7 best Sony smartphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The Japanese company Sony will one day leave the smartphone market – analysts will confirm that everything is heading towards this. However, this has not happened yet. Then why not check out some of the best Sony smartphones currently on sale? The authors of the online magazine decided to make such a selection.

Rating of the best Sony smartphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
top best Sony smartphones	1	Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium	RUB 57,990
	2	Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact	RUB 31,900
	3	Sony Xperia XZ1	RUB 26 490
	4	Sony Xperia XZs Dual 64GB	RUB 34,315
	5	Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra 32GB	RUB 18,440
	6	Sony Xperia L2	RUB 10,519
	7	Sony Xperia L1	RUB 8,539

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium

Rating: 4.9

One of the most expensive smartphones on the market today. The very high cost is associated with the unique technologies used in the manufacture of the device. For example, the Japanese have introduced a dual camera here, inside which matrices with a resolution of 19 and 12 megapixels are hidden. The aperture is open to f / 1.8, which allows you to get high-quality images even in the dark. But the main feature of this camera is video recording. And it's not even about the fact that the user has access to video recording in 4K resolution. This camera can shoot at high speed, which is useful when capturing any action-packed moments.

It's great that the Japanese manufacturer also thought about those people who love taking selfies. Such frames are shot using a 13-megapixel front camera. This camera is endowed with wide-angle optics, so the user will definitely not encounter problems.

You can buy this smartphone not only for the sake of taking photos and videos. The device has high-quality stereo speakers, thanks to which listening to music causes only positive emotions. The gadget is also capable of transmitting high quality sound to wireless headphones – for this, Bluetooth 5.0 is used. Other supported wireless standards include NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Category 18 LTE-A. The work of all this good and the operating system Android 8.0 is provided by the top-end Snapdragon 845 processor. The device also includes 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. The Japanese have not forgotten about the external storage slot, the maximum supported volume of which is 400 GB.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium also allows you to connect regular headphones – the manufacturer did not deprive his creation of a 3.5 mm audio jack. At the same time, somewhere in the depths of this nest, a special glue is hidden, because the gadget is waterproof. Well, the main 'feature' of this device is undoubtedly the LCD display. This is almost the only smartphone whose screen has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels! Real 4K on mobile! The pixel density is 760 dpi! It's another matter – is such permission needed? Will it provide any new experience with the 5.8-inch diagonal? Each buyer will answer this question independently. However, such a unique device definitely could not fail to get into our rating.

Advantages

• Battery capacity is 3540 mAh;
• Fingerprint sensor is not forgotten;
• Water protection implemented;
• The work is provided by the latest version of the operating system;
• Installed LCD with 4K resolution;
• High quality sound;
• Great front camera
• Wonderful dual camera;
• Large amount of memory;
• The most powerful processor is used;
• There is support for high-speed wireless standards;

disadvantages

• Weight reaches 236 g;
• Slippery body;
• Expensive branded accessories;
• Scary high cost;
• Only one SIM card slot;

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Rating: 4.8

The Japanese company regularly releases compact versions of its flagships. This tradition has not been spared by the fresh Sony Xperia XZ2. The Compact variant turned out to be really quite small – there is only a 5-inch display on its front panel. The screen resolution has decreased, but 2160×1080 pixels is also quite good for such a diagonal. The pixel density is 483 PPI, and this parameter cannot boast of the overwhelming majority of smartphones existing now. What happens on the display is controlled by the operating system Android 8.0, there is no more recent version of the 'green robot' at the time of this writing. But the software is powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor. It's surprising that the Japanese decided not to abandon the top processor when creating a compact device. They saved a little only on memory – here the buyer is waiting for 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM.

Unfortunately, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact couldn't get the same dual cameras. Otherwise, there would be no point in buying an older brother. As a result, the compact model received a 19-megapixel module equipped with only one lens. The 4K video capability is still there, but the aperture has become more closed. In a word, this device shoots a little worse than flagships from other manufacturers. The resolution of the front camera has been reduced to 5 megapixels, which will upset someone even more.

