Xperia Z2 Review: Worth Every Penny | Pocketnow

[@NeilGilroy]

I have had mine for a few weeks (I live in the UK). Best android phone currently available. I have a S5 and a M8 too. This is the middle ground between those 2: good speakers, good camera, stock-ish OS and simply the best battery life I have ever seen on a Android. Screen on time may not be spectacular but the screen off power drain is tiny (even with multiple accounts syncing). Negatives include the easy scratch body, double tap to wake really needs about 3 or 4 taps after phone has slept for a while, camera is not as good as it could be (S5 gives better daytime shots for me), Sony are slower than some for updates, 4K recording overheats the device. Its not re-inventing the wheel but st least until the G3 it is, for me, the best available. Mind you, I think the 2014 flagships are all quite compromised devices. This has the most acceptable compromises for me.

[@Masterincommander]

i have an LG G2 and my brother has a Z1 i held it and used it for just a few minuets and it was amazing, i think ill most definitively go for the Z3 when its out

[@Vestu]

So much cooler than Samsung. Will definitely continue on buying only Xperia Smartphones.

[@kevinliu2956]

Same here😂

[@GAM4GWM19]

Samsung phones are garbage!!!

[@JKLusrang13]

Guys guys guys..Both phones are great period.But the iphone is the one that's garbage right

[@Overspin]

same here, first phone xperia arc, next phone xperia z2/z3

[@elijah420stuffs2]

Builder4999 Z2 is even better than Iphone 6 plus and is waaaaaaaaay cheaper. I'm going for Z2 and i'm curious to see what the Z4 will bring :)

[@Coyot0xx0]

I comment on this in 2020. How weird. I used to have the UK version of this phone when it came out fresh. I still have it although it's been rendered useless when the back panel was totaled and humidity seeped into the internals as it was terribly fragile. I guess people would say it isn't worth the bother to repair it coz it's old and it costs so much compare to what an entire more modern phone would, but I truly loved those photos and videos I made with it. Thinking back I believe this phone's camera was legendary and still would stand a match against many phone cameras out there today.

[@shtechvn]

Pocketnow. I love your video and everything. But would you guys mind reducing the volume of the intro music? It's too loud compared to the rest of the video.

[@amirprog]

overall the best flagship imho. overall the best camera imho. end of story.

[@grandiora]

Amir Amran u

[@ilya.b]

Michael, thank you for a great review! I am sort of a Sony fan and it goes way back to late 90s. I got it from my father, who bought 21'' Sony Trinitron TV at those times and we loved it! After that was a VHS player, MiniDV Camera, LCD TV, DVD, car stereo, several Sony Ericsson phones, etc, etc, etc... So, now I am using Sony Xperia ZR and i follow pretty much everything Sony does now. Z2 is a gorgeous phone, no doubt about it. And you made a very good and thorough review! The only minor criticism I'd like to point out is to you mentioning small apps as a not useful feature. As I see it - it's just because Sony is not Samsung and they not market those features a lot, they don't "teach" people how to use them. But once you know how to use them - you begin to appreciate the convinience of this feature: you simply have to open the recent apps, start the small app you need (let's say a timer or a calculator) and it will pop-up over the app you have been using before that. Then you use the small app while being able to use the "main" app, and after you done with it you simply swipe it with your finger to the edge of the screen and it minimizes to a small icon and stays there! After this you can drag it along the side of the screen and keep using the main app you have been using normally. Then, when you need to return to the small app you simply swipe it back open to the screen and use again. It's as simple as that. For example, I use it a lot when browsing - I open calculator and calculate something I need using data from a web-page (e.g. prices, measurements, etc), I use notes to save some useful info or my thoughts. It's a very clever feature and it's very sad that Sony does not market it at all. If this was a Samsung feature - it would be on every video, in every review, on every print and billboard.

[@ElectricInevitability]

Good review

[@Chananda]

Yep. No mention of the overheating camera issue though, unless I missed it.

[@ElectricInevitability]

Didn't know about that

[@Pocketnow]

***** That's called out briefly in the text review linked in the description, though we didn't test 4K extensively. ^M

[@hollowbonesfilms9739]

Pocketnow i think that the double-tap unlock feature started with the LG G2 will continue with many future smartphones other than just the Xperia line.

