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.
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.”
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:
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OS |
Android 4.4 (KitKat) |
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CPU |
2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 |
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GPU |
Adreno 330 GPU |
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Memory |
3 GB RAM Up to 32 GB flash memory Up to 128 GB microSD (SDXC supported) |
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Display |
5.2-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) TRILUMINOS Display for mobile |
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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 |
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Front Camera |
2.2 MP HD 1080p for video chat |
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Audio Output |
Sony 3D Surround Sound technology 3.5 mm audio jack with Digital Noise Cancelling (DNC) |
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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) |
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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 |
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Ports |
microUSB |
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Size |
6.02 ounces 5.85 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches |
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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 |
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Color Options |
Black or White |
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Other features |
Waterproof and dust tight (IP65 and IP68) PS4 Remote Play |
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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.