Perhaps we talked about the saddest part. The rest of the characteristics of the device evoke only positive emotions, due to which the product has received a place in our rating. The device shows ideal results in wireless data transmission, for which the support of the LTE-A standard 15th category should be thanked. Also among the wireless modules present here are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and the very useful NFC. The fingerprint scanner has not gone anywhere, which increases the security of personal information. The battery capacity does not exceed 2870 mAh, but this is an excellent parameter for a rather small smartphone. Of course, Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology is supported, but the corresponding AC adapter must be purchased separately (here Sony followed in the footsteps of Apple).

Advantages

• Very powerful processor;
• The latest version of the operating system;
• Compact dimensions;
• There is water protection;
• Good display with high pixel density
• There is a fingerprint sensor;
• Great sounding;
• Very good rear camera
• Supports high speed wireless communication standards;
• Large amount of permanent and random access memory;

disadvantages

• Very high cost;
• Includes a regular network adapter;
• These components require a larger battery;

Sony Xperia XZ1

Rating: 4.7

Another very expensive smartphone. Its official announcement took place in the fall of 2017. This device contains almost all the technologies that were available to Sony's mobile division at that time. Surprisingly, even then the Japanese learned how to create cameras that can shoot at a speed of 960 frames / s. This means the Sony Xperia XZ1 can be used for super slow motion video. Of course, this can only be done for a few seconds. However, action-packed events rarely last longer. Another distinctive feature of the camera is 3D scanning. However, this function is used in only a few applications, so you will hardly remember about its existence.

The smartphone went on sale in three color options. In any case, the buyer will find a case made of metal and glass. It all looks damn beautiful, Sony knows a lot about design. But most of all, some people will like the fact that outwardly the device is quite different from the counterparts of other manufacturers. It is also impossible not to appreciate the presence of water protection. You can drop such a device into the bathtub, nothing will happen to it after that. The device weighs 156 g, which is more than an acceptable value.

A 5.2-inch IPS panel is used as a screen. The resolution is 1920×1080 pixels. Pixelation is completely invisible to the naked eye. Well, if you look at the rear panel, you will notice the camera lens, under which the 13-megapixel sensor is hidden. The shooting result is pleasantly pleasing, but nothing else was expected from Sony products. The smartphone also has stereo speakers that provide high-quality sound. If required, sound can be output to headphones using the 3.5mm audio jack. A wireless headset is also supported – it is connected via Bluetooth 5.0.

The device is powered by the eight-core Snapdragon 835 chipset. In 2017, it was considered a top-end processor – a more powerful processor simply did not exist. Also, under the case, somewhere nearby, there are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory – more Android 8.0 usually does not require. LTE-A and Wi-Fi 802.11ac can be used to access the Internet. Well, NFC allows you to pay for purchases. If we talk about the protection of confidential data, then it is provided by a fingerprint scanner. It remains to add that the battery installed here has a capacity of 2700 mAh and support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology – this will be enough for most buyers. But the price tag will scare away many of them. But Sony products almost always ask for a lot of money.

Advantages

• Quality 19MP rear camera
• There is a fingerprint sensor;
• There are high-speed wireless modules;
• Not the greatest weight;
• Water protection implemented;
• The operating system is installed Android 8.0;
• Large enough memory built in;
• A very powerful processor is used;
• Good front-end;
• The screen has a high resolution;
• Excellent stereo speakers;

disadvantages

• I would like a higher battery capacity;
• Very high cost;
• Only one SIM card slot;

Sony Xperia XZs Dual 64GB

Rating: 4.6

Another Japanese smartphone in our ranking, on the front panel of which there is a 5.2-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This screen is ideal for watching all kinds of videos. Games also look great on this display. It's nice that you won't have to reduce the level of graphics in them, because they use a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, which was considered top-end a couple of years ago. Also under the body of the device are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. It is possible that the amount of built-in storage will not be enough for you, so the microSD card slot should come in handy.

