Sony Xperia XZ1
Samsung Note8, Sony Xperia XZ1, LG V30 Earn Netflix HDR
Netflix recently added the Samsung Galaxy Note8, Sony Xperia XZ1, and the LG V30 to the short list of those able to play back high-definition video in HDR. High-dynamic range content offers better contrast than standard content. The only other handsets capable of supporting Netflix HDR are the LG G6 and Xperia XZ Premium, which have the needed HDR displays. In order to view HDR content on these handsets, owners have to subscribe to the $12 premium Netflix plan (streaming on four screens and ultra HD resolution). They'll also have to ensure the latest version of the app is installed on their phone, and select "high definition" for video playback quality.
Hands On with the Sony Xperia XZ1
Sony's latest flagship smartphone is the Xperia XZ1. The phone largely carries over the design we saw on last year's XZ handset, but manages to stuff the chassis with a slew of new and exciting camera tricks that make a compelling case for the XZ1. Here are our initial impressions.
Sony's Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact Let You Scan 3D Objects
Sony today announced the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact smartphones, two metal-clad flagships that pair novel features with classic Sony looks. The phones share nearly all specs and capabilities, with the XZ1 Compact downgrading only a few components due to its smaller size. Both phones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage. The most important feature offered by the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact is the camera, which is a 19-megapixel Exmor RS memory stacked image sensor, the same one found on the XZ Premium from earlier this year. It is able to capture slow-motion video at 960 frames per second and includes a predictive capture mode, autofocus burst, anti-distortion shutter, predictive hybrid autofocus, and 5-axis optical image stabilization. The front camera has a 13-megapixel sensor with f/2.0 aperture and a wide-angle lens. The XZ1 and XZ1 Compact include Sony's new 3D Creator app, which lets people scan objects using the devices' cameras. The software runs in four modes: face, head, food, or freeform, allowing you to capture 360-degree views of just about anything. The resulting 3D images can be shared via most messaging platforms and users can enhance them with stickers, use them as avatars, or even send them to 3D printers for printing. Other shared features between the phones include support for LDAC, digital noise cancellation, stereo speakers with front surround recording, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, and WiFi. Both phones include a 2,700mAh battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. They rely on Qualcomm's X16 modem and support wireless data speeds up to 1 Gbps. The phones are rated IP68 for protection against water and dust. The XZ1 features Sony's loop metal design language and has a 5.2-inch HDR display with the Sony Bravia Engine and full HD resolution. It goes on sale September 19 for $700. The XZ1 Compact relies on Sony's blocky compact design made from glass fiber and has a 4.6-inch 720p display. It goes on sale October 4 for $600. Sony says the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact will be the first phones to ship with Android 8 Oreo.
