Sony debuts the Xperia XZs and XA1

By Chong Jinn Xiung March 29, 2017

Xperia XZs boasts super slow-motion video recording capabilities at 960 frames per second
Xperia XA1 has a power efficient MediaTek processor for longer battery stamina

Sony debuts the Xperia XZs and XA1

SONY recently launched two new additions to its Xperia X series of smartphones with the XZs and XA1.

The XZs, which takes residence in Sony’s flagship category, features the ability to capture videos in super slow-motion at a blazing 960 frames per second (fps) that slows fast-moving subjects to snail’s crawl, allowing one to observe the world in a different light.

The camera is definitely the main focus of the XZs as it features a new 19-Megapixel camera that Sony claims has 19% larger pixels to capture more light. It is supplemented by a 25mm G lens with a wide f/2.0 aperture.

The new memory stacked Exmor RS sensor is the secret sauce behind the XZs’ quick video capture capabilities. Sony claims the sensor is able to provide 5x faster image scanning and data transfer.

Apart from the slow-motion wizardry of the camera, Sony says the new camera also has a Predictive Capture feature that automatically starts buffering images when it detects motion, allowing you capture that killer shot effortlessly.

If that is not enough, the camera is also capable of recording videos in 4K resolution and has 5-axis stabilisation for smoother videos.

The front facing 13-Megapixel camera has a 22mm wide-angle lens that Sony says allows you to fit more people into a group selfie shot.

A full HD 5.2-inch display is integrated into the XZs’ loop surface design with what Sony calls a Alakaleido metal back that creates a premium shine. The phone is also water resistant with a IP65/ 68 rating.

Specs-wise, the XZs comes powered by a Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded to 256GB via microSD card.

The XZs doesn’t let up on the audio department as it leverages on Sony’s High-Resolution Audio technology that provides digital noise cancelling and other features to enhance the music-listening experience.

Other features include a finger-print reader that integrates into the power button and 2,900mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0.

The Xperia XZs will come in three colours: ice blue, black and warm silver for a suggested retail price of RM2,899.

Sony debuts the Xperia XZs and XA1

Not forgetting more budget conscious users Sony also introduced its XA1 smartphone. Continuing the borderless design introduced by Sony in 2016, the XA1 features a 5-inch edge-to-edge screen with a 720p resolution.

On the camera side, the XA1 boasts a 23-Megapixel camera with Exmor RS sensor that is complemented by a 24mm wide-angle lens and f/2.0 aperture to allow for better lowlight capture.

The 8-Megapixel front facing camera has an even wider 23mm wide-angle lens and a ‘handy’ Hand Shutter feature that lets you capture selfies with just a wave of your hand.

On the inside, it has a MediaTek helio P20 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with the ability to expand to 256GB via microSD. It also has a 2,300mAh battery with Quick Charging capabilities.

The Xperia XA1 will come in four colour variants: white, black, gold and pink and is priced at RM1,199.

Both models will be available for pre-order from March 29 until April 9 at authorised dealers and online via 11Street.

Pre-order customers of the XZs will get a SBH80 stereo Bluetooth headset, UCH12W Quick Charger and a silicon case while XA1 customers get a DK60 charging dock, silicon case and tempered glass screen protector.