Phones Sony announces the stylus-friendly, 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra with Snapdragon 800

[The Game 161]

Sony today at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai entered the world of the gianormous smartphone with the oversized, ultra-powered (and aptly named)*Xperia Z Ultra.

The Xperia Z Ultra is a 6.4-inch monster with a 1080p display that works with a stylus (or any pencil, Sony says), runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is powered by Qualcomm's latest, the Snapdragon 800 processor. Sony is heralding the phone as the "world's slimmest and largest full HD smartphone." At 6.5 mm, it's not quite as thin as the 6.18 mm Huawei Ascend P6 we got a look at last week, that's where the "largest full HD smartphone" comes in. (The full press release, which you can read after the break, is loaded with such caveats.)

Other specs of note include an 8-megapixel camera, a 3,000 mAh battery and 16 gigabytes of internal storage, with about 11 GB available to the user, and a microSD card slot for extra space. (Props to Sony for being up-front about the usable storage space.) It's loaded with Sony customizations and entertainment options.

The Xperia Z Ultra will be available in the third quarter (which starts next week, by the way), in black, white or purple.

The new Xperia™ Z Ultra: The world’s slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display*

6.4” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate big screen entertainment experience
Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust-resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance
Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen
Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and one-touch connectivity
Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery life
25th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces the next revolution in premium large-screen Android smartphone entertainment. The new Xperia Z Ultra is waterproof**, ultra-slim with a lightweight design so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. It’s the first smartphone ever to incorporate a Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by Sony’s latest X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine to deliver the most immersive viewing experience imaginable. Additionally, the Xperia Z Ultra will also feature the fully integrated Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs, 4GLTE and HD voice to provide a seamless connected entertainment experience, industry-leading battery performance and amazing speed.

“The Xperia Z Ultra is the most exciting revolution in large-screen smartphone entertainment devices with both the slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display* in the world that is second to none.” said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “We’re already bringing the best of Sony technology and design across a range of premium smartphones and tablets, and now we are bringing this same premium offering to the large-screen smartphone segment, setting a new standard for others to follow.”

The world’s largest Full HD smartphone display*

Xperia Z Ultra features a 6.4” touchscreen Full HD display with Sony’s unique TRILUMINOS® Display for mobile, creating a wider palette of rich natural colours thanks to Sony’s BRAVIA TV expertise. The breakthrough technology includes X-Reality™ for mobile - Sony’s intelligent super resolution display technology which analyzes each image and reproduces lacking pixels to optimize quality for the sharpest videos. It analyses elements depending on the scene and adjusts them based on pattern, outline and colour composition. It also strengthens subtle patterns and accurately portrays their detailed feel, as well as reinforcing bold outlines. The large Full HD display has been optimised to experience at least 60%*** more of the screen than most other smartphones.

The world’s slimmest Full HD smartphone*

Xperia Z Ultra is supremely slim and lightweight with a beautifully crafted 6.5mm body and weighing just 212 grams for ultimate portability. Sony craftsmanship in design and attention to detail comes to the fore with clean lines and premium materials – the front and back are made of tempered glass, creating a seamless surface with the OptiContrast™ panel housed in an innovative solid metal frame which looks stunning from any angle. It features the same acclaimed OmniBalance design as Xperia Z and Tablet Z. The Xperia Z Ultra is available in a choice of black, white or purple colour finishes.

The only waterproof Full HD smartphone**Xperia Z Ultra is both elegant and durable. With an impressive rating of IP55 and IP58, this smartphone isn’t only resistant to dust, but is waterproof** too – giving you the freedom to enjoy it anywhere. You can even film in Full HD underwater, taking your large-screen smartphone experience to a new level. The camera features “Exmor RS for mobile”, HDR for both photos and film, and Superior Auto mode automatically activates HDR and noise reduction when needed, so you’ll get stunning imagery even in challenging light conditions.

Ultimate entertainment experience

The Xperia Z Ultra is uniquely positioned to offer the ultimate big screen phone entertainment experience for watching movies, playing games, reading books and browsing the web.

Sony’s “WALKMAN”, Album and Movies media applications enable discovery of online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content.