When creating this smartphone, the Japanese relied on water resistance. As a result, the buyer will be able to use the device on the seaside or in the bathroom. That is, with this smartphone, you can safely shoot your boat trip. For this, a 19-megapixel camera is used, the aperture of which is open to f / 2. Such a module produces very high quality images. But the greatest delight is the video recording, which can be done in 4K resolution. The front camera should also please – its resolution is 13 megapixels.

As befits an expensive smartphone, it includes a large number of wireless modules. Among them are LTE-A of the 11th category, Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC. Therefore, the device is suitable for paying for purchases. There are no problems with Internet access at high speed. Only Wi-Fi is a little upsetting – this module does not support the 802.11n standard.

Perhaps, the smartphone has no particular drawbacks anymore. The Japanese have not forgotten about the fingerprint scanner. Well, the battery capacity is 2900 mAh – this is quite a solid parameter, albeit not a record one.

Advantages

• Built-in powerful processor;
• There is water protection;
• The display pleases with a high resolution;
• Solid front camera;
• High quality stereo speakers;
• Good rear camera
• There are NFC, Bluetooth 4.2 and LTE-A;
• There is a fingerprint sensor;
• Large amount of memory;

disadvantages

• Not the fastest Wi-Fi;
• High-speed shooting is only possible with reduced quality;
• Very high cost;

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra 32GB

Rating: 4.5

This smartphone was presented in February 2017. The smartphone belongs to the mid-budget segment, in connection with which it received several simplifications. However, this cannot be said in appearance – the Japanese product has traditionally received a stylish design, recognizable at first sight. At the same time, as many as four color options went on sale – for Sony smartphones this is an unusually wide variety.

The device turned out to be quite large. On its front panel is a 6-inch IPS display. But if the subsequent flagships surprised with a record resolution, here this parameter is 1920×1080 pixels. Fortunately, with such a diagonal, this value is enough to avoid seeing pixelation.

Despite the mid-budget segment, the gadget received excellent cameras. If you look exclusively at the resolution, then in this parameter the device surpasses the flagships that came out almost simultaneously! The rear camera has a 23MP resolution, which allows for highly detailed photographs. Unfortunately, at night the pictures are not of the best quality – the aperture, opened only up to f / 2, affects. It should be noted the presence of optical image stabilization here, which helps out at certain moments. If we talk about the front camera, then its resolution is 16 megapixels.

The smartphone can please with many of its other characteristics. For example, fast Internet access is provided by LTE-A of the fourth category. The connection to the router is carried out via the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard. No less useful is the NFC chip – it allows you to quickly connect to cameras and other electronic equipment, as well as pay for purchases in a regular store. It should be noted and Bluetooth 4.2 – this module helps in transmitting sound to wireless headsets. Well, the work of Android 7.0 and all of the above stuff is provided by MediaTek Helio P20 – an eight-core chip, the power of which is enough for many modern games. The chipset is helped by 4GB of RAM. There are 32 GB of onboard storage for file storage. This may not seem enough, but nobody forbids buying a microSD card.

Advantages

• There are NFC, Bluetooth 4.2 and LTE-A;
• Not the highest cost;
• Decent amount of RAM;
• There is a powerful enough processor;
• There is an FM radio;
• A solid front camera is used;
• Built-in good rear camera, complemented by optical stabilization;
• High-quality screen with maximum viewing angles;
• Four body color options;

disadvantages

• Only one SIM card slot;
• There is no fingerprint scanner;
• Not much persistent memory;
• Weight reaches 188 g;

Sony Xperia L2

Rating: 4.5

Another smartphone made in the Sony corporate style. It must be one of the most difficult devices from a Japanese manufacturer – no more than 13 thousand rubles are asked for it. The same device can be considered far from the most advanced among those present in this rating. A good confirmation of this is the processor, which uses a modest MediaTek MT6737T. This chipset is complemented by the Mali-T720 MP2 video accelerator, the power reserve of which is only enough to run games with reduced graphics levels. I am glad that at least the manufacturer did not save on memory – the buyer is waiting for 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. The memory card slot has not gone anywhere either, which recognizes as much as possible 256 GB drives.

