The Sony Xperia XZ3, launched in August 2018, marked a significant shift for Sony’s flagship lineup, introducing the company’s first OLED display and a refined design. Priced at around $800-$900, it aimed to compete with premium smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S9, Huawei P20 Pro, LG G7 ThinQ, and OnePlus 6. The XZ3 excels in display quality and audio, leveraging Sony’s Bravia and audio expertise, but its single-lens camera and average battery life hinder its ability to outshine competitors. This review explores its hardware, software, performance, and how it stacks up in its price range.
Hardware Specifications
Design and Build
- Dimensions: 158 x 73 x 9.9 mm
- Weight: 193 grams
- Build: Glass front and back (Corning Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
- Durability: IP65/68 water and dust resistance
- Colors: Black, White Silver, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red
The Xperia XZ3 adopts a sleek, curved design with a glass-metal construction, moving away from Sony’s boxy OmniBalance aesthetic. The curved edges and glass back give it a premium feel, resembling the Samsung Galaxy S9, though the 9.9 mm thickness and slippery glass make it less ergonomic than some rivals. The side-mounted power button, volume rocker, and dedicated camera button are well-placed, but the rear fingerprint scanner’s positioning is awkward for some users. IP65/68 certification ensures robust water and dust resistance.
Display
- Type: 6.0-inch OLED, 18:9 aspect ratio, HDR support
- Resolution: 1440 x 2880 (QHD+), 537 ppi
- Brightness: ~600 nits (no auto brightness boost)
- Features: Bravia-engineered, TRILUMINOS, X-Reality, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, no notch
The XZ3’s OLED display, a first for Sony, is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, surpassing the LCDs of predecessors like the XZ2 and rivals like the LG G7 ThinQ. Leveraging Sony’s Bravia TV technology, it delivers stunning visuals for HDR content on platforms like Netflix, though some reviews note color shifts at curved edges and less accurate calibration compared to AMOLED displays like the Galaxy S9’s. The absence of a notch gives it a distinctive, clean look.
Processor and Performance
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm, Octa-core: 4×2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4×1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
- GPU: Adreno 630
- RAM: 4 GB or 6 GB (depending on region)
- Storage: 64 GB (UFS 2.1), expandable via microSD (up to 512 GB, shared with second SIM slot in dual-SIM models)
The Snapdragon 845 ensures top-tier performance, handling demanding tasks like gaming (e.g., Tekken, PUBG) and multitasking with ease, comparable to the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6. However, the 4 GB RAM variant may lag slightly in heavy multitasking compared to competitors with 6 GB or more. Storage is adequate, with microSD support adding flexibility, though the shared SIM slot limits dual-SIM users.
Camera
- Rear Camera: Single 19 MP (f/2.0, 25mm wide, 1/2.3”, 1.22µm, PDAF, laser AF, EIS, OIS)
- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama, 960fps super slow-motion, 4K@30fps, predictive capture, AI enhancements
- Front Camera: 13 MP (f/1.9, 23mm wide, 1/3.06”, EIS)
- Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@960fps (slow-motion)
The single-lens rear camera, a rarity among 2018 flagships, performs well in bright light, capturing sharp details and vibrant colors. However, it struggles in low light, with noise and limited dynamic range compared to the Huawei P20 Pro’s triple-camera system or the Galaxy S9’s variable aperture. The 960fps super slow-motion is a standout, but capturing the right moment is tricky. The 13 MP front camera is an improvement over the XZ2’s 5 MP, offering better selfies but lacking advanced features like face unlock. The camera app’s auto-focus can be slow, and the faux-bokeh mode produces noticeable fringing, underperforming compared to the Google Pixel 2.
Battery
- Capacity: 3,330 mAh
- Charging: 18W fast charging (Quick Charge 3.0), Qi wireless charging
- Battery Life: ~5 hours screen-on time, ~9 hours standby
Battery life is adequate but unremarkable, lasting a day with moderate use but requiring a charge by evening under heavy use. The 3,330 mAh capacity is slightly larger than the XZ2’s but struggles with the power-hungry OLED and Snapdragon 845. Competitors like the Huawei P20 Pro (4,000 mAh) offer better endurance. Fast charging is decent, but the OnePlus 6’s 20W Dash Charge is faster.
