the kit includes an A/C adapter, a microUSB cable and a headset with an additional pair of headphones.

The gadget is a 5-inch smartphone with the smallest footprint. Its dimensions are 131.6x69.3x9.8 mm. The closest competitors have a height of: Xperia Z – 139 mm, Galaxy S4 – 136.6 mm and One – 137.4 mm.

However, the Xperia ZL is the thickest of all the smartphones listed at 9.8mm. But these features do not cause inconvenience. The device is comfortable to use.

One of the significant disadvantages is the low quality of finishing and lack of elegant design. But this, of course, is not a cause for concern, since the plastic looks very good.

The smartphone is one of the most compact gadgets with a 5-inch Full HD screen. Compared to the Xperia Z, the new phone has significantly smaller top and bottom panels on the front side. Perhaps this is the reason for the location of the front camera in the lower right corner. This is, of course, unusual, but this solution has already been seen before in N9. The bezels around the sides of the display have also been reduced to a minimum.

Hardware buttons are displayed on the screen.

Above the screen you can see the speaker and the company logo. Sony smartphones usually come from the factory with scratch-resistant glass to protect the screen, and the Xperia ZL is no exception.

The back panel is made of plastic, the patterned texture of which makes the phone easier to use, as it fits securely in the hand. But at the same time, we note. That it looks quite sticky. On the back side there is a 13-megapixel camera lens, which protrudes slightly above the surface. Next to it is a speaker grille and an LED flash.

A noise-reducing microphone with the Xperia logo was placed above the lens.

The panel looks like it is removable, but it is not. In order to access the microSIM and card slots, you need to open the flap at the very bottom of the smartphone. This is not only physically inconvenient, but also aesthetically does not look very good.

The build quality of the device is good.

There is a microUSB port on the left side of the phone, which does not have a plug, unlike the Xperia Z.

On the right, you'll find a dual volume rocker at the top, a power/lock button, and a two-stage camera control button.

It is always convenient to have a dedicated camera shutter button on your smartphone.

At the top of the Sony Xperia ZL there is only a 3.5mm headphone jack.

In the lower left corner there is a special eyelet for a lace.

In general, the Sony Xperia ZL is quite comfortable to use: the controls are conveniently located and have a very good response.

Performance and Software

The smartphone uses a Snapdragon APQ8064 S4 Pro chipset with 4 Krait cores clocked at 1.5 GHz, Adreno 320 graphics accelerator and 2 GB of RAM. As we expected, the gadget scores the same benchmarks as the Xperia Z.

Even despite the more powerful chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 600) that power the Galaxy S4 and Optimus G Pro smartphones, our phone still has enough performance to handle even the heaviest applications without problems.

Sony Xperia ZL came fourth in Benchmark Pi, Linpack and AnTutu tests, and took fifth place in Quadrant.

Interestingly, our smartphone scored lower than the Xperia Z in GeekBench 2.

When testing the gadget in GLBenchmark with a fixed resolution, the Xperia ZL did not disappoint, ending up in the same place with the Xperia Z.

In the important Epic Citadel test, the gadget showed excellent results, comparable to other flagship devices.

The Sony Xperia ZL uses Google Chrome as a browser, which has become much faster after the latest update and showed a result of 1290 ms in the Sun Spider test, being faster than the Xperia Z, Optimus G and Nexus 4.

The smartphone took 4th place in BrowserMark 2 and Vellamo.

As a result, the Sony Xperia ZL showed good performance.

The gadget runs on the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system.

Built-in memory – 16 GB. There is support for Wi-Fi, GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS, FM radio, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and LTE networks.

Screen

Surprisingly, we found that the Sony Xperia ZL has a better screen than the Xperia Z. Given that they are both identical according to the specifications (5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a density of 441 ppi), they are manufactured by the same manufacturer, but we assumed that this is due to a single deviation, and not because Sony has developed a separate screen for the Xperia ZL.

The TFT display is powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, which increases contrast and sharpness, reduces noise and saturates colors to make them more pleasing to the eye.

The contrast is really good. However, the screen in this indicator is inferior to the HTC One, LG Optimus G Pro, HTC Butterfly, not to mention the Super on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The gadget does not have very large viewing angles.

