Sony Xperia Z2 Review: The Xperia Z1 Look-alike That Packs a Punch

Rating:

4.0/5

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PROS

• A Smartphone that's Feature Packed
• Impressive IPS LCD Screen
• 4K Recording and Great Photography
• 3GB RAM

CONS

• Heats Up Easily (With the Phone Going to Slumber Automatically)
• Sluggish at Times

Sony Xperia Z2 Review: Camera and Video

Again, similar to the Z1 before it, the camera module and its interface remains the same for the Z2. That being said, the Sony Xperia Z2 comes sporting one of the best camera offerings of 2014 with a 20.7MP G lens camera on its rear, with a single LED flash just below.

Here's some food for thought: With the 'Superior Auto' mode working, the Z2 will shoot images in 8MP and record videos in 1080p by default. While the sensor makes use of the full 20MP to capture a likewise image, it effectively downscales the image on final revelation.

The device has an impressive shutter key that makes capturing snaps as easy as ever. There are some new additions made to the camera as well. These include the new Timeshift Video which lets you slow down an entire clip or some portions of the video. Note that the video here will be restricted to 720p video.

Other than that, you also get a 2MP front facing snapper which comes with a "soft skin effect" option. Something similar to the beauty mode you find on other devices. The effect softens your skin tone to get rid of any marks, spots or wrinkles that might disrupt the image.

Photography in low light conditions with the Z2 is as impressive as ever. And by our standards, it offers much better clarity and tone compared to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8. Of course, there will come instances when some photos in low light might feel a bit muddy.

The device, itself, has a 1/2.3" Exmor RS sensor resulting in noise reduction in images. This produces crisp, clear photographs that you want from an end product.

Needless to say, Sony maintains its camera standards quite highly, and the Xperia Z2 isn't any different. The device does indeed produce great images, while performing exceptionally well outside in good sunlight conditions. The sensor is also capable of picking up most of the detail from a subject.

A special mention also needs to be made about the device's ability to support 4K videos. 4K offers images up to four times the normal resolution of traditional full HD. The Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3 are the other two notable handsets which deliver the same functionality.