[@ElectricInevitability]

Yeah it's a handy feature

[@Cisco_24]

Three words...Google Play Edition!

[@Phyxius_Debello]

It's so close to stock, nearly don't need it

[@Cisco_24]

True. Don't like some of the Sony apps though...but still, it's worth every penny indeed

[@Phyxius_Debello]

Honestly I don't need all the Sony apps but they don't blast it in your face like Samsung does which is an awesome thing. I have the Z1 and was considering rooting but I didn't see much of an advantage.

[@Cisco_24]

Thank goodness! (*wipes forehead*)

[@rickgalindo687]

Michael Best most apps are removable and the one that are not you can disable them

[@allthingsflea]

What stands out to me is the fact that you can buy a high end smartphone with the glass and metal you like, still have the waterproofing for your peace of mind, and not have to feel like your going to buy a phone that doesn't look as good as the other big names. I think Sony is doing this the best right now

[@godson784]

Non-debatable, the most underrated phone on the market with specs, that is often over-shadowed by gimmicks perpetrated by other manufacturers. The 20.7 MP camera is the first plus, or a 'beast' I might add. The glossy finish of this phone is the best aesthetics on the market.

[@kemarriwilliams]

This phone is too damn big for its own good but it is good, except for the speakers

[@trewqpoiutl9774]

With the most fragile back

[@thiva1886]

This is the most solid built sony phone. Attention to detail is awesome.

[@MrPixlas]

Man this phone is great and a very good review. one of the few who ever tested noise cancelling. A must buy!

[@mr.j4696]

I don't think I've ever heard ***** this excited and impressed in a review before. Definitely one of *the best* phones of the year.

[@PraveenK]

It's the most balanced phone. HTC One doesn't have good camera and Samsung has, well, Touchwiz. Sony on the other hand, isn't the worst in any category if not the best. Light skin, good screen, amazing camera and attractive design

[@mr.j4696]

Praveen K Spot on.

[@AdirFeijo]

One of the best KZbinrs made the review I've been waiting for. Excellent work Michael!

[@sylinic6081]

It's funny that Pocketnow didn't mention Sony overheating when you use the 4K video recording.

[@aymaanchowdhury81]

Watching this in 2020 cause i miss this phone WAYY too much 😭❤️

[@gautamkumar-fr5wo]

Hi bro ,Sony Xperia Z2 Vs Sony Walkman player ,which one is great audeo experience, I am a base lover, please reply bro

[@aymaanchowdhury81]

@@gautamkumar-fr5wo xperia z2. They even come with the noise cancelling earphones

[@marlowemarzan5991]

Best phone for everyday camera water phone experience and watching videos or listening to music. Hands down

[@ireneffff]

The thing that I love the most about this phone is its amazing screen resolution and its camera, simply amazing for being such a thin phone!

[@GodxComplex67]

So when he is not too busy saving the world, Tony Stark is also reviewing phones on PocketNow!

[@Gary0557]

Watching this 8 years later and Michael still doesn't have one hair out of place or moved since this video.. 👌👏👏

[@ladiesman00007]

:confused: I have Xperia ZL and the call quality(In call voice of caller) is excellent but same is not so good in Xperia Z (Not sure about Z1 though) so Z2 holders can you specify if the in call volume is good enough. i know waterproofing has effect in speakers as well as in call volume but i just wanted to make sure it doesnot end up like my Xperia Acro S which was worst phone in terms of in call volume.. Z2 owners please respond,

[@michaelcaling]

i had Xperia Z before, yes had some issues with the call volume, but now i have the Z2, i'm satisfied with it's volume.

[@georgianag.4923]

My favourite thing about this phone is its ressistence to water, but also the camera quality and just the design and how it is made because it looks quite good.

[@missfl0werstar]

Thank you, sir, a very thorough (and fun) review.

[@c0784]

Gg

[@1027MAM]

This is the most Sony phones line up that I ever liked and wanted to own. Build quality is perfect and matching all around. The IPS LCD display is gorgeous and most important is 3200mAH battery that will sure my whole day bright and peace without any anxiety of charging time.