The “WALKMAN” application leverages Sony’s audio engine and Facebook integration for sharing and discovering new music and is unique in that it provides seamlessly integrated access to all your downloaded music as well as access to a global library of over 20 million songs2 from Sony’s cloud-based subscription music service, Music Unlimited3.

The Movies application brings new intuitive ways to discover, manage and play movie content, together with easy access to an extensive library of blockbuster movies and the latest TV episodes from the Video Unlimited2 service.

The Album application provides seamless integration with the PlayMemories Online2 service, letting you access all your photos and albums from within the Album app instantly and easily, wherever you are. You can even set an automatic upload of your photos to the PlayMemories Online service to access and enjoy from any your favourite Sony devices.

The Sony Reader app2 provides seamless Reader store2 access so you can download and enjoy the latest bestsellers – it even lets you sync purchased books in popular formats and continue reading from same page.
Xperia Z Ultra will include an exclusive free entertainment content offer, including a free trial of the Music Unlimited2 service (subject to availability).

Ultimate performance with the world’s fastest smartphone processor****

The Xperia Z Ultra features the world’s fastest smartphone processor**** - the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with HD voice, that together with Sony´s audio Sony’s ClearAudio+ mode and Xloud loudness enhancement, delivers not just exceptional speed and performance, but also unsurpassed voice and audio quality.

Battery STAMINA Mode significantly improves the standby time of your smartphone by four times or more1 as it recognises when you’re not using your display and automatically turns off the functions you don’t need, while keeping the notifications you want. As soon as you press the power button to wake up your screen, everything is up and running again.

Built for business

The Xperia Z Ultra is the ideal business partner thanks to the super responsive screen with handwriting recognition which is compatible with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm). You can even write notes or sketches during calls so you’ll always be ready capture your ideas as they happen. The easy-toggle keyboard makes it ideal for one-handed input and multi-tasking, with small apps to help you improve productivity so you don’t lose time browsing between windows.

The robust security architecture safeguards both your corporate and personal data, with support for multiple accounts that are quick and simple to set up. Further business oriented applications will be made available in future as software updates, ensuring you get the best smartphone experience - whether for work or play.

Ultra connectivity

With one-touch functions you can instantly and easily share music, photos and videos from your smartphone to a wide range of NFC-enabled Sony devices, including speakers, SmartWatch, wireless headsets and TVs. There are several new and innovative accessories joining the range of popular connected devices.

The SBH52 is a dynamic Smart Bluetooth™ Handset that provides easy hands-free call handling with a single press, while leaving your smartphone*conveniently in your bag. The OLED display conveniently lets you browse your call log, view text messages, and see who’s calling you. Use it as a quality stereo music headset to listen to your tracks or to the built-in standalone FM radio with RDS. Pairing and connecting is done simply by touching it to your Xperia Z Ultra or other NFC-enabled device. And it’s sleek, minimal design is splash-proof, meaning you can now use it anywhere, in any weather.

The latest generation of SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 SW2, helps you keep track of everything without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag. The SmartWatch 2 is a truly multifunctional digital watch and phone remote that lets you receive notifications, control your music, and connect with one-touch NFC to your Bluetooth™ headset for easy call handling. The water-resistant design makes it more versatile to use than ever and can be personalised with any standard watch strap. Use it as a standalone watch or with your smartphone. There are over 200 apps available for our first generation and with an open API we expect new applications will be developed quickly and easily for SmartWatch 2.

The Magnetic Charging Dock DK30 has an innovative magnetic pin that lets you to place your Xperia Z Ultra snugly in the dock using one hand, either with or without the phone cover on. While your phone is charging, it stands at a comfortable viewing angle easily allowing you to keep watching your favourite movies even while charging.

Xperia Z Ultra features

6.4” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate viewing experience
Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance
Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm)
8 megapixel camera with “Exmor RS for mobile” sensor and HDR for videos and photos
Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and connectivity
Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery life
The Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally from Q3 2013 (exact timing of availability will vary by market).

* Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service, as of 19th of June 2013 the Xperia Z Ultra is the slimmest smartphone with a Full HD display, for more information on Strategy analytics results go to: http://www.sonymobile.com/testresults

** As of 19th of June 2013, outside of Japan, the Xperia Z Ultra is the only waterproof smartphone with a Full HD display on global distribution. In compliance with IP55 and IP58, Xperia Z Ultra is protected against the ingress of dust and is waterproof. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 metre of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP55 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty will being void. Find out more http://www.sonymobile.com/testresults

*** Display area available compared to smartphones with a 5” display or smaller

**** Specifications of Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.2GHz processor verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 19th of June 2013, for more information on Strategy analytics results go to: http://www.sonymobile.com/testresults

1 Based on testing done with default settings, default accounts and applications for Skype™ and Twitter downloaded to the phone. The more applications installed, the bigger the effect of Battery STAMINA Mode.

2 Number of tracks available from this catalogue varies by country and may be less.

3 Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availability by region. Please visit http://www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details.
C
Via Android Central

Any thoughts?

 

[MRU]

Its a really nice tablet


Shame they had to drop to 8mp camera wise, and I wonder if they ave improved screen viewing angles / panel over the xperia Z....

Be interesting when we see it next to Note 3 & HTC Phablets ... Its gonna make S5 4" this year even more tiny.... I really wish Apple was releasing a 5" device.

 

[wrkactjob]

"Any thoughts?"

Yeah, too big.

Just how big will phones go?

I remember when mobile phones first came out, they were huge, then they got really small like the Motorola V series and men for the first time were proud to display how small something was that they owned, now they are just getting bigger and bigger....

 

[onthecouchagain]

"Any thoughts?"

Yeah, too big.

Just how big will phones go?

I remember when mobile phones first came out, they were huge, then they got really small like the Motorola V series and men for the first time were proud to display how small something was that they owned, now they are just getting bigger and bigger....

Oh good thing have other screen size options then.

 

[tbayrgs]

Well, sorry to be cliche but if you can't hold it up to ear to take/place a call without looking ridiculous, or comfortably carry it in your pocket, then it's too big to be called a phone. If I was OK with overlooking these two issues, then I'd rather just have a tablet and IMO, less than 7 inches is smaller than I'd prefer in a tablet.

I used a Note 2 for a while and found its size to be the limit for what I'd want in a phone so unless you can fit a 6.4” screen in a device the same size as the Note 2, not interested. This phone seems to fit the 'capable of many things, master of nothing' category.

I will clarify that the previous statements are merely my opinion so if this device hits your sweet spot, then lucky you.

 

[2298754]

Looks nice, but I wonder if it will have the same problems of the regular Z.

- poor screen quality (not vibrant, mediocre viewing angles)
- lackluster RF performance
- terrible battery life
- slow updates (4.2.2 finally came out for the Z recently)

 

[strausd]

Oh good thing have other screen size options then.

Not if you want a powerful device running Android. If you want a high end flagship with great hardware, you will have to get a device 4.7"+. Not really all that much choice. Either great hardware and huge screen, or crap hardware and smaller screen.

 

[tbayrgs]

Looks nice, but I wonder if it will have the same problems of the regular Z.

- poor screen quality (not vibrant, mediocre viewing angles)
- lackluster RF performance
- terrible battery life
- slow updates (4.2.2 finally came out for the Z recently)

Well, based on the hand-on demo over at AC, viewing angles appear to be greatly improved:

Sony's "Triluminos" display also impresses. Gone are the days of Sony phone screens offering lackluster colors and poor viewing angles - the company's latest 1080p panel offers rich blacks, wide viewing angles and vivid colors. The Ultra's 6.44-inch panel is right up there with the latest SuperLCD3 and SuperAMOLED offerings.

I'd also guess that with a 3050 mAh battery (vs. 2300 mAh in the Xperia Z), battery performance should be better.

It's actually a very good looking device. If Sony would add another 1.56", it would be a pretty ideal Android tablet.

 

[ChrisTX]

Not if you want a powerful device running Android. If you want a high end flagship with great hardware, you will have to get a device 4.7"+. Not really all that much choice. Either great hardware and huge screen, or crap hardware and smaller screen.

