Sony Xperia Z2 unveiled: Improved display with 4K recording, 3GB RAM and Snapdragon 801 SoC

While we’ve been hearing about Sony’s 10.1-inch ‘iPad-Air killer’ Z2 tablet, not much was really known about the flagship Z2 smartphone. But Sony has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new Z2 smartphone. Though the device appears to look a lot like the Z1, it comes with refreshing internals, said Sony’s CEO Kuni Suzuki. It is the first Xperia device to shoot in 4K. The smartphone runs on Google’s latest Android 4.4 KitKat. It will be available dipped in black, white and purple colours.

The Z2 has borrowed waterproof and rugged capabilities from its predecessor, and sports a 5.2-inch 1080p full HD Triluminos display with “widest colour palette.” It is dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58). Under the hood, it comes powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 and Adreno 330 GPU, coupled with 3GB of RAM.  Sony has also added digital noise-cancelling capabilities, promising up to 98 percent reduction in ambient noise when used with its MDR NC31EM headset.

One of the highlights of the device is its 20.7-megapixel camera with 4K recording support, along with 1/2.3-type Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor, Sony’s G Lens and intelligent BIONZ. The 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels/30p) helps capture four times the detail of Full HD. It is supported by STM10 Stereo Microphone for stereo audio recording.

It is also loaded with Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift video, Creative effect, and AR effect. The new Background defocus camera app simulates a shallow depth of field. Capture two photos at different focus settings and blend together the different depths, leading to a blurred out background for more professional looking photos.

Xperia Z2 owners will have access to an exclusive content offer that includes six blockbuster movies from Sony Pictures, including Captain Phillips, through the Video Unlimited service as well as 30 days free trial of the Music Unlimited service and a range of PlayStation Mobile games.

It is also loaded with Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift video, Creative effect, and AR effect. The new Background defocus camera app simulates a shallow depth of field. Capture two photos at different focus settings and blend together the different depths, leading to a blurred out background for more professional looking photos.

It is fuelled by a 3200 mAh battery for prolonged battery life, which is further spruced by Sony’s Battery STAMINA Mode. The device is set to launch globally from March, but there is no word on the pricing yet.