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Sony Xperia Z3+

Specifications

Sony Xperia Z3+
Sony Xperia Z3+ (Xperia Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 8 x 2 GHz, Cortex-A57/-A53
Graphics adapter
Qualcomm Adreno 430, Core: 650 MHz
Memory
3 GB 
, LPDDR4
Display
5.20 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, capacitive touchscreen, 10 multitouch points, tempered glass, anti-fingerprint finish, IPS, X-Reality for mobile, Triluminos technology, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
, 20.87 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: combo microphone and headphone jack (3.5 mm), Card Reader: micro-SD max. 128 GB (SD, SDHC, SDXC), Sensors: motion sensor, position sensor, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, game rotation vector sensor, accelerometer, geo and G sensor, pedometer, digital compass, magnetometer, barometer, GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, MHL 3.0, OTG, Miracast, Wifi Direct, DLNA, Ant+, Hi-Res-Audio, LDAC
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1 LE, GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 900, 1900 and 2100 MHz), LTE Cat. 6 (700, 700 a, 700 b c, 800, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100 and 2600 MHz (all FDD-LTE) and 2300 MHz (TDD-LTE)), head and body SAR: 2.0 W/kg
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 6.9 x 146.3 x 71.9 ( = 0.27 x 5.76 x 2.83 in)
Battery
Lithium-Ion, 2930 mAh, Talk time 2G (according to manufacturer): 12 h, Talk time 3G (according to manufacturer): 17 h, Standby 2G (according to manufacturer): 580 h, Standby 3G (according to manufacturer): 590 h
Operating System
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Camera
Webcam: 5 megapixels, Exmor R, 25 mm wide angle; primary camera: 20.7 MP, Exmor RS, UHD video
Additional features
Speakers: two stereo speakers, Keyboard: virtual, power supply, USB cable, OTG adapter, headset, Sony Apps, Xperia Care Support, Lifelog, PlayStation Network, OfficeSuite, Garmin Navigation, TV SideView, Path, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
144 g ( = 5.08 oz / 0.32 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
699 Euro

 

Pricecompare

Average Score: 74.48% - average
Average of 23 scores (from 31 reviews)
price: 63%, performance: 74%, features: 74%, display: 83% mobility: 80%, workmanship: 85%, ergonomy: 90%, emissions: 67%

