Along with Xperia Z, Sony also launched the Sony Xperia ZL, a slightly smaller twin version. Xperia ZL shares the same underlying specs but has a different casing and unlike Xperia Z is not waterproof. So don’t try wetting it in water.
Since Xperia ZL has almost the same identical innards as Xperia Z, we have the same Full HD 1080p Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine 2 on a 5-inch screen with a 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution stacking in a very impressive 441 ppi.
Other shared specs include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS, a 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 Pro quad-core processo, an Adreno 320 chip for processing graphics, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage which can be expanded upto 32 GB via microSD card.
The camera tech is also the same to its twin model with a 13 MP EXMOR RS camera on the rear camera and a 2 MP front camera. The camera features include Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, image stabilization, HDR, sweep panorama. Though there is no digital zoom and burst mode in Xperia ZL. The camera is capable of capturing HDR photos and 1080 p videos.
Sony has given Xperia ZL a dedicated camera shutter button which comes very handy while clicking pics and something most of the Android smartphones neglect to add. Wonder why the dedicated camera button did not find place in Xperia Z.
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Sony Xperia ZL has a slightly smaller dimension when compared to Xperia Z, though they both has the same 5-inch display. It measures 131.6 x 69.3 x 9.8 mm compared to Xperia Z’s 139 x 71 x 7.9 mm.
Though smaller in dimension, Xperia ZL is slightly heavier at 151 grams compared to Xperia Z’s 146 gms. The difference does not matter much, since the devices snugs nicely into your palm.
The rear is curved with a textured plastic case. Nothing compared to the glass clad casing we saw in Xperia Z. But it also means Xperia ZL is more pleasant to grip.
There is a flap at the bottom of the rear that covers the microSD and microSIM ports. It’s the only fault line in the otherwise good looking device. As you see in the image, it does not sit seamlessly with the device and looks bit cheap. The delicate hinge that holds the flap also gives us a nightmare though it might not snap easily.
Xperia ZL has a 2370 mAh battery Li-ion battery which is marginally better than the one in Xperia Z.
Xperia ZL with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean that boasts of Project butter navigation is as smooth as butter and a delight to use. The device is quiet fast and blazing thanks to the software and hardware setup. Sony has introduced it’s own tweaks and twists to the stock Android though not very heavily skimmed, which is good.
Software features are similar to Xperia Z and you can read more about it in our Xperia Z review
In India, Sony Xperia ZL comes with a free snap-on cover out of box.
[pros]
- Brilliant display
- Dedicated camera shutter button
- Good camera
[/pros]
[cons]
- Rear SIM flap
[/cons]
Key differences between Sony Xperia Z and Xperia ZL
- Form factor and casing material used
- Xperia ZL has a slightly smaller dimension and weighs slightly more
- Xperia ZL has a dedicated camera shutter button
- Xperia ZL has a Infrared blaster
- No burst mode and digital zoom in Xperia ZL
- microSD max storage 64 GB in ZL, 32 GB in Z
- 2,370 mAh (ZL) vs 2,330 mAh (Z)
Living in Bangalore? Planning to buy a Xperia Z? Visit SONY WORLD @ 12th Main, Indiranagar Call: 080-42116677 / 88]]>
