Sony Xperia Z3v Smartphone For Verizon Wireless Review


Introduction and Specifications

In the past couple of years, the high-end Android smartphone market in the US has largely been dominated by Samsung, LG, and HTC. Although Sony continues to compete in the mobile market, Verizon Wireless customers haven’t seen a Sony-branded phone since the Xperia Play in 2011. As you may recall, the Xperia Play didn’t sell as well as Sony hoped which led to a significant price drop just eight weeks after its launch.

Although Sony fans that are committed to Verizon Wireless have had to wait a few years, Sony is now offering the Sony Xperia Z3v. On paper, this phone looks very promising and offers some features you won’t find with other high-end phones, such as PS4 RemotePlay capabilities that let you access your PS4 console and play your favorite games. Sony also offers a similar phone—the Xperia Z3 for T-Mobile. 

Sony Z3v

The Xperia Z3v has a lot to offer, even if you don’t care about the PS4 functionality. With a waterproof exterior that can be kept under nearly 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, you won’t have to worry about destroying the phone if you forget and dive into the pool or go for a run in the rain. The Xperia Z3v also takes advantages of Sony’s Handycam and Cyber-shot technologies, giving you what Sony calls its “best smartphone camera yet.”

XperiaZ3v 50 1

We’ll take a close look at everything the Xperia Z3v has to offer in the coming pages but first, let’s examine the full specifications of Sony’s latest flagship phone:

Sony Xperia Z3v
Specifications & Features
OS
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
CPU
2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801
GPU
Adreno 330 GPU
Memory
3 GB RAM
Up to 32 GB flash memory
Up to 128 GB microSD (SDXC supported)
Display
5.2-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
TRILUMINOS Display for mobile
Rear Camera
20.7 MP with auto focus
8x digital zoom
Sony Exmor RS mobile image sensor
4K video recording
Features include: SteadyShot – video stabilization, Superior Auto – automatic scene selection, HDR for photos and movies, Burst mode, Image stabilizer, Sony BIONZ image processor, Sony G lens with 27 mm wide-angle, Smile shutter – capture when smiling, Panorama Function, Touch Focus, White Balance
Front Camera
2.2 MP
HD 1080p for video chat
Audio Output
Sony 3D Surround Sound technology
3.5 mm audio jack with Digital Noise Cancelling (DNC)
Network
LTE Band 13/4 (700/1700 MHz), CDMA/1xRTT/EVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz); Global Network: EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), HSPA/UMTS(850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
Wireless
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality
aGPS
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
USB High speed 2.0 and Micro USB support
ANT+ wireless technology
Ports
microUSB
Size
6.02 ounces
5.85 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches
Battery
3200 mAh
Talk time: up to 21 hours
Standby time: up to 760 hours
Music listening time: Up to 120 hours
Video playback time: Up to 10 hours
Qi wireless charging capable
Color Options
Black or White
Other features
Waterproof and dust tight (IP65 and IP68)
PS4 Remote Play
Price
$0.99 with 2 year contract - Verizon Wireless
 
On the hardware side, the Xperia Z3v remains competitive with a Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB of RAM, and a 5.2-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Although the display resolution isn’t quite as high as some of today’s flagship phones, it’s still a sharp, good looking and vibrant display.

Let's look at design and build quality, next.

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