Sony Xperia Z5 phone
For the most part the Xperia Z5 follows the same pattern as the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact. Much of the hardware is shared with the other two models in the lineup. Indeed, at 5.5 inches the Z5 Premium completes the size coverage too. Sony has 4.6-, 5.2- and 5.5-inch models of the Xperia Z5. Something for everyone.
As I originally pointed out in our review of the other two phones, this is a smart move from Sony and one that we welcome across the board. Generally speaking, the high-end goes hand-in-hand these days with large displays, but not everyone wants that. Whether you want a small phone, a large phone or something in between, Sony has you covered without having to sacrifice on specs or experience.
I've got the black one here, so it's at least not that noticeable in passing. That mirrored finish version, though, that must be tough to keep smear-free.The Z5 Premium continues the "Omnibalance" design language we've been seeing from Sony for some years now, just as with the other Xperia Z5 phones. The one immediate difference this time around though is on the rear. While the other Z5 phones ditched the glossy back for a more understated yet still stylish matte finish, the Premium goes back to the gloss. And that means it will show up just about every single fingerprint you ever lay on it.
The black model is a very good-looking phone, though. It's black on black on black, with the only accents coming from the chrome camera ring and the matte silver power button. It's a good look. It also helps to distract from the huge top and bottom bezels that continue to be an Xperia trademark.
Also, as on the other phones, there's a physical camera button, which is still fantastic. The volume rocker is also down low on the right hand edge. Which I disapprove of less on this bigger model, since in my left hand I now wrap my fingers around the phone in such a way that my pinky can easily catch it. And of course, the fingerprint scanner is embedded within the power button half-way up the right side, just like the other phones, meaning you'll need very long fingers or just to use the phone right-handed to make use of it.
Weirdly, though, this larger model feels more comfortable to hold and use than the smaller ones. I couldn't tell you exactly why, and it makes little sense. It's a big, flat slab after all. But there it is.
The cameras both back and front are the same 23MP and 5MP shooters, respectively, as on the other phones, which includes 4K video recording capabilities on the rear one. And as we discovered previously, the overheating problems of old when it comes to actually shooting 4K video are largely gone. Which is important for this phone.
Because that brings me to the display. The world's first 4K display on a smartphone.
Nothing can take that away from Sony. It is an Ultra HD display and it is on a smartphone. But here's the kicker: it comes off as little more than marketing hype. I'll explain.
