Sony Xperia Z3 Plays It Safe: Is It Still A Top Flagship or Has It Sunk?

Sony Xperia Z3 Plays It Safe: Is It Still A Top Flagship or Has It Sunk?

The Sony Xperia Z2 is a really nice smartphone, I was lucky enough to get my hands on one for a review. The Z2 looks good, feels better, performs wonderfully, and is water resistant. It was the iPhone of Android but better. Apparently, Sony believes the Z2 was so good, it didn’t need much of a change. The Z3 is testament to that fact as it doesn’t see a boost in specifications. In fact, the Z2 and Z3 are almost identical in every way. Perhaps Sony wishes to expand its visibility in the US by having another smartphone (along with the mini version and tablet) in the market before the furor has completely died about the previous one. Not such a terrible idea as I believe the only thing holding Sony back is that lack of visibility. I still remember the shocked look people would give me when I was using the Z2 because they had no idea it even existed. But this is about the new generation: the Z3. Has Sony really done enough to warrant a sequel to the fantastic Z2?

xperia-z3-image-1

Looks

The Z3 continues the tradition of double sided glass and a metal edging while also improving the ergonomics which gives it a uniquely premium feel among the other premium smartphones out there. And don’t forget, even with the premium material, the Z3 is water and dust resistant so you can run through the desert and then take a shower with it. For the rest of us, that means if we accidentally drop it in the toilet or on the ground, we won’t have anything to worry about.

One thing that has changed is the brightness level of the screen. For most people, this would be a complete non factor considering they hadn’t used the Z2 but I will admit, the screen brightness was actually quite distracting. With other new fancy smartphones, part of the initial “wow” factor was how bright and crisp the display was. With the Z2, it was just dull. However, the Z3 amps up the brightness by 50% which should mean an easier viewing experience all around. Another welcome change is the addition of nylon to the corners to protect against drops.

xperia_z3_01

Software

Now normally I would devote this section to the specifications but to be honest, the specs are nothing you haven’t seen before. The Z3 is on the same level as every other flagship smartphone so that’s not a defining feature. A defining feature is the PS4 Remote Play. Now, it’s not available just yet; it’s scheduled for launch in November. But if you have a PS4, this feature is worth the wait. The simple version is that you can connect the Z3 to a Dualshock 4 controller and play games from your PS4 which is great for a mobile gaming experience. Couple this with the dual front facing speakers and amazing battery life and you have a truly awesome media consumption device.

Weston is our professional gadget reviewer. Nothing thrills him more than being able to get his hands on the latest and greatest in electronics.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

Why we’re headed to BEYOND Expo 2025—and why you should join us
Why we’re headed to BEYOND Expo 2025—and why you should join us
We attend a lot of events around the world. Some are inspiring. Some are flashy. Some are useful. But BEYOND Expo? That’s a different category entirely. And this year—BEYOND Expo 2025 in Macao, from May 21 to 24—feels especially important...
Google’s I/O Edition Android Show: 3 highlights that raise expectations
Google’s I/O Edition Android Show: 3 highlights that raise expectations
Google just announced its biggest Android update in a long time—right before Apple gears up to reveal what’s new for iPhones. This year, the tech giant took a different route. Instead of saving the Android news for the I/O developer..
noble. note review: A pocket-sized powerhouse for people who still think in ink
noble. note review: A pocket-sized powerhouse for people who still think in ink
Here’s something I never thought I’d say in 2025: I am emotionally attached to a notebook. Not a digital planner, not a stylus-and-screen combo, and definitely not the Notes app that’s currently hiding 437 unfinished grocery lists. I mean a..
What Galaxy S25 Edge accessories you’ll want to have on day one—exclusive Amazon deals
What Galaxy S25 Edge accessories you’ll want to have on day one—exclusive Amazon deals
The Galaxy S25 Edge was officially announced, and it’s refreshing to see a phone that actually fits in my pocket. If you’ve already pre-ordered or are thinking about it, now’s a good time to start looking at accessories. Nope, Galaxy..
WWDC25 rumors: 3 major leaks from Apple’s big event
WWDC25 rumors: 3 major leaks from Apple’s big event
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is coming up in about a month. It’s that time when the company hypes up developers and users about what’s next. This year might be a bit trickier, though. AI has thrown a few curveballs, and..
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 leaks: Everything I know so far
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 leaks: Everything I know so far
Now that the Motorola razr 60 ultra is out, fans of flip phones are curious: what’s the deal with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7? Samsung once ruled the compact foldable market, but after a solid showing from Motorola in 2023,..