Review: Sony Xperia Z3 for T-Mobile
There's no doubt in my mind that the Xperia Z3 is Sony's best chance to win over American consumers. It's a solid device through-and-through. It's well designed, well made, and has a great mix of features that should appeal to media-minded users.
The screen is great, the battery life is very good, but I thought signal and voice performance could be stronger. The hardware is, otherwise, top notch. Not every phone can claim to be waterproof and that definitely helps the Z3 sit apart from the crowd. Some potential buyers may not like the sealed-in battery, but I don't mind it.
The Android KitKat operating system provides a solid framework and familiar apps for managing communications. Sony's UI skin isn't overly heavy-handed and leaves the device with plenty of room for customization. Many of Sony's apps, such as the Walkman, Gallery, and Video Player, surpass those created by Google. Toss in the Z3's compatibility with the PS4, and you have a compelling Sony story.
Sony stepped up the performance of other core features. The camera impresses and the Snapdragon processor breathes fire at every turn. T-Mobile made its own mark, too, with solid additions such as WiFi Calling.
If you're invested in the PlayStation and other Sony services, the Z3 is a no-brainer. If you're not, it's still a competitive Android smartphone that offers a little something different. Those with an eye for high-end smartphones would do well to consider the Sony Xperia Z3. It's Sony's best yet.
Our Ratings
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Sony Xperia Z3
