Sony Xperia Z review

Critics called it the best smartphone Sony has ever produced following its launch at CES 2013 - weeks before many had tested it. Most based their judgements on the Xperia Z's specs, hardware, and looks, which is always something of a gamble. But they were right to be excited: the Xperia Z is a stunning piece of kit. 

Featuring a stunning 5-inch Full HD 1080p display, an ultra-thin 7.9mm profile, classical design, and Qualcomm's market-leading Snapdragon S4 Pro, the Xperia Z is a lot of phone - in every sense of the word. 

It also has a 13-megapixel Sony Exmor RS-powered camera and 1080p video. But what really sets the Sony Xperia Z apart from the crowd is its water and dust resistance.  Oh yes boys and girls, we finally have a superphone you can use in the shower.

Sony Xperia Z review: Design

Slick; angular; bold.

Glass front and backed, the Sony Xperia Z is an example of fine looking design. Water and dust resistance take us by surprise – this isn’t a rugged phone, or at least not a stereotypical one. 

Available in a range of three colours, black, white and purple, the Xperia Z is one of the thinnest smartphones we've tested to date. Sony has kept the design, overall, very classical, which as any good tailor will tell you is always a good policy. 

The front is buttonless, with a Sony insignia up above the display and a front facing camera to the top left. Along the sides, all the ports are under flaps. This is annoying, but it's also what makes the phone water resistant, so we’re hesitant to complain.

A micro USB port and micro SD card are on the left side. The right is where you’ll find the micro SIM card slot and the volume rocker, as well as the power button. At the top is the 3.5mm headphone jack and around the back is the 13- megapixel Exmor RS camera.

The square design makes a bold visual statement. It’s striking, like a Bravia TV and has a strong air of Sony about it - but thankfully not Sony Ericsson. It is a big phone though - even by 2013's standards.

Smaller hands will likely struggle with its surface area. Encased in glass the Xperia Z feels very precious. The black version of the device in particular also loves finger prints too. 

Accessing the Sony Xperia Z's microsUSB, 3.5mm Jack, or any of its ports for that matter means opening one of its numerous water and dust resistant flaps - something that gets rather annoying after awhile.

You can purchase the optional dock and use Bluetooth headphones and avoid using the Xperia Z's on-chassis ports completely but that will cost you additional funds - and the Xperia Z isn't cheap in the first place. 

And yet despite this gripe, we forgive the Xperia Z. We can't stay mad at it - the damn thing is just too good-looking. Key standout points of the Xperia Z's design include the easy to press power button,  the buttonless fascia, and despite moaning about it earlier, the port-less illusion the flaps create along the its  sides.

With its IP55 and IP57 certification, the Xperia Z breaks new ground. It really is unprecedented in this respect. You can even stream music to a Bluetooth speaker whilst it's submerged in water.