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Sony Xperia XZ3 brings out the big guns to challenge the Galaxy S9

This flagship phone is playing for keeps.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

Aug. 30, 2018 4:15 a.m. PT

2 min read

xperia-xz3-fronthoriz-black-display — Sony

Sony is one of those phonemakers that gets lost in the shadow of the iPhone and Galaxy phones. But its latest, the Xperia XZ3, wants to be in it to win it -- at least compared with the Galaxy S9.

The supersize, superpowered, superpricy handset comes in swinging, with specs you'd want to see on any high-end phone. You've got a 6-inch screen, a 19-megapixel camera setup (single lens, like the Galaxy S9), waterproofing and wireless charging, an amenity you don't often see outside Samsung phones. Google's latest OS, Android Pie , runs the software show, and the whole phone is backed by Qualcomm's brawny Snapdragon 845 chipset.

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$300 at Amazon

Watch this: Sony's Xperia XZ3 packs enough muscle to scare the Galaxy S9

01:10

The Xperia XZ3 will sell for $900 in the US with Amazon and Best Buy. That steep price tag converts to about £690 and AU$1,230. Although the phone won't go on sale until Oct. 17, Amazon preorders kick off Sept. 24 for US buyers. Sony sweetens the deal with a pair of Xperia Ear Duo headphones, while supplies last.

Sony phones don't sell in every market, and can be hard to track down in spots like the US, but Sony Mobile's website helpfully points you to handsets you can buy through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy .