The Xperia XZ2 is Sony’s big flagship smartphone of 2018, at least until the big IFA expo at
the end of August when the Xperia XZ3 is expected to launch.
This handset was the first to rock Sony’s fresh glass design work, as well as snazzy
new features such as a 4K HDR-ready camera - and I really liked it when it first launched
a few months back, even if some of those features seemed a wee bit superfluous.
I’ve been using the Xperia XZ2 on and off, in between reviewing other phones, and recently
I slapped on the Android P beta to get an idea of what to expect when Google’s latest
OS rolls out.
So is the XZ2 still well worth a purchase, or should you wait for the XZ3?
Here’s my long-term Xperia XZ2 review.
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Even after all these months, I think the Xperia XZ2 is still one of my favourite smartphones
in terms of the look and feel.
It’s certainly not as streamlined or easy to handle as rivals like the Galaxy S9, and
it lacks the wow factor of the P20 Pro and its dazzling psychedelic rear.
Still, in a world filled with glossy notch-plagued smartphone clones, the XZ2 is different enough
to stand out from the crowd.
That curved back end catches the light just so and feels great in the hand, while the
attractive finish of this Deep Green model is very much pleasing to the eye.
Plus, the funfair mirror effect helps to keep small children entertained for ages - a definite
plus, as long as they don’t fumble and drop the bloody thing.
Thankfully the XZ2 also appears to be durable, despite that glass finish - I’m yet to see
any scratches or scuffs appear, despite never once slapping a case or cover on.
And as usual it’s fully water resistant, so you can browse a bit of Instagram in the
bath, orrrrr whatever you wanna do.
Of course, the Xperia XZ2 is still a bit of a handful compared with most of its rivals
- so you’ll want to make full use of the one-handed help whenever possible.
It’s also bloody heavy at almost 200g, not to mention quite a chunky monkey.
And don’t even bother trying to use it on a desk or other flat surface - this thing
skips about like a deranged kangaroo.
In fact, there really is a lot to dislike about the XZ2’s construction, which makes
it all the more bizarre that I find it so bloody appealing.
I guess it’s kind of like the love that a junkie has for a big back of crack - despite
all the bad stuff, I just can’t get enough.
However, one part of the design does still seriously irk me, despite my devotion - and
that’s the frankly ridiculous fingerprint sensor.
It works just fine, but it’s clearly been designed for some kind of freakish stubby-fingered
user - every time I grope for it, I end up fingering the camera lens by accident, and
wondering why the bloody thing isn’t turning on.
Please, Sony, sort this out for the Xperia XZ3!
Android Oreo was the original OS of choice and it worked a charm with Sony’s overlay,
offering plenty of bonus functionality.
However, the XZ2 is one of a few non-Google phones to support the Android P beta, so I
flashed the handset to check it out.
Unfortunately, the beta leaves an awful lot to be desired on this device.
Unlike the Pixel 2 with Android P, everything here seems to be a bit shonky or half-arsed.
Check out this ugly notifications bar for one, while pulling up the apps tray always
takes me a couple of stabs.
All of Sony’s bonus bits have been ripped out, while a fair bit of the standard Android
functionality simply doesn’t work.
Frankly, I’d say stay well away until the official rollout with all of Sony’s tweaks
lathered on top.
And for more on the authentic software experience on the Xperia XZ2, check out my full review
and tips and tricks guides over on Recombu.
For those patient enough to avoid the beta, Sony has done a great job of keeping the phone
up to date with the latest security patches and whatnot.
So here’s hoping an update to proper Android P won’t take too long.
Now onto one of the true highlights of the Xperia XZ2 - that gorgeous 5.7-inch IPS display.
This HDR-ready Triluminos panel sports the now typical 18:9 stretched aspect ratio and
it’s simply stunning when kicking back with some Netflix, YouTube or whatever.
Although the Full HD+ resolution can’t quite match those Quad HD+ rivals, you really can’t
complain about image sharpness.
Movies and pics look as crisp as a bag of Walkers, while you can fully adjust the display
output to suit your personal preferences - or at least, you can if you haven’t installed
the Android P beta.
Oh, fuck it, I’m done with this shit - bye bye beta!
Ahh, that’s better.
The stereo speakers are still among the best for modern mobiles, although the lack of a
headphone jack is a serious pain in the ass when my Bluetooth set dies.
And of course, I never seem to have the bundled adaptor on me when that happens - little bastard.
No worries when it comes to storage though, you can carry flipping bucketloads of albums
and movies about thanks to the 64 gigs of storage, and the support for microSD memory
cards up to 64 gigs in size.
And performance is still impeccable.
Surprisingly few handsets have Qualcomm’s power-packed Snapdragon 845 chipset stuffed
inside, but here it works a charm.
You can blast through the latest games including a bit of PubG on top detail levels, with a
perfectly smooth result.
And you also have future-proofed connectivity, thanks to that cutting-edge Qualcomm modem.
Battery life isn’t quite as strong as some rivals such as the Huawei P20 Pro however,
despite the energy efficient design of that Snapdragon platform.
I rarely run out of charge during a full day of use with the Xperia XZ2, although the Huawei
P20 Pro performs better, offering well over a day of play time.
And the battery performance doesn’t seem to be degrading, helped along by that smart
Qnovo tech which prevents overcharging.
Alongside the brilliant display, Sony’s excellent 19-megapixel Motion Eye camera is
another definite highlight, capturing gorgeous photos and videos in pretty much any conditions.
The only smartphone rival which I’ve been more impressed by is, again, the P20 Pro - which
is especially killer at night time.
I’ve already said all that needs saying in my full Xperia XZ2 camera review, so go
check that out for an in-depth run-down.
After much rambling, would I still recommend the XZ2 as 2018 rolls on?
Yeah, for sure - for all its faults, this is still a premium mobile through and through.
And while Huawei’s P20 Pro has it beat in many departments, this Sony blower is still
a beast when it comes to media, camera tech and all-round everyday performance.
And with the XZ3 due to launch soon, you can count on this handset going on sale quite
shortly.
Cheers for watching and let us know your own thoughts down below - if you own the XZ2,
are you still very much in love?
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