I have loved the larger screen sizes of the Android phones I have owned(S3/4, and Nexus 4) but the trade offs aren't worth it to me. 6"+ is just too big, and like you said. There are no high end offerings smaller than 4.7". I remember when the Evo 4G at 4.3" was considered a "Hummer phone" by Steve Jobs only a few years ago.

 

[TacticalDesire]

Not if you want a powerful device running Android. If you want a high end flagship with great hardware, you will have to get a device 4.7"+. Not really all that much choice. Either great hardware and huge screen, or crap hardware and smaller screen.

There's a massive difference between crap hardware and hardware that's not ultra high end.

 

[strausd]

There's a massive difference between crap hardware and hardware that's not ultra high end.

There is. But manufacturers also put most of their support effort into their flagship phones. You can't buy a 4.3" Android phone and expect it to get many updates, if any at all. Couple that with worse hardware compared to flagships and you are looking at an inferior device. Unfortunately that is nearly the same story with all phones under 4.7".

 

[onthecouchagain]

Not if you want a powerful device running Android. If you want a high end flagship with great hardware, you will have to get a device 4.7"+. Not really all that much choice. Either great hardware and huge screen, or crap hardware and smaller screen.

It's clear there is demand for larger devices. That's where their focus will obviously be. At least they are still making relatively nicely spec-ed mid-range mid-sized phones. HTC's One Mini, in particular, is well spec-ed for a mid-range phone. Hardly "crap" hardware.

I don't see how S4, Note II (soon Note III), Xperia Z Ultra, and the HTC One are not choices. They're all 4.7 and up and different in sizes and are high spec-ed for 2013.

I'd take these choices over a one size phone for two years with modest gains each year.

 

[macbook pro i5]

It's clear there is demand for larger devices. That's where their focus will obviously be. At least they are still making relatively nicely spec-ed mid-range mid-sized phones. HTC's One Mini, in particular, is well spec-ed for a mid-range phone. Hardly "crap" hardware.

I don't see how S4, Note II (soon Note III), Xperia Z Ultra, and the HTC One are not choices. They're all 4.7 and up and different in sizes and are high spec-ed for 2013.

I'd take these choices over a one size phone for two years with modest gains each year.

Thing is, there is no high end 4.3" Android phone. I'm fine with 4.7" on my Nexus 4 but I know people that simply cannot use the screen as they say "that big" I think 4.7" display is on the small side and I could go for either the G pro or Note 2 size

 

[onthecouchagain]

Thing is, there is no high end 4.3" Android phone. I'm fine with 4.7" on my Nexus 4 but I know people that simply cannot use the screen as they say "that big" I think 4.7" display is on the small side and I could go for either the G pro or Note 2 size

Yup. It's a shame there aren't high-end mid-sized phones. C'est la market.

And there won't be unless they begin selling really well, as well, or better than larger devices.

 

[macbook pro i5]

Yup. It's a shame there aren't high-end mid-sized phones. C'est la market.

And there won't be unless they begin selling really well, as well, or better than larger devices.

I don't like to use the 4" iPhone that I have, but 4.3" would be an excellent screen size IMO and Android manufacturers need to address this market.

 

[Technarchy]

Oh good thing have other screen size options then.

It's a Hobson's Choice if you want good hardware.

 

[fredaroony]

Looks nice, but I wonder if it will have the same problems of the regular Z.

- poor screen quality (not vibrant, mediocre viewing angles)
- lackluster RF performance
- terrible battery life
- slow updates (4.2.2 finally came out for the Z recently)

Funny because I find the screen fine but ok it's not as good as the HTC One.

RF performance is great.
Battery life is fine.
Like you said, 4.2.2 just came out so not sure what you mean by slow.

 

[Twixt]

Well, sorry to be cliche but if you can't hold it up to ear to take/place a call without looking ridiculous, or comfortably carry it in your pocket, then it's too big to be called a phone. If I was OK with overlooking these two issues, then I'd rather just have a tablet and IMO, less than 7 inches is smaller than I'd prefer in a tablet.

