Review: Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Gadget Review - Sony Xperia Z Ultra is the second generation of Quad-core smartphone from Sony Mobile. The design concept its just like its predecessor - Xperia Z - including the water and dust resistance features.

Design

Xperia Z Ultra is meant to be a phone, but with a 6.44-inch screen it's undoubtedly a huge device, but at 6.5mm thick it sits more comfortably in the hand than you might expect.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra design is something that is as much of an acquired taste as the Xperia Z before it. It has the same sharp design, little curve on the corner, makes it look elegant and premium. Just like Xperia Z, On the front and the back side of Z Ultra protected by shatterproof and scratch resistant glass.

Waterproof and dust-proof element is obviously the high point for this device. With IP55/IP58 certification make Xperia Z Ultra has the ability to withstand water and dust. Rubber seal covering the micro USB, slot SIM card and microSD port - to prevent water or dust to penetrate inside this phone.

Display & Interface
Sony can be proud of their display quality. Even normal people knows that Sony is the best. This phone can prove it. Xperia Z Ultra using Triluminos technology plus X-Reality for Mobile, makes color and images looks more alive and natural. Much sharper and clearer than the Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S4.

Ultra Z screen has support full HD 1080p resolution with 342 ppi pixel density. Unfortunately, the screen is still not be able to 'conquer' a hit by direct sunlight. This means that while under the direct sunlight, the screen display and image will look slightly faded.

Z Ultra interface not much different from the Xperia Z. Both use Android Jelly Bean, and also without the support of Sony's unique UI platform, the Timescape and Mediascape. However, Z Ultra have new feature. The structure of the main menu (home screen), or the whole menu can be displayed in landscape or portrait mode. This structure and capabilities are equal to Android Tablet PC platform.

Interestingly, to access the menu and browse through the apps/features in Z Ultra, you can use your fingers or using a stylus pen. It means any stylus you can find, either a pencil, a pen or even a toothbrush - you can use it as a stylus.

Technical Details

• TFT Capacitive Touchscreen 6.4 inches (~342 ppi pixel density) Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS
• Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait processor, Qualcomm MSM8974 chipset, Snapdragon 800, Adreno 330 GPU, with 2GB RAM
• Internal Storage: 16GB , external: up to 64GB
• 8 MP main camera with “Exmor RS for mobile” sensor and HDR for videos and photos, 2 MP front camera
• GPRS Up to 107 kbps, EDGE Up to 296 kbps, HSDPA 42 Mbps, HSUPA 5.8 Mbps, LTE Cat4 (50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL); Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth v4.0 with A2DP, NFC, microUSB (MHL) v2.0, USB On The Go, GPS
• Read more details..
  

Hardware
Z Ultra's Qualcomm MSM8974 chipset is arguably be one of the first generation of Quad-core Snapdragon 800 smartphones that has a processor speed up to 2.2GHz.

Processor performance of Z Ultra is 75% more powerful than the Snapdragon S4 Pro that widely used on middle class smartphone today. Support with Adreno 330 GPU plus 2GB of RAM are enough to run all the systems to it's max, including watching full HD videos and play 3D/HD games. Everything can be run very smoothly and no hiccups or lag.

Xperia Z Ultra battery is more efficient up to 75%. In addition, lithium batteries (embedded) on this phone has a large enough capacity, which is about 3050 mAh. Maximum performance on smartphone also depends on the maximum power management. Fortunately, in the Ultra Z you will be presented with the best battery settings through the Sony's unique feature - "Stamina Mode". By activating this mode, battery life will be increased several time as it automatically turn off everything you don't need when you're not using the display, while keeping the notifications you want.

Connectivity
Just like any other premium smartphone, Z Ultra also provides complete connectivity options you need, such as LTE Cat4 (50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL); Wi-Fi, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth v4.0 with A2DP, NFC,, USB On The Go, or GPS.

In fact, for those of you who want to connect Z Ultra with your home multimedia devices such as home theater to watch videos and so on, could be easier. Simply by utilizing micro USB data cable that supports MHL technology plus NFC connection or via an additional device. In the latest generation of Xperia including Z Ultra, this function is known as the "Screen mirroring".


Camera
If you wish for a smartphone with maximum camera features, Z Ultra apparently not for you. The camera certainly not the selling point of Z ultra because this phone is only using the 8 MP camera. When compared to its predecessor - Xperia Z - of course the quality level below it.

Viewfinder photo in full screen HD 1080p is mediocre. Image taken also looks blurry. In fact, when an image is transferred to the PC, the result is fairly decent for 8 MP camera. However, Ultra Z cameras are supported various current settings that not much different from Xperia Z, and of course can be used to get the best photos, including Exmor RS camera sensor technology plus BSI light sensor.

Conclusions
Xperia Z Ultra can be regarded as the upgraded Xperia Z, with more capable hardware performance, and supported by the best display technology, which is dedicated to the lovers of entertainment. Super slim body design and waterproof technology (IP55/IP58) could become the main attraction. It's very reasonable for Sony to tagged the price more expensive than Xperia Z.

For mobile photography lovers, it seems to be a little disappointing, because this phone only using a fairly standard 8 MP camera. But, with a lot of features on the camera just like Xperia Z, you still can do a lot of things. Click to read other reviews..


BUY NOW