Did you know that back in 1995, Apple presented a prototype of a PDA with a built-in digital camera? This conceptual device known as the Apple Videophone was developed to allow video calls to be made over a data connection. Today, some 19 years later, we have the iPhone – a versatile smartphone that can be used for not just FaceTime chats, but for taking high quality photos as well. Its 8MP main snapper is liked by many, including a considerable fraction of our readers, as it turns out. In fact, Apple's iPhone 5s was ranked first in our latest blind camera comparison.
For those who missed it, last week we took a bunch of photos using six of today's most popular high-end smartphones. (You can see all of the original images here.) Then we posted the images side by side without revealing which phones we had used and asked people to vote for the photos that they liked best. The results? Over a third of those who participated in the poll chose the photos taken with the iPhone 5s. With half as many votes, the Sony Xperia Z1 took the silver prize, and the LG G2 came third having collected some 16% of the votes. In fourth and fifth place respectively we have the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4. Trailing behind all of them, to our surprise, is the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact. For some reason, Sony's masterpiece of a smartphone didn't get much of our readers' love even though its 20.7MP cam is actually a very potent shooter.
So how are you, guys, finding the results? Surprised to see the iPhone 5s taking the first spot? And do you think that the Z1 Compact deserved to be last? Tell us down in the comments!
Sony launched an official camera attachment case for its Xperia Z1 f in Japan. Called SPA-ACX4, the case costs about $29, and allows users to attach any of the QX10 or QX100 lens-style cameras to the handset. The Xperia Z1 f is the Japanese version of the water-resistant Xperia Z1 Compact, having the same size and specs, so we’re expecting the Compact to get the SPA-ACX4 case as well.
Announced by Sony in September, the QX10 and QX100 lens-style cameras are especially made to be paired with smartphones (they even work with Apple’s iPhone), turning them into more advanced cameras. The QX10 costs $248, featuring 10x optical zoom, while the QX100 costs $498, offering a very large 1-inch 20.2 MP Exmor R sensor with Carl Zeiss f/1.8 lens and 3.6x optical zoom - these are DSLR-like features.
As for the Xperia Z1 Compact itself, this should be released around the world starting early February, costing around $500 unlocked. Our Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review shows that the Japanese company really nailed it with this handset. It seems to be the best mini smartphone released until now - and it’s no wonder, since it’s as powerful as the larger, critically-acclaimed Xperia Z1.
Sony SPA-ACX4 for the Xperia Z1 f / Xperia Z1 CompactFullscreen
Sony has just announced at CES 2014 the Xperia Z1S and Xperia Z1 Compact, both based on the company's flagship smartphone. Now it seems that a new model, currently called the Sony D6503, is on the way and also bears some resemblance to the Xperia Z1, with a few minor alterations.
The Sony Xperia Z1 represents the electronics manufacturer's current highest standards for a smartphone, not only in terms of hardware and software but also in design. And it seems to work quite well for consumers so it is no wonder that Sony would want to play around with that a little bit longer. The Xperia Z1S is practically the same Xperia Z1, with a new name and marketed exclusively to T-Mobile subscribers in the US. The Xperia Z1 Compact, on the other hand, is pretty much a miniature Xperia Z1.
Much of this rumored Sony D6503 is still a mystery but, based on this set of leaked photos, it seems to continue the tradition of using the Xperia Z1 design. You even have the dedicated camera shutter button that Sony has revived in its flagship. There are, however, a few key differences, particularly on the location of some of the slots on the sides.
On the left side of the device are the SIM card slot and USB port. Both openings are covered by a single magnetic flap. On the right side one will have access to the microSD card slot, also covered by a magnetic flap. In contrast, the Xperia Z1's SIM card is located on the right side alone, while the left side houses the USB port and the microSD card slot, each possessing its own flap cover. Whether this new arrangement makes sense remains to be seen.
Another key difference is that the Sony D6503 is said to have a larger 5.2-inch display, but the pixel resolution is still unknown at this time. It is also believed to have the same 20.7 megapixel rear camera also found on the Xperia Z1. The Sony D6503 is expected to also be thinner than the 8.5 mm of the Xperia Z1, though we'll have to wait for an actual device to verify that claim.
At CES, Sony announced a special version of the international Xperia Z1, called the Xperia Z1S for T-Mobile in US. While on surface, the two phones seem nearly identical, except for minor differences such as 32GB of storage space instead of 16GB, turns out there is one more important change under the hood that you won't see on a spec sheet.
According to various sources, the Xperia Z1S comes with a locked bootloader. While that itself is not a big deal, the bootloader on the Z1S cannot be unlocked. The international Z1, on the other hand, lets you unlock the bootloader in a few simple steps. The request to make the bootloader unlockable was apparently at T-Mobile's request.
This is rather unfortunate as it will make flashing custom ROMs rather difficult. If that's something you want, you should consider getting your hands on the international model.
Sony might be getting into the business of bendable smartphones before Samsung or LG, it seems, as a bunch of users are reporting that the metal frame of the flagship Xperia Z1 handset has allegedly bent for no reason, leaving their phone in the state that can be observed in the pictures below. The circumstances vary, but the common theme seems to be heat (from leaving it on the wireless charging dock to using it in the African sun).
Now, there's no way to confirm whether the "bent" effect wasn't also a result from sitting on the phone while in your back pocket, which happens too many times when out on the town, than people care to admit, but it's an interesting phenomenon to observe nonetheless.
We've had no such problems after perusing our office unit for a couple of weeks already in various conditions, and have been thorough fans of the premium feel that the metal and glass design leaves in the eye (and hand) of the beholder. Have you experienced something similar to the situations below with your own Xperia Z1 unit?