Released in February 2013, the Sony Xperia Z was Sony’s flagship phone meant to compete with rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One. It was among the first smartphones to introduce a water-resistant body, dust-proofing, and a sharp Full HD display wrapped in premium glass.
The Xperia Z marked a turning point for Sony, pushing them into the top tier of Android phone makers during the early 2010s.
Xperia Z Design and Build Quality
Sony introduced its OmniBalance design philosophy with the Sony Xperia Z, focusing on symmetry and balance from all angles. With a tempered glass front and back, and aluminum frame, the phone felt truly premium.
Key Design Features:
- Slim profile: only 7.9 mm thick
- Weight: 146 grams, making it lightweight for its time
- Covered ports for water resistance
- Rounded edges and clean lines
The Sony Xperia Z design language has influenced many smartphones even years after its release.
Display Technology
The Xperia Z featured a 5.0-inch Full HD Reality Display with Bravia Engine 2 technology, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors.
| Display Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.0 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) |
| Pixel Density | ~441 PPI |
| Technology | TFT LCD with Mobile Bravia Engine 2 |
| Protection | Shatter-proof and scratch-resistant |
Although not OLED, the display was among the best available in 2013, offering a cinema-like experience in your pocket.
Performance and Processor
Under the hood, the Sony Xperia Z was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, a quad-core processor that delivered smooth performance across apps, gaming, and multitasking.
| Hardware Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (1.5 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB internal, expandable up to 64GB |
For its time, the Xperia Z offered top-tier specs, capable of handling intensive applications and multitasking effortlessly.
Camera Capabilities
Sony’s strength in camera sensors was evident in the Xperia Z. It featured a 13.1 MP Exmor RS sensor, capable of delivering sharp and detailed images, even in low light.
Rear Camera Features:
- 13.1 MP with autofocus and LED flash
- Exmor RS sensor for enhanced image processing
- 1080p video recording at 30 fps
- HDR for photo and video
Front Camera:
- 2.2 MP with 1080p video support
| Camera | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | 13.1 MP, f/2.4, 1080p video |
| Front Camera | 2.2 MP, 1080p video |
| Features | HDR, Panorama, Touch Focus, Face Detection |
While smartphone cameras have evolved dramatically since 2013, the Xperia Z’s camera was one of the best in its time.
Software and User Interface
The Sony Xperia Z shipped with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, upgradeable to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Sony’s custom skin was lightweight and added useful features like:
- Stamina mode for battery saving
- Walkman app for music playback
- Album and Movies app for media management
Sony’s UI was clean, responsive, and stayed relatively close to stock Android while adding useful enhancements.
Battery and Charging
The Sony Xperia Z housed a 2330mAh battery, enough to get you through a full day with moderate usage.
| Battery Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2330mAh |
| Charging Type | microUSB 2.0 |
| Fast Charging | No |
| Battery Life (Average Use) | 10-12 hours |
Though fast charging wasn’t available at the time, the Xperia Z included Stamina Mode, which significantly improved standby times.
Water and Dust Resistance
One of the most iconic features of the Xperia Z was its IP57 certification, making it:
- Dust-resistant
- Water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
This was groundbreaking in 2013, making it the first major waterproof flagship phone in the market. It enabled users to take underwater photos and not worry about accidental spills or rain.
Multimedia and Audio
Sony’s heritage in audio and video translated into a fantastic media experience with the Xperia Z. The built-in Walkman app, support for high-quality audio formats, and HDR video support made it a great device for music lovers.
| Multimedia Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Mono speaker, bottom-firing |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm standard port |
| Audio Enhancements | xLOUD, ClearAudio+, Walkman app |
Despite the mono speaker, the Xperia Z offered rich, balanced sound output.
Xperia Z Specifications Table
Here’s a summary of the complete specifications of the Sony Xperia Z:
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.0″ Full HD TFT, Bravia Engine 2 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1.5 GHz |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB, expandable via microSD up to 64GB |
| Rear Camera | 13.1 MP, HDR, 1080p video |
| Front Camera | 2.2 MP, 1080p video |
| Battery | 2330mAh |
| OS (Last Update) | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
| Connectivity | 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC |
| Protection | IP57 water and dust resistant, Gorilla Glass |
| Weight | 146g |
Xperia Z vs Modern Smartphones
While the Xperia Z was ahead of its time, how does it compare to modern mid-range devices?
| Feature | Sony Xperia Z (2013) | Mid-Range Phone (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.0” Full HD TFT | 6.6” FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| RAM | 2GB | 6GB–8GB |
| Storage | 16GB | 128GB–256GB |
| Rear Camera | 13.1 MP | 64MP+ sensors |
| OS | Android 5.1 | Android 13 or 14 |
| Battery | 2330mAh | 5000mAh with fast charging |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
Although outpaced by today’s devices, the Xperia Z’s innovation laid the groundwork for features now considered standard.
Legacy and Impact on Smartphone Industry
The Sony Xperia Z introduced several innovations that changed the smartphone landscape:
- Water resistance in mainstream phones
- Glass and metal design trend before it became common
- Focus on camera sensor quality
- Emphasis on media playback and user experience
It positioned Sony as a serious contender in the flagship smartphone segment and inspired multiple successors in the Xperia Z series.