Earlier today at MWC 2017, Sony unveiled a number of new smartphones that are all due to become available in the first half of this year. One of which was the Sony Xperia XZs. This smartphone was announced alongside the aptly-named Sony Xperia XZ Premium, as well as two new Sony Xperia XA arrivals. However, in spite of being part of the Sony Xperia XZ family of devices, the general look and design of the Sony Xperia XZs seems to be more in line with the new Sony Xperia XA additions.
In fact, that seems to be what Sony has gone for here, as on the outside the Sony Xperia XZs is very much akin to the Sony Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra. However, it is on the inside where the Sony Xperia XZs adopts more of a Sony Xperia XZ disposition. In many respects, this is simply a revamping of the previous Sony Xperia XZ smartphone and therefore, is likely to be positioned as a smartphone for 2017 which bridges the gap between the new Xperia XA handsets and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium.
Although in the camera capabilities, there is less to separate the Sony Xperia XZs and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium as the Sony Xperia XZs comes with the same improved sensor as the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. So in terms of cameras, the Sony Xperia XZs is looking to offer a closer experience to what you will find with the Sony Xperia XZ Premium and certainly one better than other Sony Xperia devices in 2017. However, while the sensors are the same, there are some notable differences between the end user performance of the two new Xperia XZ smartphones. For example, while the XZ Premium is capable of 1080p slow motion capture, on the Xperia XZs the slow motion capture is capped at 720p. So overall while some of the hardware is the same as the Xperia XZ Premium, there will be some defining differences for those who are willing to pay more for the premium model.
Which largely seems to sum up the nature of the Sony Xperia XZs. This is a device which resides somewhere in between the Sony Xperia XA1/XA1 Ultra, and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. You are getting some premium aspects, but not enough to render the Sony Xperia XZ Premium obsolete. This extends beyond the specs and hardware to the actual build quality and design as well. As by hedging more towards the 2017 Xperia XA design, the Sony Xperia XZs adopts more of a low-key look compared to the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. One which is certainly less ‘premium’ in terms of the material used. Those interested, can take a closer look at that build quality and design of the Xperia XZs in the gallery below.
