Sony Xperia XZ is coming to US for a hefty $699.99 on October 2

Sony’s recently-announced Xperia XZ is coming to the US with a flagship price tag. The questions is: “Is the Xperia XZ worth the $699.99 price tag?”

Sony introduced the Xperia XZ and the Xperia X Compact early this month at IFA. With the Xperia Z series put to rest, Sony’s X lineup seems to be growing faster than ever. And if you are a die-hard Sony fan, you would be pleased to know that the Xperia XZ – the more powerful of the two that were introduced back in Berlin – is coming to the US on October 2^nd. You will be able to buy it from Amazon or Best Buy, according to Sony. However, there are some things to note: the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is gone in the US version, and even with the absence of this seemingly omnipresent feature of 2016, the device will set you back $699.99.

In case you have forgotten, the Xperia XZ may be Sony’s new flagship but is by no means the best phone you can get for the price, in my opinion. It’s powered by the same Snapdragon 820 processor that you find in almost every other Android flagship device. The quad-core chipset is coupled with 3GB of RAM. Not bad. After all, the amount of RAM doesn’t say much about the device’s performance (i.e. OnePlus 3 or iPhone). Being a Sony device, it flaunts a beautiful design with dust- and water-resistance.

However, the Xperia XZ has some serious shortcomings that would never make me want to choose it over other devices for the same price. Although it boasts a 23-megapixel camera, we all know that megapixels don’t tell the whole story. In fact, from my experience, Sony’s camera algorithm has been inferior to some of its competitors’ when it comes to post-shot image processing.

Also, the XZ has a 5.2-inch Full HD display. Yes, that’s “only” 1920 x 1080. Of course, when you’re looking at a 5-something-inch screen, FHD, QHD, and 4K don’t really make a huge difference, but it baffles my mind to see a $700 device with a FHD display when phones like the OnePlus 3 offer similar specs for half of the price.

And for some bizarre reason, Sony has decided to leave out the fingerprint scanner in the US. In an era where even midrange smartphones are being equipped with some form of biometrics, this is kind of a puzzling decision.

For those who are interested in the smaller, less-powerful offering from Sony, just days before the launch of the Xperia XZ, starting September 25^th, you will be able find the Xperia X Compact for $499.99 on Amazon or Best Buy.

Would you be buying the Xperia XZ when it comes out on October 2^nd? Do you think the $700 price tag is justified? Let us know in the comments below!

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SONY ANNOUNCES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY FOR XPERIA™ XZ AND XPERIA X COMPACT IN THE UNITED STATES

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) is pleased to announce that Xperia X Compact and Xperia XZ will be available unlocked in the United States starting September 25, 2016 for the Xperia X Compact and October 2, 2016 for Xperia XZ.

Both smartphones can be purchased on Amazon, Best Buy and other participating retailers for a suggested retail price of $499.99 and $699.99, respectively, and will support GSM networks.

The all new Xperia XZ represents the ultimate in Sony Xperia’s state-of-the-art camera, video and audio capabilities. It starts with the introduction of Sony’s allnew triple image sensing technology to the highly advanced 23MP camera, combining Predictive Hybrid Autofocus with two new sensors—Laser Autofocus and RGBC Infrared sensors—to clearly capture any moment in life with ease and accuracy in any light conditions with true-to-life colors. Video capabilities in Xperia XZ now include 4K recording and enhancements to our best-in-class SteadyShot® technology that deliver the most stable videos with the world’s first 5-axis video stabilization in a smartphone.

Beyond the camera and video advancements, Xperia XZ features an updated stereo dual microphone system with integrated noise cancellation to ensure that the immersive 3D stereo sound quality and reduced background noise match the outstanding 4K video quality. All of these features, along with a 5.2-inch Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 Full HD display and a stunning loop surface design inspired by a monolithic form made with ALKALEIDO™ metal, gives you a stylish, durable and powerful smartphone loaded with the latest in audio-visual innovation from Sony.

For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia X Compact brings the same state-of-the-art camera, video and audio capabilities in a compact design that fits great in your pocket, purse or bag, as well as in your hand. Boasting a durable 4.6-inch Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 HD 720p TRILUMINOS™ display, Xperia X Compact also boasts the world’s first 5-axis video stabilization with fully enhanced SteadyShot image stabilization technology, allowing users to record smoother videos on the move or close up.

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