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Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
...


6.8/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium currently has an Informr score of 6.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

Unless a 4K HDR display or low-light video are must-have features for you, most reviewers recommend passing on this pricey Sony release.

What's good

  • Stunning 4K/HDR display
  • All-day battery life
  • Great speakers
  • Solid performance
  • microSD support
  • Excellent low-light video
  • Decent normal and low-light photography

What's bad

  • Price
  • Chunky design
  • Slippery and prone to falling off surfaces
  • Odd fingerprint scanner placement

As smartphone prices creep ever upward, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium becomes the latest release to push boundaries into or near the four-figure mark. But when you’re talking those kinds of prices, you need an experience that justifies the expense. While Apple and Samsung both rule the top of the charts consistently, Sony isn’t quite as well known. Does their latest luxury release have what it takes?

Looking at the phone, it’s easy to see why the reviews are so conflicted. On one hand, the sleek curved lines and chrome finishes provide a modern look that stands out from everything else on the market. Unfortunately, so does the size. The Xperia XZ2 Premium is one of the thickest, heaviest releases of the year. 

Reviewers noted that while I was comfortable to hold in the hand, it was too large to use with one hand in most cases. It also had a habit of sliding off of surfaces and out of pockets. So if you’re worried about keeping your phone looking new, a case is a must.

Around front, you’re greeted by a 5.8-inch 4k IPS display with HDR support. It’s in the older 16:9 format -- so you’re looking a short, wide screen instead of a long, trim one. This also means you’ll find a substantial chin and top bezel. On the quality front, reviewers raved about the screen -- especially when watching 4K HDR video on Netflix or YouTube.

However, to help save battery life, Sony displays most apps and games in 1080p unless they specifically request 4K. So don’t expect it convert standard apps and games to 4K.

Sony chose an octa core 2.8Ghz Snapdragon 845 processor with 6GB of RAM to power the phone. While this is a similar arrangement to many flagships, reviewers noted that the Xperia XZ2 Premium felt snappier than most. From the latest games to heavy multitasking, the phone took everything thrown at it without breaking a sweat.

The phone includes 64GB of internal storage. Should you need more room for apps, games, or media, microSD support for cards up to 400GB makes expansion easy.

The phone ships with Android 8.0 Oreo. Sony made subtle tweaks to the interface and reviewers found them mostly satisfactory -- apart from an issue with icons shifting on the notification bar. Unfortunately, they also loaded the phone down with bloatware you can’t uninstall. 

The cameras are the real star of the phone. To the point that some called it a better camera than phone. The rear camera setup consists of two lenses -- a 19MP color lens and a 12MP monochrome lens. When pictures are taken, the phone can combine the images for improved contrast and more accurate color. 

Reviewers found the camera good, but not great considering the price. 

The standout feature here was low-light video. Reviewers noted that no other phone can record low-light video like the XZ2 Premium. Unfortunately, they also found that it lacks the image stabilization of much of the competition. So while you capture details other phones can’t, you also capture every bump and breath along the way.

On the audio front, reviewers raved about the clarity and volume of the stereo speakers. But for private listening, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone includes a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter if you don’t mind carrying it around.

Some reviews also mention the inclusion of a pair of bone induction Xperia Ear Duos headphones. While other mention that the slots in their boxes were empty. We’re unsure if this was an issue with review units or if it’s a regional deal. While the headphones help to shift the value of the phone’s hefty price tag, we’d recommend checking with your vendor before purchasing if it’s an important consideration for you.

Finally, the phone’s battery life impressed most. The 3540mAh battery with USB Type-C and Quick Charge support was more than enough to last a day and helped many reviewers stretch into the second day with ease.

In the end, the biggest problem was the price. Most reviewers felt the phone didn’t offer the same experience as the Apple iPhone X or Samsung’s Note 9. Digital Trends says, “... its spotlight features cater to a niche audience, and they’re not good enough to make this phone exciting to use.” Android Headlines says, “It’s the price and the size of this device that brings down its other desirable traits the most, and while it’s far from being a bad device by any measure, it’s not going to be easy to justify this high cost for many folks.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.8 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.8 GHz
5.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.8"
19+ MP, f/1.8
Camera
Camera
19+ MP, f/1.8
3540 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

This is a niche, specialist device for a hardcore audience who demand the highest spec possible – even if that comes at the expense of basic usability. This is a phone that can both shoot and display 4K HDR content, backed by cutting-edge performance and wireless charging. But it’s also excessively...

- Jon Mundy, TrustedReviews
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

What the Sony Xperia XZ2 does well, it does so spectacularly. Watching TV and films on that 4K HDR display is a wonderful experience, and its HDR video capture and super-slow-mo recording capabilities set it apart. But these premium features are the best it has to offer; everything else about the ph...

- Tom Bruce, Expert Reviews
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium follows the XZ2 design refresh and succeeds in delivering a largely flagship experience, albeit with a few drawbacks. The UHD display should prove to be a head-turner for enthusiasts.

- Daniel Schmidt, Notebookcheck
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

There's no doubt that the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium has some interesting things to offer. It namely has a 4K HDR display and excellent rear cameras which can record 4K HDR video, as well as taking excellent photographs. That's great if you're seeking a 4K HDR phone but we're not convinced many people...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
TechRadar
TechRadar

This chunky number is not our pick of the year’s ultra-high price phones, but the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium does excel at low light video.

- Andrew Williams, TechRadar


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Sony backs up the Xperia XZ2 Premium with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Xperia XZ2 Premium has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sony support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sony's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
5.8"

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium's screen size is 5.8 inches with 2160 x 3840 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.8 GHz

There is a Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa core 2.8 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system (OS).

Camera
19+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 19+ MP, f/1.8 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 13+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
64 GB

Internal memory is 64 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 400 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3540mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3540 mAh battery.

Xperia XZ2 Premium Specs

Overview
Release Date July 31, 2018
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 8.0 Oreo

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa core 2.8 GHz
Internal Storage 64 GB
RAM 6 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.55 W/kg
Body: 0.68 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX HD, LDAC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 400 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
19+ Megapixels, f/1.8
Zoom
8x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection, White balance, Dual camera feature (12 MP 2nd camera, f/1.6), Super slow motion recording(960 FPS), HDR
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
ISO, Aperture f/2.0
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 2160 x 3840 pixels
Pixel Density 760 pixels
Size 5.8 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Triluminos display, X-Reality Engine
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3540 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 569 minutes
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Chrome Black, Chrome Silver, Chrome Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.7 x 7.9 x 1.3 cm (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.5 in)
Weight 236 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Yes
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Sony H8116, H8166
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium Reviews
Where to buy Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
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