Reviews for the Sony Xperia Z3+

84% Sony Xperia Z3+ First Impressions | Notebookcheck
Underdeveloped. The spec sheet of Sony's new premium-range phone has quite a bit to offer. However, it exhibits some shortcomings in practice. For example, our review sample struggled with multiple small and big peculiarities that we did not expect.
84% Sony Xperia Z3 Plus Smartphone Review | Notebookcheck
Meltdown. The Sony Xperia Z3+ appears to be a small update of its predecessor. You might think that this should not be a big challenge, but the temperature development is a real problem and can also limit the usability of the smartphone in some cases.
60% Sony Xperia Z3+ review: Sony phones in another incremental upgrade to its flagship line
Source: T3 English Archive.org version
So where does this leave the Sony Xperia Z3+? In many ways it’s a great handset, with a lovely design and some nice extras that you won’t find on its competitors. Its media playing capabilities are a particular highlight, and if you’re happy to go without the very latest technology, then the Z3+ isn’t a bad purchase.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2015
Rating: Total score: 60%
60% Minor upgrades and heating issues mean you should wait for the Xperia Z5
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
Like previous devices, the Sony Xperia Z3+ is a nice smartphone. Although we like the capless USB port and the addition of the Snapdragon 810, it's simply far too similar to the Xperia Z3 to justify an upgrade – perhaps owners of older generations will be more tempted. It doesn't help that the firm is alienating customers by launching the same phone in Japan as the Xperia Z4. Compared to rivals, the Xperia Z3+ has a lot of good qualities but lacks a Quad HD screen and extra features like wireless charging.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/15/2015
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 60% performance: 50% features: 70% workmanship: 80%
What's new in the Sony Xperia Z5?
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia Z5 introduces some nice upgrades over the Z3+, with an improved camera and a new fingerprint scanner. There's also support for more removable storage via microSD, although we suspect few users will take advantage of the full 200GB. However, with more than a £100 price difference between the Z3+ and Z5 when it launches, and no upgrades in the screen or core hardware, we would consider waiting for the price to drop a little before rushing out to upgrade.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/09/2015
80% Sony Xperia Z3+ review - not the Z4 we were hoping for
Source: Expert Reviews English Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3+ is a perfectly competent handset, but it lacks that special something to justify its premium 'plus' status. It wouldn't be so bad if the Xperia Z3 was no longer on sale, but the fact you can now pick one up for £400 SIM-free or £33.50-per-month on contract makes the £500 or £39-per-month Xperia Z3+ seem a little redundant, despite the welcome increase in speed.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/26/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%
40% Sony Xperia Z3+ review
Source: V3.co.uk English Archive.org version
We almost feel sorry for Sony that what could have been a great phone is tainted by the overheating problem with the Snapdragon 810. It seriously affects the phone's performance, making it frustrating to use because it will need to be charged at least twice a day. Very disappointing.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/25/2015
Rating: Total score: 40%
70% Sony Xperia Z3+ Review
Source: Phone Arena English Archive.org version
Many have scoffed at the seemingly benign upgrades between Sony Xperia Z device revisions, somewhat rightfully criticizing Sony for rushing to update its flagship handsets twice a year. And as far as incremental, insignificant upgrades go, the Xperia Z3+ is arguably the worst It does look like Sony's irrational strategy finally got the best of them, as the Xperia Z3 is, essentially, last year's smartphone with a new generation chipset that's somewhat more powerful, but tends to heat up and is not as power-efficient, contributing to significantly worse battery life. Save for the fine 5MP front camera and the faster LTE Cat 6 support, there are no meaningful usability improvements whatsoever to counteract the aforementioned problems.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/21/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%
70% Sony Xperia Z3+ Dual Review
Source: T Break English Archive.org version
Overall, the Xperia Z3+ isn’t a phone that I can recommend over the original Z3. While the exposed water-proofed USB port is nice, the performance and heat issues makes using the Xperia Z3+ a frustrating experience. Add to that the rumors of Sony announcing a new phone at IFA in a few weeks and you’re left scratching your head wondering why Sony even bothered with the Xperia Z3+.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/16/2015
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 65% features: 80% workmanship: 80%
60% Sony Xperia Z3+ review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
It's a perfectly capable handset, but that's not what we really want at this price range, and it's certainly not what Sony needs to reverse its mobile fortunes. There's nothing here that would make you ditch an iPhone or Samsung for an Xperia, and there are cheaper phones, like the OnePlus 2, which promise to deliver more bang for your buck.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 60%
75% Excellent camera, battery life; but heating issues and price point is disappointing
Source: Tech2.in.com English Archive.org version
Sony Xperia Z3+ blazes across when it comes to benchmark scores and raw performance. The camera performance is one of the best we have seen among the current crop of flagship devices, specially the steadyshot videos. And the battery life of the phone impresses. But heating issues is the major Achilles heel that the Japanese company has to take care of with its flagship phone. Then you have the price point.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/28/2015
Rating: Total score: 75% performance: 80% features: 80% display: 75% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Sony Xperia Z3+ (Z4) review – thinking of upgrading from the Xperia Z3? Better think twice
Source: Laptop Media English Archive.org version
We are again presented with great build quality and design. Maybe not so practical as the glass on the back is slippery and the thin profile makes it uncomfortable to hold and operate with one hand. However, most users will not notice this as much. On the other hand, a lot of users have reported that the cap for the micro USB port wears off quickly on the Xperia Z1, Z2 and Z3 thus losing its water resistant properties. Sony has eliminated the problem here with removing the cap for the micro USB port – it’s a small but really noticeable change. The screen is again of a great quality and we are happy to see that Sony kept this panel for the release of the Xperia Z3+ – it’s just flawless.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/22/2015