Readability in sunlight is quite good.

Camera

Sony Xperia ZL is equipped with a 13-megapixel camera that can take pictures with a resolution of 4128x3096 pixels. However, if you use the default enhanced auto mode, you will only get a resolution of 3920x2940 pixels (that is, a 12-megapixel photo).

The difference between the advanced auto mode and the normal one is that the gadget itself tries to determine what kind of scene it is shooting and will set all image parameters accordingly. This includes saturation, contrast, and exposure metering mode. In normal mode, only the exposure is automatically set, and you can experiment with other settings.

The improved automatic mode tells you how the gadget will adjust the camera and you can easily intervene if you think that the picture will not be of very high quality. But our experience shows that the settings were good almost all the time. So unless you're a photography enthusiast, it's best to stick with the enhanced auto mode.

The Xperia ZL smartphone offers all kinds of features including facial recognition, Smile Shutter, geo-tagging, touch capture and mode.

The improved Auto mode produces photos with pleasing, if slightly oversaturated, colors. Fine details are clearly visible, noise levels are average, and dynamic range and contrast are excellent.

Overall, the results are good, although we wouldn't say there's a noticeable advantage over good 8-megapixel cameras.

If you switch to Normal mode, you'll get images that look more natural without being oversaturated. This will give you more headroom if you plan to process photos later.

We also took panoramic photos. It turned out to be a very good panorama.

The Sony Xperia ZL is capable of shooting Full HD video at 30 frames per second. The gadget also offers HDR for video shooting.

We were disappointed that the Xperia ZL can capture photos while recording video, but only at 1MP resolution. This, however, is not very significant.

In the video you can see very good detail. The bitrate fluctuates around 17 Mbps.

Below is an example of a recording.

The benefit of HDR footage isn't always as clear as we'd hoped, but it still adds some detail in the highlights.

An example of shooting with HDR.

Battery

The smartphone comes with a non-removable battery with a capacity of 2370 mAh, which is 40 mAh more than the Xperia Z. It is a little surprising that according to official information, the battery is designed for only 13 hours of battery life in talk mode over 3G networks and up to 500 hours of standby time (vs. 14 hours and 530 hours for Xperia Z, respectively). It is possible that different displays may explain the situation. But our dedicated battery test also showed the Xperia ZL to be less durable.

So, the Sony Xperia ZL showed a result of 44 hours of battery life (the gadget is used for 2 hours for calls, an hour for watching videos and an hour for web surfing per day), which is 4 hours shorter than that of the Xperia Z. But this is still decent result.

When tested separately, the following data was obtained: the battery lasts for 15 hours 22 minutes of calls via 3G networks, 6 hours 4 minutes of web surfing and 5 hours 28 minutes of video viewing.

You also need to take into account that the smartphone has a special endurance mode developed by the company and allows you to get much better battery life results.

Price

The cost of Sony Xperia ZL on the Russian market is 27,490 rubles.

Sony Xperia ZL video review:

Lately, I have been increasingly seeing comments from people that Sony is one of the few companies that pays as much attention to the design of its devices as to their internal contents. Indeed, for the most part, Sony smartphones have a unique design, which sets them apart from devices from other manufacturers. The Sony Xperia ZL was no exception. Sharp corners, straight sides, a convex back side with a camera protruding above its surface - all this is united by the name OmniBalance. The hero of our review has a black body and a back panel made of rough textured plastic with a mesh pattern. A smartphone with a white body differs from a black one not only in color, but also in the type of material on the back panel. There it has a soft-touch coating, which in our opinion is more practical. And it’s much more tactile.

