Sony Xperia Z2 Pro Reviews

All in all, the LG G3 brings a lot of improvements to the flagship table: it’s got a sharper-than-before, Quad HD display, a well-performing optically-stabilized 13-megapixel camera, and a solid build that is also flexible with an easily removable back cover. Its admirable battery life is also a big plus. The Sony Xperia Z2, however, does not fall far behind - its 1080p display appears practically as sharp as the Quad HD one from regular viewing distance, and it has the more premium body, a very decent battery life, plus it’s water-proof. But best of all, the Z2 also has a great camera that captures impressive images. At this point, it’s time to call it a draw in terms of specs, and you can safely choose the one with the style and interface that you like better, without worrying that it might disappoint in terms of hardware performance.

While the Xperia Z2 is a rounded, capable smartphone that’s solid across nearly every area, it lacks a killer feature that makes it stand out from the crowd. Honestly, we couldn't find a single thing that the Z2 couldn't handle with aplomb, but at the same time it doesn’t do anything significantly better than the rest of the high-end pack. The Z2's design is great, but the One M8’s design is better. The display is great, but the Nexus 5 edges it out if ever so slightly. Even the camera is great, but it’s not leagues ahead of the Galaxy S5.

Committing to a six monthly update cycle means that Sony is improving faster than the rest of the field, and it needed to do that to catch up with the pack. The Xperia Z2 can go head-to-head with any smartphone on the market. This is a beautiful and powerful device that justifies the premium price tag. It will be too angular and unwieldy for some people, so a hands-on is advised before you buy. Sadly that might be a problem for Americans because the Z2 hasn’t been officially released stateside. Until Sony begins selling it directly, and carriers like T-Mobile pick it up, you’ll have to import the Xperia Z2. At north of $800, that might be a bridge too far right now.

The Xperia Z2 feels like the superior device in this battle of the 5.2-inch Android flagship phones. It’s got a sleek style to both its outwards appearance and software, a great overall performance, great camera and a super long lasting battery. The LG G2 is also a great performer that does not lack much in processing power, but its design feels less refined and the camera is a bit less capable. However, when it boils down to value-for-the-money, the LG G2 has got price on its side, as it can be found for an off-contract price of $400 (€350), while the Xperia Z2 can be had for a much heftier price north of $600 (€600). So do we have a winner in this Android battle of giants? If price is not a concern, the Xperia Z2 has got a clear advantage, but if you don’t want to pay the full cost of a new flagship, the G2 is one of the best value-for-the-money offers that still pack flagship-like specs.

In all, picking either of the two really boils down to what you're looking for in a device, and you'll need to do some serious soul-searching before you're able to diffuse the stalemate between the Sony Xperia Z2 and Samsung Galaxy S5.

Price-wise, the Sony Xperia Z2 and the HTC One (M8) rank among the most expensive smartphones money can buy right now, right along with other flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the iPhone 5s. But they're worth their price, given all the great features that both have to offer. Which one of the two you should pick, however, depends on your needs and taste. Both phones excel in the design department – you'll be drawing the eyes of people nearby upon taking either out of your pocket. We'd say that the HTC One (M8) fits a bit better in the palm, but the Z2 is still okay as large as it is, not to mention that it compensates for its size with a slightly larger screen and a water-resistant construction. And speaking of screens, the 5-incher on the HTC One (M8) is indeed an eye-pleasing one, and with more accurately represented colors compared to the 5.2-inch panel on the Z2. The latter has the advantage of being a tad larger and with better-represented whites, but its pumped up colors aren't as accurate. Then there's the performance of the two phones. Even though both pack the same silicon under their hoods, the HTC One (M8) feels slightly snappier, and we're guessing that the light-weight Sense UI has something to do with that. The Sony Xperia Z2 might feel slightly laggy if its home screens are too packed, but when it comes to, let's say, playing heavy games, Sony's flagship is in the same premier league together with the One (M8).

So there you have them – the relative strengths and weaknesses of the Sony Xperia Z2 and the Apple iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5s' aluminum design remains something of a benchmark, though it would be wrong to say that the Xperia Z2 isn't very close. The iPhone has the more accurate screen, but the one on the Xperia Z2 doesn't disappoint either, and is significantly larger at 5.2''. Of course, this comes at a price – Sony's flagship is less pocket-friendly and not as easy to use with a single hand. In terms of imaging, we have a pretty consistent stalemate, though there's a certain back-and-forth. For example, the iPhone 5s produces slightly more accurate, less-saturated snaps in daylight overall, but falters when it comes to low-light photography. That said, we do like the 5s' video samples more, though sound reproduction is not on par with the Z2. Lastly, the Xperia Z2 does offer much better battery longevity, and that's a big plus for anyone considering Sony's flagship, especially in this day and age. Overall, and we're again going back to this, picking either of this should prove a relatively simple affair as long as you know the type of form factor you're looking at. Looking for a large, captivating screen to watch movies, browse, and game on? Easy then, pick the Xperia Z2. Looking for a non size-crazed device that does everything just as flawlessly? Then go for the iPhone 5s.

Sony proves that big really is beautiful - the Xperia Z2 provides a long-lasting alternative to Samsung and HTC

At the end of the day, the Xperia Z2 is just what we expected it to be – an amazing all-round performer that can deliver great experiences in each and every category – from screen, to camera, and beyond. The Xperia Z2 isn't really perfect in any of the components that we've gone through, but it's pretty damn good. It's one of the very best Android smartphones at the moment, and there are real reasons why you should prefer it next to most of its competitors – like its exquisite design and streamlined user interface that's almost completely free from unnecessary features that shouldn't be a part of the core package. Good job, Sony!

Although not much has changed from the Xperia Z1, the Xperia Z2 is another solid effort from Sony. The smartphone is a good all-rounder with a great screen, camera, build quality and performance. We just wish it wasn't quite so bulky.

A few minor improvements and a huge battery life make this a better phone than the Z1, but it's not enough to make it stand out from the rest competition