Sony Xperia Z3 Explained

Sony Xperia Z3
Codename:Leo
Slogan:"Don't settle for good, Demand great"
Brand:Sony
Manufacturer:Sony Mobile Communications
Series:Sony Xperia
Modelnumber:D6603, D6643, D6646, D6653 (Single SIM)
D6633, D6683 (Dual SIM)
D6616 (for T-Mobile US)
D6708 (Z3v variant for Verizon Wireless)
SO-01G (for NTT DoCoMo)
SOL26 (for au by KDDI
401SO (for SoftBank Mobile)
L55t (for China Mobile)
L55u (for China Unicom)
Predecessor:Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia ZL2 (Japan)
Successor:Sony Xperia Z3+ (Worldwide)
Sony Xperia Z4 (Japan)
Type:Touchscreen smartphone
Form:Slate
Size:146 x 72 x 7.3 mm
Weight:152 g
Operatingsystem:Android 4.4.4 KitKat (Launch) (last version for L55t, L55u)
Android 5.0.2 Lollipop (last version for SOL26, 401SO, D6616)
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (last version for D6708)
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (current)
Android 7.0 Nougat (developer preview)
Soc:Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
Cpu:2.5 GHz quad-core Krait (2.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8974AC Quad Core)
Gpu:Adreno 330
Memory:3 GB RAM
Storage:16 GB (D6603, D6633, D6653, D6683, L55t, L55u)
32 GB (D6616, D6646, D6708, SO-01G, SOL26, 401SO)
Memory Card:Up to 128 GB microSDXC
Battery:non-user removable Li-ion 3100 mAh (3200 mAh for D6708/Z3v variant)
Input:Multi-touch, capacitive touchscreen, proximity sensor
Display:5.2inches diagonal IPS LCD
Full HD 1920x1080 px
TRILUMINOS™ Display with Live Color LED
X-Reality Engine for Mobile
Rear Camera:Sony G Lens 20.7 MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS IMX220S back-side illuminated sensor with BIONZ™ Engine for mobile image processor and LED flash
2160p video recording @ 30 frames/s
1080p video recording @ 30/60 frames/s
720p video recording @ 30/120 frames/s
Front Camera:2.2 MP (1080p video recording)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi
DLNA
GPS/GLONASS
NFC
Bluetooth 4.0
MHL 3.0
USB 2.0 (Micro-B port, USB charging)
USB OTG
3.5mm headphone jack, 5 pole

The Sony Xperia Z3 is an Android smartphone produced by Sony. Part of the Sony Xperia Z series, the Xperia Z3, at that point known by the project code name "Leo", was unveiled during a press conference at IFA 2014 on September 4, 2014. It was first released in Taiwan on September 19, 2014.

Specifications

Hardware

Like its predecessors, the Xperia Z3's design consists of a metal frame with a glass backing; the metal frame has been rounded, and the device itself is slightly slimmer than the Z2. The device carries slightly higher IP ratings for water and dust-proofing than the Z2. The device features a 5.15inches (marketed as 5.2-in) 1080p display with a density of 424 ppi, featuring Sony's "Triluminos" technology. The device features a 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 system-on-chip with 3 GB of RAM.[1] [2] The Z3 includes a non-removable 3100 mAh battery.[3] The Xperia Z3's rear-facing camera is 20.7 megapixels with a Sony Exmor RS image sensor, along with improvements to its "SteadyShot" and "Intelligent Active" modes.[4] [5]

Software

The Xperia Z3 ships with Android 4.4.4 "KitKat" with Sony's custom interface and software. New additions to the Z3's software include the Lifelog app, Sony Select, and support for Remote Play on the PlayStation 4 video game console.[3] [6] Android 5.0 "Lollipop" was first released for the Z3 in March 2015 in selected territories.[7] Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" was first released in April 2016.[8]

Developer preview builds of Android 7.0 "Nougat" were released for the Z3, but Sony stated that it is unable to release the final version due to "unforeseen platform limitations"; Qualcomm stated that it will not provide support for Nougat on any device using the Snapdragon 801 or 800 chipsets. The Adreno 330 GPU does not support the Vulkan or OpenGL ES 3.1 graphics APIs, which must be present in order to meet Google certification requirements for 7.0.[9] [10] [11]

Release history

On October 23, 2014, Sony Mobile released the Japan-only SOL26 and SO-01G models for au by KDDI and NTT DoCoMo respectively,[12] as well as the Sony Xperia Z3v (D6708), a variant of the Xperia Z3 exclusively for Verizon Wireless in the United States.[13] On October 29, 2014, the D6616 model was released exclusively for T-Mobile US and on November 21, 2014, Sony Mobile released the 401SO model exclusively for SoftBank Mobile in Japan.[14]

Sony Xperia Z3 unlocked was made available via the Sony store on November 10, 2014.[15]

The Xperia Z3 (D6616 model) was quietly discontinued by T-Mobile in April 2015,[16] but returned to store shelves less than a month later with a price reduction.[17] Verizon discontinued the Xperia Z3v (D6708) in August 2015.[18]

Reception

Critical reception

The Xperia Z3 generally received positive reviews, with critics praising its durability, battery life and improved display. Although many critics argued that the Z3 is just a minor upgrade from the Z2 with not much differences.[19] Pocket Lint criticised the device for the tall design and "occasional software excess" but praised its battery life.[20] The Verge praised the design of the device for being attractive yet rugged, built out of better materials than the Galaxy S5, and also waterproof.[21] The Guardian called the device the best smartphone Sony has ever made, with an improvement in feel and design over its predecessor. However, it criticised the Z3 for lack of wireless charging for something waterproof with "fiddly doors" covering the charging port is disappointing, but it has a magnetic charging port for an accessory dock.[22]