[@sergeigarcia186]

Z1 owner here, just tought it would be interesting to say I love the Sony apps and experience that came with my phone stock, and I would by no means choose AOSP android over stock Sony firmware. Sure, it's simpler, but what Sony added is mostly actually useful. The multimedia apps are top class, the small apps are actually useful for quick notes, browsing or dialing without the need to interrupt say online gaming, and the launcher keeps simplicity while still being elegant enough to look like a premium handset. If you ask me, the Google Play edition of the Z2 would feel inmensely like a downgrade more than an upgrade, and I praise Sony for being one of the few OEMs that instead of slowing, or adding more junk to the Android experience, it actually makes it better, more beautiful and useful.

[@freddoublestuff7403]

Quality review , very informative and yet refined. Almost had me compelled to pick up this outstanding premium smartphone

[@cnj96]

didn't know pocketnow is all honest again, or at least maybe Michael is the most honest reviewer in pocketnow. definitely a good unbiased review (y)

[@JohnnyRaven69]

I ordered my Z2 today! I'm so exiting! Now just waiting delivery! :)

[@HunterRodrigez]

i want one... but my xperia z still works perfectly fine... first world problems...

[@Mxbrnghfr]

Yeah i want it too, but ma lg g2 is working good :D

[@davidh.3471]

Carnifex1991 i have g2 to i think im gonna go for a oneplus one

[@Mxbrnghfr]

The screen is too big and the backcover is ugly :(

[@HunterRodrigez]

Carnifex1991 well Iam used to screens that size for my gigantic hands and you don't have to get the back cover it in flamboyant violet

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

You could give your Z to a sibling then pick up the Z2 4 urself I did that gave my lil sister my iPhone 5s when I got myself a Xperia Z3

[@CarcharodonsAstra]

I just recently purchased the unlocked version from gsmnation and I've fallen in love with this phone. Previously I used the Nexus 4 as my phone of choice and till the Xperia Z2 I never really liked anything other than stock Android.

[@elchamber]

Kind of want a compact version as well as the Z1. Cool thing about Sony is just cause it's "compact" doesn't mean the specs needs to suffer.

[@TechWorld786]

It's a great phone but sony ui is just about ok needs to root and use stock android rom.still Sony has done a decent job

[@Alfred19950503]

What I like about this phone is that it's build premium material and attractive look. I like what they done with the minimalistic UI that give mordern look to it.

[@GuidoPetruolo]

IMO, the best Android smartphone out there. The awesom build quality, the 3gb of ram, the camera and the display put it ahead of the S5 and the One M8. The Moto X and the Nexus 5 (my own Android phone) are on a different league. I really look forward to a Sony Windows Phone. That would be really interesting

[@markalcantara3701]

I never have a Sony Xperia phone so I want to try something else. As a teenager who really loves to take pictures of places and events, Sony Xperia Z2 is the perfect phone/camera to use! It has a 20.7 mp camera to take an awesome picture and specially because it is a waterproof smartphone, I can take pictures underwater! The design of this phone is very simple because of that, it makes the phone OUTSTANDING.

[@FREESYRIANmNOOR]

the front speakers , CAMERA , camera shutter button and the display are making this Smart phone a fabulous peace of art + i wanna try underwater photography :)

[@stipi6996]

Nice vid, still using these exact same headphones, and for photos phone was unmatched at the time i still feel LOVE seeing this phone after so long time...

[@zeliph]

I wish Sony would just make a dual boot Android and PSVita OS mobile gaming/phone system (plus added waterproof). I would buy that.

[@yudinemesis]

I like that idea :)

[@woodywolf0309]

Matoro Zeliph nice idea!

[@zolikat4458]

watching this on my Z2

[@taddy302]

I love everything about this phone :- the water and dust resistance, camera under water filming.

[@TheGhost9294]

I wanted to get this since Xperia Z but they never reached us markets... Finally found a deal on eBay for 599... Selling M8 ...... Thank you for the review helped a lot making up my mind....

[@haloboy456]

I absolutely Love all the Star Trek references in these reviews....including that fact that its a good review

[@ProjectILT]

this was my first choice, i was so excited to get this phone. And then the ridiculous delay after delay here in the U.S. eventually irritated me enough to give up on waiting for more months to come, and I got another phone instead.

