Honami: The "Spec-wise" Monster Phone : An Unbiased Review
Let’s start off with the basics
5-inch TFT Triluminos display with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels resolution and X-Reality for mobile
2.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8974 (aka Snapdragon 800) processor
16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD with up to 64 gigs extra
20.7 MP rear-facing camera with 8x digital zoom, auto focus, burst mode, Exmor RS sensor, F2.0 aperture
2 MP front snapper capable of HD video recording (1,080p)
3,000 mAh battery (embedded)
3D Surround Sound, ClearAudio+, Walkman app, xLoud Experience
IPX5 and IPX8 certification for water resistance, IP5X dust-proof
Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Xperia Link, Bluetooth 4.0, aGPS, DLNA, Glonass, MHL support, NFC
GSM GPRS/EDGE, UMTS HSPA+, LTE
It really is a monster Spec-wise.
Xperia Z1 carries a very strong screen resolution that appeals to everyone’s eyes. Equipped with the most powerful Snapdragon processor as of to date, multitasking will never be a problem. The 20.7 MP shooting capabilities is also among the top 5. At 3,000 mAh, the only sad part about the battery is that it’s non-removable. Sony’s development with audio technology should give the phone's sound system a big boost. To top this all off, you have a water-resistant phone that can shoot underwater.
That’s what we should be getting based on the sheet, however, it may not all be true.
Display 8/10
The display really is great, it makes everything feel alive and colorful, but you just can’t help but feel that there’s still something missing. Compared to HTC’s One and Samsung’s S4, the display seems to lack vividness and contrast, something that is hardly noticeable, but would become obvious if you really try to compare.
Performance 10/10
The processor really is powerful and I have not experienced any lag at all with the applications and games I’ve used so far. With the help of Android’s Jellybean features, it really is seamless to play 2 games at the same time. The only problem about this is that it may cause you to overuse your phone that may result in heating that can possibly damage it, which is partially,caused by an owner’s lack of discipline.
Juice 6/10
Battery-wise, the phone should be heavy-duty, unfortunately, it’s not. It’s quite disappointing once you get to experience it first-hand. I’m a bit of a heavy user as I do spend a good sum of time playing games and frequently checking up on social sites with my phone, this 2 activities combined never made my phone last for a day. It usually gives me around 8-10 hours until it reaches low-battery levels, a quality that can be provided by a 2300 mAh battery from a different phone. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not really bad, it’s just that it’s not good either. Sony’s making up for it though with some software updates that hopefully will help with this problem. Keyword: Hopefully.
Camera 9/10
Shooting capabilities are quite impressive. The only problem that I had with the camera is with low-light scenarios, however, it does have automatic adjusting functions (called Superior-Auto) that really caters to it well. Nothing much to say but the camera really is top notch. Not a big fan of photography as well so I might be missing something here.
Sound 4/10
Like all other Sony audio devices, the sound system of the phone really is disappointing. It probably is the most depressing quality of the phone. The speaker is on the bottom part of the phone, which is the most terrible thing they did. When holding the phone in a horizontal position, your fingers would most of the time be blocking out the speaker making games / videos hard to hear. When using it for calling, the speaker is so terribly placed that people around you would also enjoy your conversation. Music quality is also weak. I’m not really fond of going into details like saying that the phone has low his and a weak bass (which it really does have) so let’s not get into that. They have a system called Xloud that actually helps with the music playing qualities of the phone, the problem is that even with Xloud, it still is a dull music player compared to other flagship phones. Already tried it with ATH-M50s headphones and the audio still was weak, and is pretty much comparable to a Nokia C5, a very outdated phone I also happen to have. The only good thing I liked about Z1 music related is the WALKMAN app, because it has a lot of useful features (i.e. Throw, WALKMAN Favorites). Other than that, if you’re looking a for a phone that would mostly be used for music listening, I strongly suggest to avoid this one.
Looks 10/10
Now the coolest part about the phone is it’s aesthetics. Hands-down it is the most aesthetic popular android phone right now. The glass back makes it look so elegant and expensive that you’ll be really cautious of your phone. It might make it look less durable due to it being glass, but that’s something that is yet to be tested. Compared to other phones, it really makes them look cheap. Just try and place it lying along with an LG G2 or an S4, they really don’t stand a chance.
Waterproofing is a good idea, and being able to take pictures underwater is a great one. Hats off to Sony for introducing this feature in the smart phone arena. Don’t get confused though, the phone still has it’s limits underwater, and really, try not to get it wet unless necessity comes.
Overall, I’d say the phone can be rated a good 7 / 10. Aesthetic and functional, it is one of the best phones out there as of today.