The mineral glass of the front panel is slightly recessed into the body in relation to the rim around it. A factory-made film with an oleophobic coating is glued on top of the glass, designed to combat fingerprints. Near the top end there is a slot for the earpiece speaker. To the right of it are two sensors, lighting and proximity. Below them there is a 5-inch Full HD display, and under the display there is a front camera shifted as far to the right as possible, a small oblong hole for a microphone and a barely noticeable LED that changes its color depending on the main color of the display. We have already seen a similar camera arrangement in the Nokia N9 smartphone. The screen occupies almost 80% of the entire surface of the front panel, that is, 4/5, which is the highest figure among smartphones with a 5-inch screen. For example, when compared with the Sony Xperia TX, you will not see a difference in size, and this despite the fact that the Xperia TX is equipped with a 4.6-inch screen! Compared to (4.5-inch display), the Sony Xperia ZL wins. The situation is similar when compared with the Samsung Galaxy S4, not to mention the huge or, as well as. But even without analogies and direct comparison, no one remains indifferent to the dimensions of a smartphone. At first, it seems as if you are holding a display in your hand with a barely noticeable frame around it.

On the sides and ends of the case there are inserts made of easily soiled glossy plastic (polyamide), which is also capable of collecting all the dust around. The owner of a smartphone needs to be prepared for the fact that there will always be thousands of lint on the case, not to mention traces of fingerprints.






The left and right sides of the case contain a socket for a USB cable and a hole for a strap, as well as a long volume key, an aluminum power-lock button and a two-position camera button, respectively. The mechanical keys protrude quite strongly above the body, so finding them by touch is not difficult. The key travel is short with a characteristic click when activated. The round power button is perhaps the most unusual element of the smartphone. A similar key is present in the Sony Xperia Z and other recently announced models. Its use is marred by its slightly excessive stiffness when pressed, but its location and appearance make you forget about such a small drawback, besides, if it were more pliable, the likelihood of its accidental operation would be much higher.
There are only two holes at the ends of the case. At the bottom there is a second hole for the strap. At the top is a headphone jack.



Despite the fact that the corners of the case do not look rounded, as, for example, in Samsung smartphones, they are not as sharp as in . There is no discomfort with prolonged use. The frame of the Sony Xperia ZL is made of a single piece of plastic, which gives the body rigidity. Considering this, one thing that is surprising is that the back panel looks like it is removable, which is not the case. The only removable part of the case is a small cover at the bottom end. In order to pick it out, there is a small recess, and so that you do not lose it, it is attached to the body with an elastic band. Slots for memory cards and SIM are hidden under this cover. Both are Micro format. In addition to the described elements, there is also a camera, flash and speaker.





The quality of fit of the parts is excellent, there are no creaks in the Sony Xperia ZL body, which cannot be said about the sagging rear part of the body measuring 2x3 centimeters in the area between the Xperia inscription and the folding panel.


Operating system and shell

The smartphone has an operating system with its own shell called Xperia UX. The interface has undergone significant changes compared to what we saw on Sony devices running earlier versions of Android.

On the lock screen there is an alarm icon indicating the alarm time, a clock with a date and two shortcuts on either side of them. One is responsible for calling the player control keys, the second is for launching the camera. To activate one or another, you need to drag the shortcut to the center of the screen. To unlock the screen, you need to swipe it from top to bottom or bottom to top, and the unlocking animation resembles sliding blinds. Like in Acer smartphones, only there they move vertically. If necessary, you can go to the notification panel from the lock screen. In addition to the notifications themselves, there are four switch icons for changing the sound profile, turning on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and transferring data via a mobile network. The fifth icon is for entering the “Settings” menu.

The desktop and the widgets on it have the same appearance as in earlier Android on Sony smartphones. It is no longer possible to display all existing graphic fragments on one screen using multi-touch. Now this gesture is responsible for customizing the Desktop, which includes editing the number of windows, designating the main window, adding widgets, application shortcuts, background screensavers and themes. Along with the theme, not only the background screen changes, as it was before, but also the image on the lock screen.

