Sony Xperia XZ
The camera with three times the precision – Xperia XZ uses triple image sensing techlology to capture perfect shots every time. Sony Mobile/Facebook

Fans in the US can now pre-order the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. The company has also started to roll out software updates for two other handsets, Xperia XZ and Xperia X Performance. The two devices are in the process of receiving the latest Android security patches.

As per a screenshot shared by Xperia blog, once these patches are installed, the smartphones will be under the June 1 security patch level. The build number of the new release for both phones is 41.2.A.7.8. Even after the update, the Android version won’t change but will remain at 7.1.1. Those who have installed the update haven’t notice any changes apart from the security patch level. After performing the upgrade, users cannot revert to a previous version.

The XZ Premium is quite a handset, its specs comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S8. The former’s build quality is second to none and is an incredible all-round performer. It comes with an elegant yet striking design that is essentially Sony. On paper, the phone packs amazing specs and the latest hardware. Thus, the tussle with Galaxy S8 will be really interesting. One key issue is the lack of fingerprint scanner in the US version. The price tag of US$799 (AU$1,060 approx), meanwhile, is a bit too high.

The price is higher than pretty much everything else in the market today. The smartphone will undoubtedly offer pure bliss to users. However, there are tier-1 brands in the market offering the same specs and a lower price. Sony, despite producing an awesome handset, may find it difficult to sell, writes Android Headlines. The Galaxy S8 handset is available in Samsung Australia for $1,199. Specs-wise, the two handsets almost go hand-in-hand.

Camera-wise, the Xperia XZ boasts 19MP with f/2.0, 25mm, EIS (gyro), predictive phase detection and laser autofocus and LED flash. Other features include 1/2.3" sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR and panorama. It can record videos at 2160p@30fps, 720p@960fps and HDR. The selfie camera is at 13MP with f/2.0, 22mm, 1/3" sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size and 1080p. The Galaxy S8 primary camera is at 12MP with f/1.7, 26mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS and LED flash.

Other features include 1/2.5" sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, simultaneous 4K video and 9MP image recording, touch focus, face/smile detection, Auto HDR and panorama. It can record videos at 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, HDR and dual-video rec. The selfie camera is of 8MP with f/1.7, autofocus, 1440p@30fps, dual video call and Auto HDR. Stay tuned on IBT AU for more Sony Xperia XZ Premium comparisons.

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