PREVIEW: Sony XZ2 & XZ2 Compact
Mobile World Congress 2018: the only phones that shoot 4K HDR video also have 19-megapixel cameras. So why do they look so old-fashioned?
At first glance, the Sony XZ2 & XZ2 Compact look old-fashioned. There might be a lot of modern gadgetry behind the glass, but even close-up the size of the bezels are fairly chunky. If that is badly out of step with the modern preference for super-slim edges, that’s where the bad news ends.
Hooray for 4K
Both of Sony’s new handsets are based on the latest Snapdragon 845 chip, and both the 5.7-inch XZ2 – the flagship – and the smaller 5-inch XZ2 Compact can shoot video in 4K HDR quality. Does that matter? If you have a 4K TV – and if you don’t already, you soon will – then 4K is a must for travel videos (even the latest GoPro shoots in 4K). Just as importantly, both of these Sony phones have a 19-megapixel camera. And the XZ2 can also reach download speeds of 1.2gbps.
What is HDR?
However, the HDR is just as important; it brings much richer, more vibrant colours. Every 4K TV can support HDR, and so can both these phones, which is important because both Netflix and Amazon video both now stream video in HDR. so if you want to be able to watch great looking video on your way to a destination, then filmed in the latest 4K video resolutions, and these two Sony phones could be just the ticket.