[@samanthacannings6785]

multi window viewing is extremely useful depending on the user's productivity

[@arunkr610]

I'm still using this

[@SamikParekh]

Which Game are you playing at 8:35.? I show that game in almost all your recent reviews. Looks interesting.

[@Pocketnow]

That's Sparkle Unleashed by 10tons. ^M

[@gevanjohnson7251]

What I like most about the sony xperia Z2 is the snapdragon 801. It's one of the fastest processors out there and its great that sony included it in this years flagship. Also what I like is the 5.2'' LCD screen that sony has included .

[@landoc11]

I no longer user Android, but this phone with is camera and design, has really tempted me to pick it up. Sony always has such strong design!

[@aringuha6263]

your presentation in this video is amazing mate

[@kwan3971]

Great review as always Michael and I love the industrial construction and Sony's minimual interface.

[@Plomo69]

I HAD a Z2. Put it in a sink to see the water resistance. Bubbles immediately came out of the corner of the display, and all the ports were sealed. After two weeks at Sony's RMA center, it's getting sent back because the "liquid damage voided the warranty". So much for a 'waterproof' phone, now I have a $700 paperweight :(

[@mixsignal91]

Wow really stable video even without OIS

[@diegogse9710]

The phone is a beast. What I like most is the design and that 20.7 Megapixel camera. It is just amazing.

[@chrischen6664]

Dude, your review is awesome.Cant wait to get the Z2.

[@sam76558]

Problem with the ear piece?? Well i was actually planning to buy this phone but now changed my mind, this wasn't expected from a flagship device.

[@s3atothemoon]

I didnt think the camera would be this good! This phone seems to be the best all around phone

[@ssisakl]

uh bloody hell, LG G3, Sony Xperia Z3 and Samsung GS5 all makes a great phones! can't decide: LG's screen design is amazing, whilst the samsung's functions triumphs, and then theres Sony which has all round capability. Which would you choose if you were in the market for a new android, having owned HTC One M7

[@4Ninety]

Well i have the Xperia Z2 now for 2 days and totally in love with it haha. Especial the camera stuff and the earplugs its amazing. Reacts fast and a really smooth HD screen :D

[@AnCierciello]

It's also the sexiest phone to date. Compare with the iPhone 6 it's so much sexier. Android has some pretty ugly phones to be honest.

[@soukos39]

JekupaMedia have you noticed any lag on ui? coz i have the g3 and its a lag monster on ui..and i wanna buy z2 now

[@mohammadachekzi1555]

i have z2 for almost 3 month the battery life never let me down i don't remember my phone turn of because of battery life,i add s4 shit in battery life i have to charge 2 to 3 time a day till i can use the phone for work ,z2 defiantly awesome phone .battery life awesome 100% satisfaction worth every penny ,,,

[@mingoabundez]

Just got my Sony xperia z2. Let me tell you its the best phone I ever had. Before I had an lg nexus 4 big upgrade. Great battery life everything about it is the best.

[@dishaverma1760]

which one is better z2 or z1?which one should i buy?

[@MrJHEUC]

Tahir Khan Z4 is the best. March 2015, MWC Barcelona, Spain.

[@florentindumitrescu8447]

cazaador79 your mother it's the best:)))

[@KPSChannel]

Very good review i think that phone is the best of 2014! Other people say that this phone has nothing special, like 2 cameras or a fingerprint sensor, but i don't agree: Awsome design + Super camera + Beast specs + Sony Bravia (engine) display = THE BEST PHONE TILL NOW!

[@Andrew-Nite]

***** that must be one of your best reviews yet! The Xperia Z2 looks amazing, but the overheating issue sounds like it would impact battery life.

[@nitprakash4893]

Hey can you please do a review on Z2 with marshmallow and please explain how to get into recovery mode in Z2.

[@lplwin7539]

this phone looks AMAZING but which 1 should i buy Z2 or GS5

[@saadaftab1253]

surely it was one of the best phone sony ever made. 👌

[@nikolaj97]

Good review as always Michael :) Rly liking the back of the phone

[@nhminh0396]

What Sony headphone do you use during the video? Do the noise cancelling feature... work with other headphones besides Sony's?