Variants

ModelBandsReferences
401SOLTE Bands 1, 3, 8, TD-LTE Band 41 (SoftBank Mobile); UMTS HSPA+ 2100 (Band I), 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII);

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

[23]
D6603LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20; UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

[24]
D6616LTE Bands 2, 4, 12 (T-Mobile US); UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

D6633 (Dual)
D6643
LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20; UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

D6653FD-LTE Bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43, TD-LTE Band 40;

UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz;

D6683 (2015, Dual: Hong Kong, Australia) [25] FD-LTE (Bands 1, 3, 7), TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41);

UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz;

D6708 (Z3v)LTE Bands 4, 13 (Verizon Wireless, LTE bands 2, 3, 7 are not available at launch); CDMA 1x EVDO 850 (BC0), 1900 (BC1) MHz;

UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

L55tTD-LTE Bands 38, 39, 40, 41 (China Mobile), FDD-LTE Bands 1, 3 and 7 (roaming only);

UMTS HSPA+ Bands 1, 2, 5, 8; TD-SCDMA Bands 34, 39;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

L55uTD-LTE Band 41 (China Unicom), Band 40 (roaming only), FDD-LTE Band 3 (China Unicom), Band 1 (roaming only);

UMTS HSPA+ Bands 1, 2, 5, 8;

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

SOL26LTE Bands 3, 17, 18, 26, TD-LTE Band 41 (au by KDDI);

CDMA JP 800 (BC0), 2100 (BC6);

UMTS HSPA+ Bands 1, 2, 5;

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

[26]
SO-01GLTE Bands 1, 3, 19, 21 (NTT DoCoMo); UMTS HSPA+ Bands 1, 6, 19;

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

[27]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2 comparison review: What's the difference between the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2?. PC Advisor. 27 May 2015.
  2. Web site: See the Sony Xperia Z4 next to the Z3 - can you tell the difference?. Techradar. 27 May 2015. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083345/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/see-the-sony-xperia-z4-next-to-the-z3-can-you-tell-the-difference--1291567. dead.
  3. Web site: Has Sony added enough to warrant a Z2 sequel already?. TechRadar. December 10, 2014. December 17, 2014.
  4. Web site: Hands-on: Sony Xperia Z3 review. Pocket Lint. 17 December 2014. 3 September 2014.
  5. Web site: Sony launches Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact flagship smartphones. Digital Photography Review Connect. Sep 3, 2014. Dec 17, 2014.
  6. Web site: Sony's Xperia sequel hits all the right note. CNET. CBS Interactive. September 30, 2014. December 17, 2014.
  7. Web site: Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact owners, Lollipop is coming your way. Techradar. 27 May 2015.
  8. Web site: Sony Xperia Z2, Z3 and Z3 Compact are getting official Marshmallow. GSMArena. 30 September 2016.
  9. Web site: No Nougat for your Android phone? You might want to blame Qualcomm. PhoneArena. 25 August 2016 . 30 September 2016.
  10. Web site: Andrew. Cunningham. Why isn't your old phone getting Nougat? There's blame enough to go around. Ars Technica. August 31, 2016. September 2, 2016.
  11. Web site: Sony claims it's not at fault for not releasing Android 7.0 Nougat for Xperia Z3. PhoneArena. 31 August 2016 . 30 September 2016.
  12. Web site: Xperia Z3 launched in Japan. Xperia Blog. 22 October 2014. October 28, 2014.
  13. Web site: Sony's Xperia Z3v launching on Verizon Oct. 23 for $199 on-contract. Android Central. October 13, 2014. 2014-10-09.
  14. Web site: SoftBank launches Xperia Z3 (401SO) in Japan. Xperia Blog. 21 November 2014. November 22, 2014.
  15. 2024https://www.phonearena.com/news/Unlocked-Sony-Xperia-Z3-available-to-order-in-the-US-from-Sony-Store_id62524
  16. http://www.androidcentral.com/t-mobile-stops-selling-sony-xperia-z3 T-Mobile stops selling the Sony Xperia Z3 | Android Central
  17. Web site: Sony's Xperia Z3 makes triumphant return to T-Mobile. CNET. May 2, 2015.
  18. http://www.xperiablog.net/2015/08/09/verizon-discontinues-the-xperia-z3v/ Verizon discontinues the Xperia Z3v | Xperia Blog
  19. Web site: Review: Sony Xperia Z3, More of the Same Great Stuff. Digital Versus. September 18, 2014. 17 December 2014. 17 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141217175939/http://www.digitalversus.com/mobile-phone/sony-xperia-z3-p21255/test.html. dead.
  20. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 review: Third time's a charm. Pocket Lint. 14 October 2014. 17 December 2014.
  21. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact review. The Verge. Oct 3, 2014. Dec 17, 2014.
  22. News: Sony Xperia Z3 review: great battery life and quality camera. The Guardian. 17 December 2014. 26 September 2014. Gibbs. Samuel.
  23. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 TD-LTE 401SO (Sony Pegasus) Specs. May 16, 2015. PDAdb .
  24. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 White Paper . October 7, 2014 . Sony . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140912074927/http://dl-developer.sonymobile.com/documentation/whitepapers/Xperia_Z3_D6603_D6633_D6643_D6653_D6616_WP_1.pdf . September 12, 2014 .
  25. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 Dual TD (D6683) to launch with 4G dual SIM support | Xperia Blog. 2 May 2015.
  26. Web site: Sony Xperia Z3 WiMAX 2+ SOL26 (Sony Pegasus Anna) Specs. May 16, 2015. PDAdb .
  27. Web site: Detailed Technical Datasheet of Sony Xperia Z3 4G LTE SO-01G (Sony Pegasus Maki). May 16, 2015. PDAdb .