The interface supports creating folders by moving shortcuts onto each other. On the bottom line there are four shortcuts with an icon between them to call up a list of installed applications and widgets. Below them are three touch control keys - “Back”, “Home” and “Running Application Manager”. Holding down the Home key brings up Google Now. The running application manager displays not only the latest running applications, but also a line of five shortcuts called “Small applications”. The essence of their work is that they can be called at any time, regardless of what application is currently running. Small applications open in a new window. You can move it around the screen and adjust its size. The five apps include a calculator, timer, notes, voice recorder, and unit converter. If you want to expand the list of small applications, you need to click on the “+” icon, after which you will be taken to a special section of Google Play, where there are about 20 other applications, including applications for working with the camera, a browser, and more. Thus, in order to take a photo, it is not necessary to launch the main camera; you can use the application from this list. At the same time, its functionality allows you not only to take photographs, but also to select the type of camera, image resolution, flash mode, white balance and many other options, while a player, browser or any other application can be running in the background. Something similar, although not in this form, is available in smartphones from LG (QSlide), Samsung (“Multiple applications”). All this is one way to demonstrate the power of the hardware platform. Unfortunately, in the race for uniqueness, Sony forgot about the key for quickly clearing the list of running applications. You have to delete each one separately.

The dialing keyboard supports search in Latin and Cyrillic alphabet. When typing text messages, you can select the keyboard cover and its layout; continuous text typing (Swype) is supported.

There is nothing unusual among the installed applications, the only thing that you almost certainly will not find in other smartphones is “remote control” - an application for controlling home appliances that uses the infrared port located near the power button. I was not able to pair it with my TV, but judging by the number of keys and settings, its functionality is higher than that installed in the Samsung Galaxy S4. True, there I easily found the necessary settings to control the TV.




In general, the updated interface has received significantly more features than in smartphones running Android 4.0. Now the lag behind Samsung, HTC and LG is no longer so noticeable.

Hardware platform

The Sony Xperia ZL smartphone shares a common hardware platform with the Sony Xperia Z - a system-on-chip Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro. Quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, video accelerator Adreno 320, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB of ROM. This, as well as the Full HD screen, allows the device to be classified as a top-class device capable of handling a task of any complexity, be it a modern 3D game or Full HD video.

According to the benchmark results, the Sony Xperia ZL ranks at the top of the ratings. At the moment, there are only two crystals demonstrating even better results, one from the same Qualcomm - Snapdragon 600, the second - Exynos 5410. But there are no devices running on these chips in Ukraine yet. The HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4, powered by Qualcomm and Exynos respectively, are due to go on sale next month. But while they appear on the shelves, the price of the Sony Xperia ZL will drop lower, so that in the eyes of buyers the smartphone will no longer look attractive due to the newest hardware platform, high-resolution screen and 13 MP camera, but due to its relatively affordable price.

The built-in application for viewing Gracenote videos is able to digest all popular video codecs (AVI, MP4, MKV), find the cover and description for the files. The number of sound settings, as well as volume and quality, can satisfy even the most demanding and demanding users.





The Walkman music player has similar functionality to Gracenote. There is a search for covers, support for a wide range of codecs, including FLAC, a visualizer (something like the one in Windows Player) and a ton of sound settings. As with the audio in the video player, the music sounds great, but you'll have to use your own headphones to get the most out of the audio. The included Sony MH-EX300AP headset is not capable of unlocking all the capabilities of the Sony Xperia ZL.

The smartphone has a battery with a capacity of 2370 mAh, which is 40 mAh more than the Sony Xperia Z. The “Power Options” item has appeared in the menu, where you can see the approximate operating time of the smartphone, as well as use one of several charge saving modes. Among these is the regime STAMINA, "Energy Saving" and Wi-Fi by location. In fact, none of them carry anything that can be configured by the user himself. STAMINA simply disables data transfer when the screen backlight is turned off, which cannot be called a useful function, because background data synchronization is one of the main features of a smartphone. As a result, the operating time of the Sony Xperia ZL can be described as good, which looks like a compliment for a Full HD smartphone. In the Antutu Tester application, the smartphone scored 540 points, having worked for exactly 3 hours, this is equivalent to 12-15 hours of work with not very active use. In the best case, what a user can expect is one and a half to two days with moderate data usage and forced operation on a 2G network. Watching HD videos from Youtube at 50% screen brightness will drain the battery in 7 hours 22 minutes, or 8 hours at 0% brightness. The results are approximately the same when watching HD video from the internal memory, 7 hours 27 minutes and 8 hours 6 minutes, respectively. Watching the same video at maximum brightness will drain the battery in 4 hours. The operating time when listening to music (MP3, 192 Kbps) is 33 hours and 33 minutes. All the given indicators correspond to the “good” value, especially taking into account the 5-inch screen.