83% The best from Sony just falls short of the mark
Source: Androidcommunity.com English Archive.org version
So there you have it for this in-depth look at the Sony Xperia Z3+! Nowadays, it takes quite a lot to push a high-end smartphone to another level without doing completely different. Unfortunately, Sony may not do as well as the other Android OEMs out there, and that is really a shame, since there are quite a few die-hard fans of Sony devices. Their products are fantastic, but they just don’t seem to appeal to the mass market. That is something they can capitalize on though by catering to the niche market, by focusing on features such as audio, and the IP certification.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/16/2015
Rating: Total score: 83% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
70% Sony Xperia Z3+ review: Hot stuff (literally)
Source: Pocket Lint English Archive.org version
From the lofty highs of the Z3, the Xperia Z3+ is, ironically, a big minus against Sony's Z-series. It's hotted things up in terms of design, but also all too literally: that Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor gets excessively hot, causing issues with battery life and making some features, such as the camera, approximately useless.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/06/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%
69% Sony Xperia Z3 Plus Review
Source: Think Digit English Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia Z3+ is the same phone as the company's last flagship, but with inferior performance. It makes no sense for Xperia Z3 users to 'upgrade' to this and in the current market, it's got absolutely nothing that it offers over its competitors or even the mid-ranged flagships.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/06/2015
Rating: Total score: 69%
60% The Pros and Cons of Staying on Top
Source: NDTV Gadgets English Archive.org version
We would have liked to say that the Xperia Z3+'s biggest competition will be the Xperia Z3, but that model is set to be phased out. The Xperia Z3+ will be coming in at a much higher price than the existing Samsung Galaxy S6 and even the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus which have been available online with hefty discounts over the past few months. It becomes difficult for us to give Sony's offering a recommendation under these circumstances.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/04/2015
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80%
Hands on: Sony Xperia Z3+ review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
Sony has managed to dust- and waterproof the charging port, ensuring the Z3+ retains its IP65/68 rating. Round the back you'd be hard pushed to tell the difference between the Z3 and the Xperia Z3 Plus, with the same 20.7MP camera and LED flash located in the top corner while the 'Xperia' and 'Sony' logos reside in the same positions along with the NFC image.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/03/2015
60% Sony Xperia Z3+ review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
No, it’s not worth considering. It isn’t a wholly bad phone, but the camera overheating issues are a fundamental flaw you cannot ignore. Overheating when shooting 4K video is one thing, but doing so when just taking photos is something else.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/02/2015
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 60% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
80% Sony Xperia Z3+ review
Source: Stuff TV English Archive.org version
In not levelling-up the camera, the photo side also falls behind the competition from Samsung and LG, and while the battery is still very good, it's not quite as good as its own predecessor the Z3. Still, that battery life remains class-leading, while its classy UI and a super-bold larger-than-life screen deserve to win it a healthy crop of fans. Maybe just not quite as big a crop as it would without those flaws.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
80% Sony Xperia Z3+ Review: In Depth
Source: Recombu English Archive.org version
Sony’s Xperia Z3+ isn’t an essential upgrade if you already own the Xperia Z3 or even the Xperia Z2, with just a slight tweaking of the specs and a couple of new features to boast of. Those heating issues are also very real and concerning, especially when using the camera.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/29/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%
Sony Xperia Z3+: First Impressions
Source: NDTV Gadgets English Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3+ brings a number of small improvements over the Xperia Z3, although there is nothing really new or revolutionary. Interestingly, Sony will phase out the Xperia Z3 now that the Z3+ has been launched rather than let it fall to a lower price point. With no way to tell whether Sony has abandoned its six-month cycle for good, we don't know how long it will be till Sony's next flagship launches. As of now, it will be a tough sell at Rs. 55,900 when the Samsung Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6 are available for less.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/27/2015
Sony Xperia Z3+ review: The pre-sequel
Source: GSM Arena English Archive.org version
With the Xperia Z3+ Sony has refined its OmniBalance design to near perfection. The flapless microUSB port has brought the demise of the pogo pins and now there's only one short single flap to cover the card slot. In effect, the frame has gotten much sleeker and together with the new materials exudes even more luxury. Couple that with the slimmer 6.9mm profile and the Xperia Z3+ is again one of the top choices for the vain buyer.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/08/2015
What's the difference between Z3 and Z3+ - new features in the Sony Xperia Z3+ - Z3 vs Z4
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
The Z3+ is a faster version of an already very fast smartphone, and few users would complain that the Z3 is slow. However, the processor change brings it up to speed with its 2015 smartphone rivals, and we appreciate the extra storage space as standard (and Sony has managed it without removing the microSD card slot). The other improvements are nice, but unless you're a Sony enthusiast there's little here to warrant the expense of an upgrade from the Xperia Z3. In fact, we still highly rate the Z3 Compact - a smaller version of Sony's Z3 with a much more attractive price of £280 (Amazon), and that could well be half the asking price of the Z3+.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/26/2015

