Sony’s Xperia Z Ultra is almost the perfect phablet

SINGAPORE — Sony’s Xperia range of phones has been a hit with consumers, with the flagship Xperia Z and mid-range Xperia SP earning rave reviews from tech reporters worldwide. Like other Android developers, the next step for Sony was to introduce its very own phablet — the Xperia Z Ultra.

At 6.44 inches, the screen may be too big for some users, but movie and drama buffs will fall in love with it at first sight. Images and videos on the Full HD Triluminos display were vivid with bright colours, and images were pin-sharp. Some owners online complained about strange green lines obscuring the display but I did not encounter this problem.

The handset cannot be effectively used with one hand and you will attract plenty of stares while trying to answer a call in public. Thankfully, Sony realised that this would be a problem and is offering free Bluetooth sets to customers who pre-order it from local telcos.

Under the hood, the Xperia Z Ultra comes with a 2.2Ghz processor and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system. It also has Sony’s own user interface which, in my opinion, provides the closest thing to a vanilla Android experience.

That means processing speeds are fast and the lack of gimmicky features also frees up more space for users to add documents, music and videos.

It has also somehow managed to fit in a 3,050mAh battery in a 6.5mm thin frame.

The device lasted about 10 hours on a full charge, but this can be extended with stamina mode — which disables mobile data and Wi-Fi when the screen is off.

The Xperia Z Ultra comes with an 8-megapixel camera instead of the 13-megapixel one featured on the Xperia Z — and the difference in sensor quality is obvious. Photos looked unnatural due to oversaturated colours and those taken in low-light conditions were not worth saving.

With its incredibly sleek design, great processing speeds and good battery life, the Xperia Z Ultra is a very attractive option for those looking for a single device to power all of their work and personal needs.

However, it will go on sale in Singapore at around the same time Samsung is expected to unveil their Galaxy Note III phablet.

The Xperia Z Ultra will be available in Sony stores and all telco operators from Sept 5 at the retail price of S$1,038 (without contract).