I used a Note 2 for a while and found its size to be the limit for what I'd want in a phone so unless you can fit a 6.4” screen in a device the same size as the Note 2, not interested. This phone seems to fit the 'capable of many things, master of nothing' category.

I will clarify that the previous statements are merely my opinion so if this device hits your sweet spot, then lucky you.

You assume that phoning feature is central point of smartphone usage. For many people phoning has become an anecdote...

 

[JaySoul]

I'd need to see it in real life but the bezels on the side look thin enough to make it pocketable.

The top/bottom bezels seem a bit unnaturally oversized, but they are probably hiding the guts.

Is it a 16:9 ratio?

 

[ChazUK]

With my upgrade due in august and Three UK already confirming they're getting the Z Ultra, I think I've found my next gadget.

<3

 

[viskon]

What I find interesting is that device can work with a regular pencil for a stylus. Looking forward to the hands on reviews. After reading reviews of the Xperia Z complain about the washed out display, I'm hoping this does better.

 

[strausd]

It's clear there is demand for larger devices. That's where their focus will obviously be. At least they are still making relatively nicely spec-ed mid-range mid-sized phones. HTC's One Mini, in particular, is well spec-ed for a mid-range phone. Hardly "crap" hardware.

I don't see how S4, Note II (soon Note III), Xperia Z Ultra, and the HTC One are not choices. They're all 4.7 and up and different in sizes and are high spec-ed for 2013.

I'd take these choices over a one size phone for two years with modest gains each year.

Those mentioned are choices. But choices only for certain sizes. If you want choices for a high end phone at 4.3", well you're out of luck.

Yes, there is some demand for 5"+ devices. But its hard to determine the demand for a 4.3" flagship when none exist. Much in the same way it was hard to determine the demand for 5"+ devices before the Galaxy Note. You can't say there is no demand for this kind of phone when there are no devices available to determine demand.

I have a Nexus 4, and I am 6'4 with large hands. But even at 4.7", it is not comfortable for 1 handed use. Your thumb just can't access the entire screen without changing to an uncomfortable position. So for those of us who want a high-end flagship at ~4.3-4.5", well we have no choices.

 

[mattopotamus]

With my upgrade due in august and Three UK already confirming they're getting the Z Ultra, I think I've found my next gadget.

Image

<3

Is that really a picture of the phone? Seriously, that is not pocketable.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Those mentioned are choices. But choices only for certain sizes. If you want choices for a high end phone at 4.3", well you're out of luck.

Yes, there is some demand for 5"+ devices. But its hard to determine the demand for a 4.3" flagship when none exist. Much in the same way it was hard to determine the demand for 5"+ devices before the Galaxy Note. You can't say there is no demand for this kind of phone when there are no devices available to determine demand.

I have a Nexus 4, and I am 6'4 with large hands. But even at 4.7", it is not comfortable for 1 handed use. Your thumb just can't access the entire screen without changing to an uncomfortable position. So for those of us who want a high-end flagship at ~4.3-4.5", well we have no choices.

How do you think we got to a 4.7-5" phone? We didn't just jump from 3.5 and 4 inchers to 5 inchers. Phones got larger and larger, and the demand/sales (I assume) got better as they got larger. Likewise, demand for smaller tablets came from the other way, and it was only inevitable until companies married phone features to tablet sizes.

It's not magic. It's the market.

I do agree I wish there are even more options for all sizes. It is a shame that my sister, who wants a mid-size phone, will have to settle for mid-range specs, but to call those specs "crap" (you've now changed it to "not high-end" which is far more accurate) is simply not true.

We have far more choices than we ever did before. Hopefully we'll have even more if these "mini" versions of the S4, HTC One, Moto XFon, etc. sell well. Google has also stated they're committed to bringing mid-size phones with higher end specs back into the game. Give it time and hope the market repsonds.

EDIT: How well is the Blackberry Z10 selling? I don't care personally but just curious.

 

[ChazUK]

Is that really a picture of the phone? Seriously, that is not pocketable.

I am a tall man (6 foot 2 inches, 1.8 metres tall) and I do walk around with my Nexus 7 or iPad Mini in my pocket.

I'll have zero issues with this I believe because of the above.