The European wait for the Sony Xperia Z4 continues as the Sony Xperia Z3+ lands as a minor update to the manufacturer’s existing flagship phone.
Building on the solid foundations of the Xperia Z3, the Z3+ has moved to adopt an improved processor, slimmer form factor and enhanced camera collection.
Bizarrely, however, despite the Z4 already being a thing of reality in Sony’s native Japan, the UK-bound device has adopted a new, even more incremental naming convention.
They added: “Xperia Z3 continues to perform well as our flagship device across the rest of the world and to address those customers that would like to have the very latest features and refinements, we have introduced Xperia Z3+ as a premium addition to our existing flagship Z3 series.”
Sony Xperia Z3+ Features
Fittingly for its minimalist array of improvements, the Z3+ has been given a low-key unveiling. Highlighting the phone’s standing as a minor update, the Z3+ retains the same 5.2-inch, 1080p Full HD display found on the Z3. There’s no LG G4 or Samsung Galaxy S6 rivalling QHD panel here.
Under the hood there are few minor tweaks, with Qualcomm’s much maligned 64-bit Snapdragon 810 processor being introduced in place of last year’s 801 chip. This is still paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
Despite featuring a design markedly similar to that of its predecessor, the Xperia Z3+ lines up 0.4mm slimmer thanks to its refined, 6.9mm form. This sees it branded the company’s slimmest ever flagship handset. The phone’s weight has also dropped from 152g to 144g.
A small body means a smaller battery, with a 2,900mAh offering replacing the Z3’s 3,100mAh power supply. Despite the scaled-down battery, Sony still promises two-day’s use on a single charge.
The phone’s other big design change is the move to a capless USB port. Echoing the MWC introduced Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet, the Z3+ has retained impressive waterproof credentials while doing away with the Z3’s port-protecting flaps.
Around back, the same 20.7-megapixel camera from past models is retained. Up front, however, an improved, low-light-liking 5-megapixel snapper has been added.
Sadly, that’s where the differences end. The phone runs Android 5.0 Lollipop direct from the box and will be offered up in a selection of colours – including copper, black, white and blue.
Sony Xperia Z3+ Release Date and Price
Despite having confirmed the device, Sony has yet to confirm precise launch plans for the Xperia Z3+. Similarly, finalised pricing is still up in the air.
However, based on its standing as a flagship update, we wouldn’t expected to see the device play too nice with our bank balances.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
