Sony Xperia Z5

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Begins to Land on Sony Xperia Z5 (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 8, 2016 | 0 comments

For the past month, Sony has been weirdly launching Android 5.1 Lollipop for a handful of devices which led many to believe that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is still some time away. While it might be for those handsets, it’s looking like the flagship Sony Xperia Z5 family is starting to get Android 6.0.

The OTA firmware update is said to have started reaching Sony Xperia Z5 handsets in Turkey and will soon reach the Xperia Z5 Compact and the Xperia Z5 Premium models. The update was finalised for the three handsets almost three weeks ago, as per a Facebook post made by Sony Xperia Turkey fan page.

Sony has yet to confirm the arrival of the new OS on their support page but it’s looking like we won’t have to wait much longer for Marshmallow. Few more details after the jump.

Update:

It looks like this news is fake unless anybody has more concrete evidence.

Sony Xperia Z5 Carrier Options for US Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 28, 2016 | 8 comments

The Sony Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are headed to the US. Unfortunately, when they arrive next month, they’ll be coming with no carrier support or fingerprint sensor. That means that you’ll have to purchase the flagship handsets at full price and get a SIM card for your preferred carrier. The upside is that at least you won’t have to worry about being stuck on a two year contract – though most US carriers are dropping those which is how most of the world functions anyway.

After the jump, the Z5 carrier options and arrival date.

Sony Xperia Z5 & Z5 Compact Won’t Feature Fingerprint Sensors in US

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 15, 2016 | 6 comments

This is quite the baffling decision. Less than a day after revealing the advent of the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact to the US, it’s being reported that neither model will feature fingerprint sensors. Taking a line from Apple’s playbook, the entire Z5 family provides a fingerprint sensor that’s uniquely built on the phone’s power button. That is – if you live outside of the US.

More details after the jump.

Sony Mobile Teases Pink Xperia Z5?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 11, 2016 | 0 comments

Just before heading to CES, pictures leaked of what appeared to be the Sony Xperia Z5 in pink. Seeing how Sony in the past has launched pink and purple phones around the January/February time frame and the Xperia Z6 isn’t expected for at least another 6 months, it appeared a safe bet that we’d see the new color at announced at CES 2016.

Unfortunately for pink enthusiasts everywhere, no new Xperia Z5 in that color scheme was shown at the mega tech event. However, Sony has now taken to their Instagram feed to tease a series of pink photos that likely hint at the phone’s arrival. Best yet, whatever is set to be announced will take place tomorrow, meaning that a pink Xperia Z5 is likely right around the corner.

More pink photos for you, after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z5 Family Overview

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 7, 2016 | 0 comments

By now, you’re all likely quite familiar with Sony’s Xperia Z5 family which consists of the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium. However depending on where you live, like those of us in the US, you might not be getting the Z5 series for some time, if ever.

Having had a chance to finally see Sony’s flagship family in person, I decided to film a quick overview.

Sony Xperia Z4 & Z5 Series Gain Android 6.0 Firmware Certification

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 21, 2015 | 0 comments

Though unconfirmed, all signs point to Android 6.0 Marshmallow gearing up for release on Xperia Z4 (aka Xperia Z3+) and Xperia Z5 series. Certified recently by the Wi-Fi Alliance in Japan, the update allows for Android 6.0 to make its way to the

Sony Xperia Z5 on NTT docomo (SO-01H), SoftBank (501SO) and au (SOV32) as well as the NTT docomo Xperia Z5 Premium (SO-03H). The latest Android version was also certified for the Xperia Z4 on NTT docomo (SO-03G), SoftBank (402SO) and au (SOV31).

So does this mean Android 6.0 is around the corner?

Sony Xperia Z5 Receiving New Camera App UI

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 27, 2015 | 0 comments

For the Xperia Z5 series which includes the Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium, Sony is releasing a new camera app with a refreshed UI. The new Camera 2.0 update

brings a minimalist interface and new features designed to make capturing the best shots and accessing Xperia Camera apps even easier.

More after the jump, including what the new app does and the weird limitations of it.

Sony Xperia Z5 Gains Pre-order Status in Singapore & Hong Kong

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 25, 2015 | 1 comment

In the past two months, Sony unfolded a fairly aggressive rollout strategy for their high-end mid-range Xperia C5 Ultra and Xperia M5 throughout Asia. With the phone have launched in many of its intended countries, the Japanese giant is now turning its attention towards its most recent flagship device, the Xperia Z5 family.