[@thfcwarrior95]

My favourite thing about the Sony Xperia z2 is the beautiful aluminium band that wraps around the 8.2mm glass sandwich construction ;)

[@mrawsome40]

Who uses a phone for calls anymore should call quality really matter?

[@duttyow709]

What do you use for calls a microwave, yes it matters.

[@mrawsome40]

***** true

[@Orlyy]

wat? Can't tell if troll or not. However, if this is a serious question, I'll wait till you're past the age of 16.

[@gauthamanirudhan5897]

Nitsuga Shoj great reply......

[@gauthamanirudhan5897]

also plz answer me buying a sony xperia z2 is a good choice or not...or should i go with galaxy s5?????

[@altafnazir]

very good explanation in practical scenarios. I think the only downside in Z2 is heating issue. Otherwise, its fabulous and worth the money.

[@LOL59hahaha]

im using xperia z for a year now. the flaps cover was broken just months after i bought it. rubber that seals the phone to become water resistant fell off and the usb cable and port are damage. unfortunately sony service center here doesnt have that part and i need to go to the main branch which is a hassle. there is also a fee for that part. i updated to kitkat last week and a lot was not working properly now. volume is too low the alarm cant wake me up in the morning. dust are all over the edge between the glass and the frame too. as much as i love sony and xperia and its aesthetically pleasing design im a bit hesitant now to upgrade to the z2. do you think these problems will arise in the z2? and is the display now more saturated like the samsung galaxy phones? thank you and a very good review! :D

[@Kasterr]

I am looking for a phone with a really good camera and really good headphone sound quality. The rest needs to be decent at least. I really like the design of the Z2. Should i get the Z2 ?

[@mfirdaus98]

I have always been a fan of 'glass sandwich' design since the iPhone 4. With the water-resistant feature, I can watch Pocketnow videos and read the Pocketnow News while taking my bath (have always wanted to do that).

[@lucasakakarl]

I constantly asked myself, Xperia Z2 or M8. Well, after watching pocketnow review on Z2, I believe I had make a decision to go for a water proof smartphone. Why do I need a water proof smartphone? My previous phone which is SE K550 and Sony Xperia P both have the same fate, dropped into water. Dried it into ricebag for days before can use it. I hope I can win this Z2 with customized PocketNow skin, because I'm a fan of PocketNow!

[@l2etranger]

This phone still looks awesome in 2023. Many reviewers have been bashing against its unapologetic simplistic monolith design and Sony did a great job sticking to its guns in setting the standard for its design with later models.

[@DoLaRMaStER97]

shall I wait for the z3 or just buy z2 ? p.s I have to buy the z2 if I will take it in the end of this month

[@DC5M]

just a really specific question: would the water resistant design allow me to take pictures underwater very often? I want to make sure if the design is capable of withstanding regular use underwater.

[@IVIN9880]

Can't wait to get this device. best phone ever. and My favorite thing about the Xperia Z2 is the camera itself, well u've got a dslr(if not literally) with a smartphone that could do anything that a phone is designed for... love this device..

[@Madaramadarahotmailcom]

My fav part about this phone is the design it is just so pretty in my eyes.

[@eliasalqamar4970]

I just got an ordinary headset inside the box when I bought mine. I was expecting I will get that noise cancellation headset, I am disappointed for that. About the phone, I just love it and what you have said in this review is exactly true, I love my Z2, I love SONY!

[@rjklmnop8373]

Is this still a good buy up today?

[@CrisManN1024]

What like is that Z2 has a great build quality, water proof and it's Camera. This would be a great upgrade from Note 2

[@DimkaLSRO]

Well, about shutter button, you said it should be a standart, but I don't like it. The only thing I should support as a standart is a volume switch, which is present on iPhones. This is a must!

[@isaiassoria7162]

I own a zs1 now, and I really like the Sony brand, had a Motorola droid and the battery on the xperia is right there keeping up and lasts long. The z2 looks very nice as it should, personally I like the side port to charge on a dock, big plus, hopefully I can get a chance to win it through pocketnow, thanks

[@KudouKun]

Heya! I was wondering, I need a new phone that will give me good battery life with heavy usage. I read comics, watch tv shows, and play games. Those are really the only things I care about, I want it to look good and last a long time. Would you suggest this phone, or do you think I should look elsewhere? I have also been looking at the Note 3, would that be better?