Audio
- Speakers: Stereo with S-Force Front Surround, Dynamic Vibration System
- Headphone Jack: No 3.5mm jack (USB-C to 3.5mm adapter included)
- Features: Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, aptX HD, Dolby Atmos (via update)
The XZ3’s audio is a strong suit, with stereo speakers delivering immersive sound, enhanced by the Dynamic Vibration System, which syncs vibrations to media for a tactile experience (e.g., during movies like Jaws). The lack of a 3.5mm jack is a drawback, but the included adapter and LDAC support ensure high-quality audio for wired and wireless headphones, rivaling the LG G7 ThinQ’s Quad DAC.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, MIMO
- Bluetooth: 5.0, aptX HD
- Cellular: LTE Cat. 18 (up to 1,200 Mb/s download, 225 Mb/s upload)
- Other: NFC, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, Google Cast, Wi-Fi Miracast, GPS (A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS)
The XZ3 offers robust connectivity, with solid Wi-Fi performance (624 Mb/s receive, 481 Mb/s transmit in tests) and broad LTE band support for near-global coverage. The absence of an FM radio is a minor omission.
Software Specifications
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable to Android 10, though some XZ3 units faced issues post-update)
- User Interface: Xperia UI (lightly customized Android)
- Features:
- Side Sense (edge gestures for app access, e.g., double-tap to launch apps)
- Predictive capture, 3D Creator
- Smart launch (camera auto-activates when raised horizontally)
- Always-on display, customizable themes
- Minimal bloatware, Google Assistant integration
Sony’s Xperia UI is close to stock Android, ensuring smooth performance and timely updates. Android 9.0 Pie out of the box was a first for non-Google devices in 2018, offering gesture navigation and adaptive battery features. Side Sense, allowing edge taps or swipes for quick access, is innovative but inconsistent. The camera’s smart launch and predictive capture add convenience, though the latter’s AI is less advanced than competitors. Some users reported software bugs after the Android 10 update, particularly on XZ3 and XZ2 models.
Performance and User Experience
The Xperia XZ3 delivers flagship-grade performance, with the Snapdragon 845 handling gaming, multitasking, and 4K video playback smoothly. The OLED display is a game-changer, offering a cinematic experience for media consumption. Audio quality, both via speakers and headphones, is exceptional, appealing to audiophiles. However, the single-lens camera underperforms in low light and lacks the versatility of multi-lens competitors. Battery life is a weak point, and the slippery design may frustrate some users. Side Sense and smart launch features are novel but not fully reliable, making the XZ3 feel like a refinement of the XZ2 rather than a revolutionary leap.
Comparison with Other Smartphones in the Same RangePriced at $800-$900, the Xperia XZ3 competed with the Samsung Galaxy S9, Huawei P20 Pro, LG G7 ThinQ, and OnePlus 6. Below is a comparison table:
| Feature | Sony Xperia XZ3 | Samsung Galaxy S9 | Huawei P20 Pro | LG G7 ThinQ | OnePlus 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD, 2018) | $800-$900 | $720-$800 | $900-$950 | $750-$790 | $529-$579 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 845 (Exynos 9810 in some regions) | Kirin 970 | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB/64GB, 6GB/64GB, microSD (512GB) | 4GB/64GB, microSD (400GB) | 6GB/128GB, no microSD | 4GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB, microSD (2TB) | 6GB/64GB, 8GB/128GB, no microSD |
| Display | 6.0” OLED, 1440×2880, ~600 nits, HDR | 5.8” Super AMOLED, 2960×1440, ~1,000 nits, HDR10 | 6.1” OLED, 2240×1080, ~600 nits, HDR10 | 6.1” IPS LCD, 3120×1440, 1,000 nits, HDR10 | 6.28” Optic AMOLED, 2280×1080, ~600 nits |
| Rear Camera | 19MP (f/2.0, wide, OIS, EIS) | 12MP (f/1.5-2.4, wide, OIS) | 40MP (f/1.8, wide) + 20MP (f/1.6, mono) + 8MP (f/2.4, tele) | 16MP (f/1.6, wide) + 16MP (f/1.9, ultra-wide) | 16MP (f/1.7, wide) + 20MP (f/1.7, secondary) |