Beginning today, those in Singapore and Hong Kong can pre-order the Xperia Z5 with a lot of goodies to go along with them. After the jump, we reveal the bonus add-ons and Z5 pricing.

Purchase the Xperia Z5, Get a Free Hi-Res Audio Headset

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 24, 2015 | 1 comment

To help kick off the arrival of the Xperia Z5 family, Sony is providing different promotions to entice would-be buyers to take a hard look at their latest flagship models. In the Nordics, purchasing an Xperia Z5 will get you a free pair of Sony MDR-10RC headphones, while those in France will be able to get the Hi-Res Audio Headset MDR-NC750 for free.

More details after the jump.

Sony Offers More Details on ‘Made for Bond’ Campaign

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 24, 2015 | 0 comments

To promote their soon-to-be-released Xperia Z5 flagship family, Sony is tapping into their film roots with a ‘Made for Bond’ campaign. For those not aware, Spectre, the fourth 007 flick with Daniel Craig at the helm is produced by none other than Sony Pictures which makes for a more lucrative cross promotion.

Last week, I wasn’t too kind on the ‘short film’ styled ad which features actress Naomie Harris, who plays Moneypenny. I called the piece a bit tone deaf and I’m not sure I’m ready to change my thoughts on it (though I’d love to hear yours). Now, Sony is pulling back the curtain on the ad which was shot on Sony’s F65 professional 4K cinema camera.

After the jump, more information about the cinematic ad and its close roots to the Bond franchise with comments from Sony CEO Kaz Hirai.

A Day & Night With the Sony Xperia Z5

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 23, 2015 | 0 comments

To go along with the Xperia Z5 unveiling and hype, Sony has released a near 7-minute video where they put their latest flagship to the test. Hosted by Maddie Moate, a self proclaimed “technology presenter and YouTube educator,” we see the Xperia Z5 used in a series of differing real world scenarios like going down the streets of Berlin in a bumpy and colorful Trabant to help showcase the phones SteadyShot Intelligent Active Mode and 0.03s hybrid autofocus.

More after the jump, including the video.

Sony’s Xperia Z5 “Best Camera” Video is “Techfusing”

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 18, 2015 | 2 comments

Sony has released a new video to promote and educate us about the camera and technology that’s built into the Xperia Z5. In the video, Sony goes as far as to claim that the Z5 offers the

best camera in a leading smartphone

That’s a large claim, but who am I to judge? Instead, what I find confusing and borderline stupid is frankly the entire video that’s all tech in a confusing manner, hence “techfusing.” I’m not sure who the video is aimed at but throughout the one minute video, we’re treated to dazzling/unnecessary sound effects, long drawn out visuals, and a lack of narrative on why we should care about what’s happening on screen, other than the reason that these things will make your photos better.

The offending video and my thoughts can be found after the jump.

SteadyShot Shown Off on Xperia Z5

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 17, 2015 | 0 comments

It may have not been the most scientific test but a video from IFA 2015 compared the image stabilization found in the Xperia Z5 against its predecessor, the Xperia Z3. Now, Sony has stepped into the ring by showcasing its SteadyShot Intelligent Active Mode which can be found on all three Xperia Z5 models.

It’s worth noting that neither model offers OIS (optical image stabilization) which is done via hardware and instead, rely on the SteadyShot software to help stabilize the video. In short, the results are pretty impressive, showcasing the power of the algorythem Sony is utilizing which in turn will allow for far smoother videos when you’re on the move.

After the jump, a video which pits two Xperia Z5 models against each other. One with SteadyShot turned on and one with it off.

Sony Xperia Z5 is “Made for Bond” or Something

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 16, 2015 | 0 comments

Long before the Xperia Z5 family was unveiled, there were rumors of the next flagship Sony smartphone appearing in Spectre, the upcoming James Bond film. With the phones having now been unveiled, Sony Mobile is running an advertisement campaign with the slogan “Made for Bond.”

After the jump, let’s talk about the 1 minute ad which can also be found there.

Sony Xperia Z5 Series Supports Manual Camera Settings

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 16, 2015 | 4 comments

One of the flagship features on the newly announced Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium is their 23-megapixel front shooter that’s capable of focusing anywhere on screen in just 0.03 seconds. With smartphones replacing our compact cameras and perhaps even our DSLR in our daily lives, the camera on a smartphone is perhaps the most important feature. To that end, the camera on the Xperia Z5 series needs to not only shine, but perhaps offer a few extra functionalities for those who crave more than just an auto setting.

Luckily, Sony has just the thing in store for us.