Sony's new flagship Z4 is released: These points are disappointing

Sony has finally officially released its new generation flagship smartphone Xperia Z4. The only obvious change is that Sony replaced the internal processor of Xperia Z3 with Snapdragon 810 octa-core 64-bit processor. This is worth celebrating because this processor is the standard chip for almost every flagship except Samsung. But after taking a closer look at the real machine, if you are a fan of "Sony's method", you will definitely be disappointed.

Sony hurts fans' hearts, the difference between Z4 and Z3 is really not that big

This new flagship phone of Sony is too bland. Sony is so low-key that it didn't even hold a separate press conference for it. Compared with Xperia Z3, Xperia Z4 has no changes in appearance and design, and the size is almost the same. No one knows what happened to Sony. I believe Sony's actions hurt many fans, after all, Xperia Z3 was the first global launch in China. In fact, Sony can become better and more attractive if it makes the following four improvements.

Before talking about these four points, let's review some of the specifications of the Xperia Z4. The Z4 uses the same 5.2-inch 1080p screen as the Z3, built-in 3GB RAM and 32GB storage space, supports microSD card slot expansion, and has a 20.7-megapixel main camera and a 5.1-megapixel front camera. The standard battery capacity is 2930mAh, and it is pre-installed with the Android 5.0 operating system.

Xperia Z4 also continues the highly praised triple-proof features of Xperia Z3, meeting IP6X dustproof and IPX5/IPX8 waterproof ratings. Its specific pricing is not yet clear. However, it is not difficult to find that the Z4 is the same as Z3, but with upgraded internal processor, 5.1-megapixel wide-angle front camera, chrome-plated side, lighter and thinner body, and upgraded operating system to Lollipop version.

Obviously, these changes alone are unlikely to attract consumers to the new flagship in the current environment. Let's take a look at how Sony can do better.

No 2K Quad HD screen

As early as February, Japanese display company JDI, led by Sony, announced that the world's first 5-inch 2560×1440 pixel In-cell Touch LCD screen developed by itself has been put into mass production. And as early as 2013, JDI had already produced a 5.4-inch screen with the world's highest pixel density, up to 534ppi, and the lowest power consumption in the same class.

Although we must admit that ordinary people cannot see any obvious improvement in 1080p and 2K resolution on small screens, 2K is a popular trend now, and many 2K screen flagships on the market are worth having. Since Sony has no shortage of screen technology and understands the trend of products released by JDI, why doesn't Sony try to have its own?

However, Sony Xperia Z3 is the phone with the highest screen brightness on the market, with a peak brightness of 600 nits, and I believe Xperia Z4 is no exception. Such a high brightness means that it is more difficult to use a 2K screen, and power consumption will inevitably increase dramatically. In addition, the increase in resolution will make the screen content sharper, and high brightness may cause glare.

Of course, we do not rule out the possibility that Sony's exclusive Triluminos mobile display technology and X-Reality image processing engine are not prepared for screens with resolutions higher than 1080p.

No optical image stabilization technology

Sony's camera technology is at the forefront of the world, and almost all mobile device manufacturers use Sony's camera sensors. In fact, with Sony's strength, it is not difficult to add OIS optical image stabilization modules to their own mobile phones. And just last week, we learned from Huawei's newly released Ascend P8 that even with an OIS optical image stabilization lens, the camera still does not bulge under the 6.4mm body thickness.

Many previous comparison reviews of the Xperia Z1, Z2 and Z3 with other smartphones have shown that Sony has been reluctant to optimize the cameras of its flagship smartphones, let alone consider adding an OIS optical image stabilization module specifically for stabilizing image shooting.

It should be noted that both Huawei Ascend P8 and Samsung Galaxy S6 use Sony's latest sensors. Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge use Exmor RS IMX240, while Huawei P8 uses Sony's first 13-megapixel RGBW four-color sensor Exmor RS IMX278.

No new exterior design

When Xperia Z3 was released, its appearance was almost the same as Xperia Z2. Sony fans thought it was just a routine minor upgrade and it was normal for the appearance to remain unchanged, just like iPhone 4 and 4S, and 5 and 5S, which also changed their appearance every two years. However, the fourth generation Xperia Z flagship was released. Even though it is still beautiful, thin and light, and still provides excellent waterproof and dustproof performance in the industry, can't the appearance be completely changed?

Old system user interface

The newly released Sony Xperia Z4 flagship, we can clearly see that its Xperia user interface is almost the same as the Xperia Z3, and the user interface style of the entire Z series has been consistent to this day without any major revisions. So just from the promotional pictures, you can hardly tell whether it is the Xperia Z3 or the Z4. Indeed, users are very concerned about the difference between the Z3 phone they are using and whether it is worth upgrading? After all, even the iOS system, the skeuomorphic user interface has undergone a huge change on iOS 7.

Of course, the Xperia Z4, which continues the classic Omni Balance design, is different from the Z3. For example, the front earpiece and microphone are removed. In addition, the Z4 removes the unsightly magnetic wireless charging port that the previous Z series has been using. The surface of the aluminum frame is covered with a transparent polished coating that makes the machine more shiny and durable. At the same time, a more stylish "water green" color is added.

In short, Sony's new Xperia Z4 has very few changes, even negligible. But Sony also said that the Xperia Z4 is exclusively for the Japanese market, and another flagship product will be released for other countries in May. Does this mean that Sony will give a satisfactory answer to the four points that fans are worried about in May?

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.