[@BenjaminLee2009]

If you don't mind the older Android version on the Note 3, then I would suggest that. Otherwise, either stick to the Z2, or you can go for the new LG G3. It has a 5.5 inch screen which I think will be great for reading comics and watching shows on.

[@ChristoNorman]

Hmmm. The phone looks good IMHO and the battery life on mine so far exceeds anything else so yep. I would strongly recommend this phone for what you want. Screen size may be an issue if you watch a lot of video though...

[@scarletttfiree]

BenjaminLee2009 Note 3 even on Verizon has been updated to 4.4.2

[@MultiNakir]

I have a Note 3 and I only took it for the Integrated Stylus I use everyday. If you don't need the Stylus and the Wacom Digitizer that's good, no matter what haters say, go for the Z2 that finally has a good screen or the M8 that has a better build quality than the Note 3...

[@klunymaster]

You need a tablet...

[@creative.outlet]

I love about z2 that it is the only flagship that has it all! front firing speakers, water resistance, great camera, sexy design!

[@enricowilkins7932]

I'm an iphone head and have been since the iphone was introduced. The iphone installments over the last.... Ehh 3 yrs has been a huge let down though! I'm looking for a phone that trumps iphone in all aspects and I know there is one out there. As of now, I'm open to all suggestions and probably a reason why too would help a lot.

[@MagnusAndersenTheMSIgamer]

Do the z2 get hot when watching youtube videos, and/or surfing the web? Or do it keep cold?

[@SoWhereWeEating]

Idk which color to get black or white. Black is more slimming but white is classy and hides scratches.

[@owenb7911]

Did you know you can use the volume rocket on the iPhone as a physical camera button.

[@vp8392]

but it dosnt have half press

[@camelCased]

The price is attractive now and specs are still good, especially for non-gamer. But how durable is it? Can it be called "a solid work horse" and will it live lots of pocketing and carrying around like, well, any cellphone? Isn't the glass too slippery?

[@mahmoudhammad8371]

So Micheal I have a serious question do you think this camera is better than the GS5 camera?

[@Memq]

i never really gave sony a chance but after my Note 3 got stolen i am looking for a new one. I cant afford to buy another phone expensive as the Note 3 but i am really diggin the Z1 Compact.

[@nancysingal6739]

Hey Michael would you mind checking does the phone heats up when recording in 4K and auto shuts off in 8 min or is this the problem on my unit? Was really shocked to see a $800 phone to do that?

[@slot1999]

Pocketnow Hello. Great video. I need an advice. I want to buy a phone and I'm stuck between Xperia Z2 and Z3 Compact. The screen size doesn't matter for me. I read that Z3c screen and back is very fragile and cracks very easily is that true? Which one do you recommend? PLEASE RESPOND.

[@muridalcars]

+TheATTKGaming yes the z3 and z5 overheat and are not as well built as this but you are better off getting this z2 I am using it right now and the only problems you will face is depending on what you do

[@smashbro5]

The complaint about the call quality was confusing, because I watched Android Authority's review and they said it wasn't a problem.

[@ismailzabeehullah1812]

my favorite about xperia z2 is its unibody design with glass finish , rear camera , big FHD display with better viewing angles compare to z1 and its water & dust proof feature last but not least the cool rist band that comes with the phone

[@FernandoJFDSilva]

Thank you Micheal for this great review, fantastic Phone! !

[@andybcampos]

wait so you can record and take pictures underwater?

[@NOTTODAY0009]

Yep!

[@The-illuminated]

@@NOTTODAY0009 it's the.future, wake up jimmy that's old tech now.

[@The-illuminated]

Both of you wake up now it's the future. I came from the future with this song. Song of dreams. I come from the future with this song. Song to bless you all. I come from the future with this song. Song to make you cry. Ahahaha hahahaha hahaahahahaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa haha.

[@SoWhereWeEating]

Finally! A tech journo company willing to say it like it is. The z2 is a great phone. I hate when people point out the slightest issues for overall great piece of kit and then give it a ridiculously low score. Verge gives it a 7.2 what are they smoking.