The smartphone cannot be called compact. On its front side is a 5.5-inch display. It is a pity that the manufacturer had to save money, as a result of which the screen resolution was only 1280×720 pixels. Nevertheless, the buyer will not observe pixelation, especially if he is not yet used to much more expensive smartphones. This display was created using IPS technology, so the viewing angles were maximized. You can see the front camera lens above the display. Its resolution is increased to 8 megapixels, which is good news. The device also has a rear camera with a resolution of 13 megapixels and an aperture of f / 2. However, you should not expect miracles from it – the flagships shoot much better.

If we talk about communication standards, then you cannot find fault with the device. The Japanese have introduced support for LTE-A, which allows you to access the Internet at high speeds. Sound transmission to the headset is carried out via Bluetooth 4.2. The NFC chip has not been forgotten either. And what about without it, if it is present in many Sony accessories?

In a word, the Japanese have turned out to be a good device. There is even a fingerprint reader, which is the best protection for confidential data. The battery capacity is increased to 3300 mAh, which can be called the optimal parameter (although even with it the charge is consumed very actively). It is a pity that such a good smartphone received an insufficiently powerful chipset.

Advantages

• There is a fingerprint sensor;
• Stylish appearance;
• There is an FM radio;
• Solid front camera;
• Relatively good rear camera
• There are modules Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and LTE-A;
• Not the smallest amount of memory;

disadvantages

• Weak processor;
• The price is still high;
• Weight is 178g;
• Display resolution is not very high;

Sony Xperia L1

Rating: 4.4

One of the most 'ancient' smartphones in our ranking. It is also the cheapest. Although even 11 thousand rubles. may seem like an overpriced amount. Sellers must be asking that kind of money only for a memorable design. It is immediately obvious that the owner is holding a Sony smartphone. As for the rest, the device is not capable of surprising with any unusual 'chips'. It has a standard 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels. It was created using IPS technology, so everything is in order with the color rendition and viewing angles. The picture is displayed on the screen by the operating system Android 7.0, which is unlikely to become outdated in the coming years. It should be noted that the thickness does not exceed 8.7 mm. It is surprising that with this parameter, the weight of the smartphone reaches an impressive 180 g.

The front camera lens can be seen above the screen. But you can not expect any gorgeous result of photography – the matrix resolution is only 5 megapixels. The rear camera is slightly better – its resolution reaches 13 megapixels, and the aperture is opened to f / 2.2. Photos and videos can be quickly uploaded to the social network. For this purpose, support for LTE-A networks is intended. He understands the smartphone and the Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard, which is sure to please the owners of new routers. For sound transmission use Bluetooth 4.2. Well, one cannot fail to note the presence of an NFC chip. It not only speeds up synchronization with wireless devices, but also makes payments in regular stores.

MediaTek MT6737T is used as a processor. Its 4 cores are clocked at 1450 MHz. The budgetary component is evident! The Mali-T720 MP2 video accelerator will definitely not allow playing with the maximum graphics settings. 2 GB of RAM is also a serious limitation. As for the built-in storage, its volume is 16 GB. Fortunately, it can be expanded by installing a memory card up to 256GB. But with the absence of a fingerprint sensor, you can't do anything – you have to protect the contents of the memory with a PIN code or a graphic key.

Somewhere inside the device is a 2620 mAh lithium-ion battery. The network adapter connects to the USB Type-C connector, which is good news. Fast charging technology is of course supported.

Advantages

• The display has maximum viewing angles;
• Beautiful appearance;
• Not very high cost;
• Supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard;
• There are LTE-A modules, Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC;
• Not the worst rear camera;

disadvantages

• Weight is 180g;
• Low battery capacity;
• No fingerprint scanner;
• Weak processor built in;
• Low memory;
• Unpretentious front camera;
• Low screen resolution;

Conclusion

Sony products share one thing. She usually gets a great camera at her disposal. You can get such a device at least for her sake. However, as you may have noticed, Japanese gadgets have a lot of other advantages.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.