Sony · Xperia

Xperia Z3

Released September 2014

Sony's thinner 2014 Xperia flagship retains a 5.2-inch Full HD screen and adds PS4 Remote Play and stronger water protection.

Model history · 4 models, 2013–2014

Screen: 5.2″
Display: LCD
Chip: Snapdragon 801
Memory: 3 GB
Storage: 16 GB
Main camera: 20.7 MP
Zoom: –
Battery: 3,100 mAh
Weight: 152 g

Compact

What reviewers say

Engadget and PhoneArena praised the Z3's long battery life, refined build and bright screen. Both saw a smaller upgrade from the Z2 than its new model number implied. PhoneArena found photo and audio improvements but considered the speakers quiet; Engadget found the slimmer body more appealing than Sony's earlier flagships.

From engadget.com and phonearena.com

Specifications

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Display

Screen size: 5.2″
Resolution: 1920 × 1080
Sharpness: 424 pixels per inch
Panel: LCD
Display type: 5.2-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS TFT LCD
Display features: X-Reality for mobile, Live Colour LED and Super-vivid mode

Performance

Chip: Snapdragon 801
Memory: 3 GB
Storage: 16 GB
CPU: Quad-core Qualcomm MSM8974AC at 2.5 GHz
GPU: Adreno 330
Storage type: UK D6603 has 16 GB flash; microSDXC slot supports up to 128 GB

Cameras

Main camera: 20.7 MP
Ultra wide camera: None
Telephoto camera: None
Optical zoom: None
Front camera: 2.2 MP
Main camera: 20.7 MP Exmor RS sensor with 25 mm wide-angle G Lens and LED flash
Front camera: 2.2 MP Exmor R sensor; 2 MP maximum effective image in 16:9 mode
Video recording: 4K rear video and 1080p front video
Camera features: ISO 12800 low-light mode for stills, SteadyShot and dedicated camera button

Battery and charging

Battery: 3,100 mAh
Video playback (maker's claim): Up to 10 hours
Wireless charging: None
Battery life detail: Sony's D6603 white paper lists a 3,100 mAh minimum embedded battery and up to 10 hours of video playback

Design

Type: Standard
Weight: 152 g
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Height × width: 146 × 72 mm
Water and dust resistance: IP68
Materials: Glass front and back with rounded aluminium frame
Colours: Black, White, Copper, Silver Green
Water resistance detail: IP65/IP68 water and dust protection, with port covers closed
Speakers: Front-facing stereo speakers, S-Force Front Surround, DSEE HX and digital noise cancellation with compatible headset

Software

Operating system: Android
Software at launch: Android 4.4 KitKat; PS4 Remote Play announced for the Z3 series

Connectivity

Mobile network: 4G LTE Cat 4; UK D6603 supports LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17 and 20
SIM: Nano-SIM
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
NFC: Yes
USB: Micro-USB 2.0; 3.5 mm headphone socket with High-Resolution Audio support

Storage options

Storage
16 GB

Pros and cons

Pros

Slimmer and lighter than the Xperia Z2
Long battery life in independent reviews
IP65/IP68 protection and PS4 Remote Play

Cons

Modest camera upgrade over the Z2
Port covers still needed for water protection
Stereo speakers are not especially loud

Closest rivals

Model	Screen	Display	Chip	Memory	Storage	Main camera	Zoom	Battery	Weight	Released
SonyXperia Z2	5.2″	LCD	Snapdragon 801	3 GB	16 GB	20.7 MP	–	3,200 mAh	163 g	Mar 2014
OnePlusOnePlus One	5.5″	LCD	Snapdragon 801	3 GB	16 GB – 64 GB	13 MP	–	3,100 mAh	162 g	2014
SamsungGalaxy S6	5.1″	OLED, 60 Hz	Exynos 7420	3 GB	32 GB – 128 GB	16 MP	–	2,550 mAh	138 g	Apr 2015

Previous model: Xperia Z2. Newer model: Xperia Z3+.

Sources

Photo: samstores.com

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