Foreign Reviews

Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: Hartware German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/29/2015
84% Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: Computerbild - Heft 15/2015 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/15/2015
Rating: Total score: 84%
80% Sonys neues Top-Smartphone
Source: Netzwelt German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/10/2015
Rating: Total score: 80% features: 80% mobility: 60% workmanship: 90%
Sony Xperia Z3+ im Test: Heißes Teil, aber wasserfest
Source: Mobicroco German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/08/2015
Rating: features: 98% workmanship: 95% ergonomy: 95%
95% Wasserdichte Evolution
Source: Notebookinfo German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/02/2015
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 95% display: 100% mobility: 95% workmanship: 95% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%
87% Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: Computerbild - Heft 14/2015 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 87%
Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: c't - Heft 14/2015 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2015
90% Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: Inside Handy German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/24/2015
Rating: Total score: 90%
Wofür steht das Plus?
Source: Chip.de German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/05/2015
92% Sony Xperia Z3+
Source: Areamobile - Heft 6/2015 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 92%

Comment

Model: At just 6.9 mm, the Sony Xperia Z3+ is Sony's slimmest Z series device up to date. To make things even more captivating, the device is also lighter and faster than its predecessors. It is available in 4 colors: copper, black, white and aqua green. Any color variant gives off a sense of elegance especially when coupled with the beautifully rounded bezel, glossy back panel and almost jewellery-like craftsmanship. Even with this seemingly delicate design, the Sony Xperia Z3+ is still durable maintaining the IP65/IP68 rating, i.e. it is water and dust resistant. The Android 5.0 Lollipop smartphone comes with an octa-core processor in the form of a Cortex A53 quad-core at 1.5 GHz and a Cortex A57 at 2.0 GHz.

The supporting hardware consist of an Adreno 430 GPU, 3 GB RAM and an internal memory of 32 GB. This configuration ensures the Sony Xperia Z3+ can deal with any application and multimedia content with ease. Display on the device is a 5.2 inch IPS LCD panel with Triluminos technology, which produces superb clarity and brightness. The smartphone comes with an impressive 20.7 MP primary camera and a 5.1 MP secondary front-facing shooter. Other capacities include Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, FM radio with RDS and microSD support. The Sony Xperia Z3+ is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion battery rated at 2930 mAh for superb battery life.

Qualcomm Adreno 430: Integrated smartphone and tablet GPU that supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and DirectX 11.2 (FL 11_1). The graphics card has 192 unified shaders clocked at up to 650 MHz.

Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


810 MSM8994:

High-end ARM SoC with 8 CPU cores (4x Cortex-A57 and 4x Cortex-A53) and an Adreno 430 GPU. Manufactured in a 20 nm HPM process.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


5.20":

It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


Sony: Sony Corporation is one of the largest Japanese electronics companies. The company was founded in 1946 under a different name and initially produced rice stoves. The company launched the first transistor radio. In 1958, the company was renamed Sony. Sony is a combination of the Latin word sonus (sound) and the English word sonny (little boy). Today, its core business is consumer electronics. The company is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of electronic equipment, instruments, devices, game consoles and software. Sony operates in the following segments: Gaming and Network Services, Music, Images, Home Entertainment and Sound, Imaging Products and Solutions, Mobile Communications, Semiconductors, Financial Services and Others.


74.48%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

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Devices with the same GPU

Huawei Nexus 6P
Adreno 430, Snapdragon 810 MSM8994, 5.70", 0.178 kg
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
Adreno 430, Snapdragon 810 MSM8994, 5.70", 0.165 kg
Google Nexus 6P
Adreno 430, Snapdragon 810 MSM8994, 5.70", 0.178 kg
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
Adreno 430, Snapdragon 810 MSM8994, 4.60", 0.138 kg
Xiaomi Mi Note Pro
Adreno 430, Snapdragon 810 MSM8994, 5.70", 0.161 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Sony Xperia 5 V
Adreno 740, Snapdragon SD 8 Gen 2, 6.10", 0.182 kg
Sony Xperia 10 V
Adreno 619, Snapdragon SD 695 5G, 6.10", 0.159 kg
Sony Xperia 1 V
Adreno 740, Snapdragon SD 8 Gen 2, 6.50", 0.187 kg
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Adreno 730, Snapdragon SD 8 Gen 1, 6.10", 0.171 kg
Sony Xperia 10 IV
Adreno 619, Snapdragon SD 695 5G, 6.00", 0.161 kg
Sony Xperia 1 IV
Adreno 730, Snapdragon SD 8 Gen 1, 6.50", 0.185 kg
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Adreno 619L, Snapdragon SD 690 5G, 6.00", 0.169 kg
Sony Xperia Pro-I
Adreno 660, Snapdragon SD 888 5G, 6.50", 0.211 kg
Sony Xperia 10 III
Adreno 619L, Snapdragon SD 690 5G, 6.00", 0.169 kg
Current Prices
Stefan Hinum, 2015-06- 3 (Update: 2015-06- 3)