| Front Camera | 13MP (f/1.9) | 8MP (f/1.7) | 24MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/1.9) | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 3,330 mAh, 18W fast, wireless charging | 3,000 mAh, 15W fast, wireless charging | 4,000 mAh, 22.5W fast, no wireless | 3,000 mAh, 18W fast, wireless charging | 3,300 mAh, 20W fast, no wireless |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dynamic Vibration, no 3.5mm | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack | Single speaker, no 3.5mm jack | Boombox speaker, Hi-Fi Quad DAC, 3.5mm jack | Single speaker, no 3.5mm jack |
| Durability | IP65/68, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP68, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP67, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP68, MIL-STD-810G, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP68 (unofficial), Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Software | Android 9.0 Pie, Xperia UI, up to Android 10 | Android 8.0, Samsung Experience, up to Android 10 | Android 8.1, EMUI, up to Android 10 | Android 8.0, LG UX, up to Android 10 | Android 8.1, OxygenOS, up to Android 11 |
| Unique Features | OLED Bravia display, Side Sense, 960fps slow-motion | Variable aperture camera, Bixby button | Triple camera, Night mode | Super bright LCD, AI Cam, Quad DAC | Dash Charge, budget-friendly price |
| Drawbacks | Single camera, average battery, slippery design | Slightly higher price, less RAM | No wireless charging, no 3.5mm jack | Average battery, slow AI Cam | No microSD, no wireless charging |
Analysis
- Performance: The Snapdragon 845 ensures comparable performance across all devices, though the Kirin 970 in the P20 Pro is slightly less powerful in GPU tasks.
- Display: The XZ3’s OLED is vibrant and notch-free, rivaling the P20 Pro and Galaxy S9’s AMOLED displays but falling short of the G7’s brightness. The OnePlus 6’s lower-resolution AMOLED is less impressive.
- Camera: The P20 Pro’s triple-camera system dominates in low light and zoom, while the Galaxy S9’s variable aperture offers versatility. The XZ3’s single lens and the G7’s dual lenses are less competitive, and the OnePlus 6’s dual camera is solid but unremarkable.
- Battery: The P20 Pro’s 4,000 mAh battery leads, followed by the XZ3 and OnePlus 6. The G7 and S9’s 3,000 mAh batteries underperform.
- Audio: The XZ3 and G7 excel, with the XZ3’s Dynamic Vibration System and the G7’s Quad DAC standing out. The S9 retains a 3.5mm jack, while the P20 Pro and OnePlus 6 are weaker in audio.
- Value: The OnePlus 6 offers the best value, while the P20 Pro justifies its price with camera prowess. The XZ3’s price is competitive but less compelling than the S9’s polish or G7’s features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning 6.0-inch OLED display with Bravia technology
- Excellent stereo speakers with Dynamic Vibration System
- Clean Xperia UI with Android 9.0 Pie out of the box
- Robust IP65/68 water and dust resistance
- MicroSD support for expandable storage
Cons
- Single-lens camera lags in low light and dynamic range
- Average battery life for a flagship
- Slippery design and awkward fingerprint scanner placement
- Side Sense feature is inconsistent
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Verdict
The Sony Xperia XZ3 is a refined flagship with a breathtaking OLED display and top-notch audio, making it a dream for media enthusiasts. Its sleek design and near-stock Android experience add appeal, but the single-lens camera struggles against multi-lens competitors, and battery life is merely adequate. Priced at $800-$900, it’s a solid choice for Sony loyalists or those prioritizing display and audio quality, but the Huawei P20 Pro’s camera, the OnePlus 6’s value, or the Galaxy S9’s polish may sway buyers seeking a more complete package.Recommendation: Choose the XZ3 if you value a vibrant, notch-free OLED and audiophile-grade sound. For superior camera performance, opt for the P20 Pro; for value, the OnePlus 6 is unmatched; and for a balanced flagship, the Galaxy S9 is a safer bet.