Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
Sony Talks Up Plans for Android 7 Nougat
Sony today highlighted which devices it plans to update to Android 7 Nougat. Sony will make Nougat available to the: Xperia Z3+ and Z4 Tablet; Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium; and the Xperia X, XA, XA Ultra, and X Performance. Sony said it is working to bring Nougat to these devices as quickly as it can, but reminds owners that availability will vary depending on region, carrier, and other factors. Sony will provide more detailed information as it becomes available.
Sony Touts Marshmallow Upgrade for Select Phones
Sony used its official Twitter account to say Android 6.0 Marshmallow is now headed to the Xperia Z5 series handsets, as well as the Z4 Tablet and Z3+ smartphone. The update is being pushed in phases and Sony recommends Xperia owners check with their network operator. Sony hasn't said if or when Marshmallow will reach the U.S. variants of these devices.
Sony Committed to US, Despite Lacking Carrier Deals
Sony today said it plans to bring its new X Series handsets to the U.S., even if only via its own online sales channel. The company reiterated its commitment to the U.S. market, where it currently sells the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact directly to consumers online. Sony representative Don Mesa told Phonescoop that the company is always talking to wireless network operators, but will sell the X Series phones in the U.S. whether it scores a distribution deal or not. The X Series do not replace the Xperia Z series, they are simply an expansion of the Xperia product range. The X Series is meant to showcase new design language and relies on metals more than the glass surfaces of the Z Series. Sony expects the new X Performance, X, and XA to launch over the summer months. Pricing has not been revealed.
Sony Says Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact Reaching US February 7
Sony today announced that the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 smartphones will go on sale in the U.S. on February 7. The Z5 will cost $599.99 and the Z5 Compact (pictured) will cost $499.99. The handsets will be sold unlocked with support for AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The two high-end Android smartphones were first announced in September last year. The Z5 series features premium metal-and-glass designs, 23-megapixel cameras, and water resistance to 3 feet. Sony will sell the phones directly to consumers online via Amazon.com, Best Buy, and B&H Photo Video.
Sony Pushing Update to Xperia Z5 Camera
Sony today said it is delivering a new camera experience to the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium. The heavily revised camera application has been streamlined and simplified. Sony says practical changes make it easier to switch between the Superior Auto, Manual, Video, and Xperia Camera modes. The settings tools have been refreshed, as well. The tools can be customized, and new swipe and touch gestures should help improve usability. Sony said the update's arrival will vary by region.
Sony Mobile Talks Marshmallow and Xperia
Sony Mobile today named the first batch of devices it plans to update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The list includes the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium; the Xperia Z4 Tablet; the Xperia Z3+, Z3, Z3 Compact, and Z3 Tablet Compact; the Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet; and the Xperia M5, M4, C5, and C4. Sony said it hopes to distribute the system upgrade to these devices as quickly as possible, but had no specific details to share just yet.
Hands On with Sony Xperia Z5 Range
Sony's latest flagship family impresses with high-quality materials, top-notch specs, and user-friendly features. The Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium make for a formidable lineup of Android handsets. Here are Phone Scoop's first impressions.
Sony Reveals the Xperia Z5 In Small and Large Sizes with 4K Display
Sony today announced the Xperia Z5, a family of flagship smartphones that range in features and size. All three versions rely on the same slim metal design from previous generations of Xperia Z devices with glass on the front and back surfaces. The Xperia Z5 is waterproof and protects the handset from accidental spills as well a dunks in the sink. The Xperia Z5 features what Sony says is "the best camera." Sony sped up the autofocus to 0.03 seconds, while also improving the sensor count to 23 megapixels. The camera features Sony's G-Lens and uses "clear image zoom" to power 5x zooming with no loss in clarity. The camera also performs well at night and in low light thanks to a new night capture mode powered by the latest Exmor RS mobile sensor. Last, video includes steady shot intelligent shake reduction. Sony added a fingerprint sensor to the screen lock button, which is positioned on the right edge. The phone will be offered in three variants. The standard version has a 5.2-inch 1080p HD display; the Xperia Z5 Compact has a 4.7-inch display; and the Xperia Z5 Premium features a 5.5-inch 4K display (with upscaling for full HD content). All three are powered by octa-core Snapdraon 810 processors and run Android with the latest software and services from Sony on board. The handsets will go on sale worldwide in October.