The quality of the Wi-Fi network signal reception is good, the data transfer speed is one of the highest, only the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a higher result. The smartphone supports GLONASS, searching for satellites does not take much time. Voice transmission in both directions is also not a weak point of the Sony Xperia ZL. None of the subscribers complained of poor audibility or distortion, but with a weak signal level the voice becomes intermittent. The volume of the conversation and multimedia speakers is sufficient for most situations, although in noisy places, I would like to have a reserve, otherwise I have to rely on the not very powerful vibration alert.

Display

One of the trends of 2013 was the use of displays with Full HD resolution in smartphones. Sony did not stand aside either, showing in January two devices with a 5-inch screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The second generation Mobile BRAVIA Engine is responsible for controlling the display - it improves video and images.

In the display settings, a “White Balance” item has appeared, where, if desired, you can adjust this option at your discretion. In our opinion, a more relevant setting would be to adjust color saturation rather than white balance. Nevertheless, the trend cannot but rejoice. For the first time, additional settings appeared in Samsung smartphones. We recently saw something similar in Huawei Ascend D2, and now in Sony Xperia ZL.

Traditionally for Sony, the displayed colors are not as vibrant as in IPS matrices, not to mention Super AMOLED. Taking into account the low viewing angles, it would be hard to call the Sony Xperia ZL's display its strong point. To find out the reasons, we asked the manufacturer, but have not yet received an answer. As soon as Sony reveals the secret of what type of matrix is ​​used in their top devices, we will update the review.

The display backlight level ranges from 28 cd/m² to an impressive 478 cd/m²; a value of 50% brightness corresponds to 128 cd/m². Considering the maximum brightness value, the Sony display could easily achieve good contrast values, if not for the strong black glow. As a result, the display contrast of the Sony Xperia ZL is 543:1, which is a rather modest figure.

If we ignore the numbers and talk about the impressions from the screen, then they are not so bad, which means that picky users will not pay attention to the low contrast and low viewing angles.

Camera

The smartphone uses a new generation of proprietary sensors – Exmor RS. A matrix with a resolution of 13 megapixels allows you to take not only HDR photographs, but also record HDR video, which is also one of this year’s trends.

The camera interface has at least received some changes, but for those who have already had the pleasure of using Sony smartphones, it will seem familiar. By default, when you turn on the camera, “Super Auto Mode” is activated. According to the developers, it should be suitable for all occasions. At first glance, this seems true, at least on the smartphone screen the photos look good, but when viewing them on the monitor, the work of the noise reduction becomes noticeable, after which there is no need to talk about any sharp pictures. As a result, if you want to get more or less high-quality photos, it is best to use the “Normal” mode. If you have enough time, you can customize everything from the scene, balance, exposure to stabilization, geotags and more.

Examples of photos taken by Sony Xperia ZL














Examples of Full HD video shot by Sony Xperia ZL

Results

The Sony Xperia ZL smartphone became the first device on the Ukrainian market with a Full HD display. A similar situation was observed last year, when Sony showed its first device after breaking up with Ericsson. Following the Sony Xperia S, the HTC One X appeared on sale. This year the picture is about the same. By the end of April, HTC One should appear on store shelves, but it will have to share the showcase not only with Sony, but also with the Samsung Galaxy S4. Compared to them, the Sony Xperia ZL has practically no advantages. Practically, because regardless of the timing of their appearance, functionality and price, the Xperia ZL will remain the most compact smartphone with a 5-inch screen. For some, this may be a decisive factor in their choice. Among the strengths of the Sony Xperia ZL, we note the sound quality, dimensions, and redesigned interface. From what the implementation could be better - the screen, the quality of pictures, autonomy, although with it everything is not so clear, since the operating time indicators when playing video and music are at least quite good. All this together makes the smartphone interesting for those for whom it is important to console themselves with the knowledge that they have in their hands a device with one of the most powerful hardware platforms, with a Full HD screen and a 13 MP camera with the ability to shoot photos and videos in HDR mode.

Liked
+ Dimensions
+ Design
+ Soft-touch plastic in a white smartphone
+ Front camera quality
+ Shooting photos and videos in HDR mode
+ Operating time in music player mode
+ Supports a wide range of audio and video codecs
+ Xperia UX interface
+ Availability of an infrared port
+ Maximum display brightness
+ Display resolution
+ Volume and sound quality in headphones
+ Data transmission and reception speed in the Wi-Fi network
+ Hardware platform

Did not like
— Inflated recommended price
— “Super auto mode” in the camera
— Low display contrast
— Small display viewing angles
— The material of the back side of the smartphone is black
— Body soiling
— Photo quality

Weight (g)151
Processor (for smartphones)Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064), quad-core, 1.5 GHz + Adreno 320 GPU
Memory2 GB RAM + 16 GB internal memory
Expansion slotmicroSD (up to 64 GB)
Main screenTFT (Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2), 5″, 1920×1080 pixels, 16 million colors, touch, capacitive, multi-touch support, protective glass
Keyboard typescreen input
Accumulator batteryLi-Ion, 2370 mAh
Operating time (manufacturer's data)conversation - up to 10/13h (2G/3G), standby - up to 500/500h (2G/3G), audio - up to 40h
CommunicationsUSB 2.0 (micro-USB, MHL), Bluetooth 4.0 (A2DP), WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
Photography13.1 MP, auto focus, digital zoom, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, image stabilization, HDR, sweep panorama, 2 MP front camera
Video shooting1920x1080 pixels, 30 ks
FlashLED
operating systemAndroid 4.1 (Jelly Bean) with a high probability of updating to subsequent versions
FM radioYes
Additional featuresmedia player, video telephony, a-GPS receiver, Google services, accelerometer, gyroscope, integration with social networks, work with office documents, SIM card type - Micro-SIM

Equipment: Phone, network charger with USB connector EP880, wired stereo headset MH-EX300AP, 3 pairs of ear tips of different sizes, USB cable EC801, warranty card, instructions, packaging

Product description

Sony Xperia ZL

The cameras of our smartphones are created using the same technologies and based on...

The device works with Micro-SIM cards from all GSM operators.

Sony Xperia ZL- all the best from Sony in the new smartphone. Introducing a high-tech smartphone with Full HD support.

The incredibly clear and ultra-bright display ensures an immersive experience. Experience of developers...

The device works with Micro-SIM cards from all GSM operators.

Sony Xperia ZL- all the best from Sony in the new smartphone. Introducing a high-tech smartphone with Full HD support.

The incredibly clear and ultra-bright display ensures an immersive experience. The experience of BRAVIA TV developers is now being used to create screens for mobile devices. Feel like you're in the middle of the action with the Full HD (1080 x 1920) Reality Display. High pixel density and superior brightness for incredible clarity and legibility, even in sunlight. Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 automatically optimizes images for sharper, brighter images. It also offers better contrast and color control.

Amazing photo and video quality in any lighting. Our smartphone cameras are built with the same technology and components as Sony's best cameras, so you can take incredibly clear photos and videos anytime, anywhere. Featuring a fast-response 13-megapixel camera and Sony's latest generation Exmor RS mobile sensor, the Android-powered Xperia ZL takes amazingly clear photos anytime, anywhere. Are you not an expert in settings? Superior Auto mode automatically turns on HDR and noise reduction when needed.

One touch to access a world of entertainment. Discover a quick and easy way to wirelessly stream music and photos from your smartphone. One-touch screen mirroring with NFC technology allows you to easily view all your phone's contents on your TV. Simply touch your phone to the BRAVIA remote control and your photos or music playlists will appear on the TV screen. No wires, no buttons - no complications.

Sound for entertainment. Your Xperia ZL comes with a high-quality stereo headset. Sony's MH-EX300AP headset features superb sound quality that lets you enjoy sound that's close to the original. Enjoy music, games and movies to the fullest. This comfortable mini headset with in-ear headphones allows you to enjoy high-quality sound during your entertainment. And if they call you or send you a message, you will know about it immediately.