Handling the Sony Xperia Z and ZL (pictures)
At CES 2013, CNET gets hands-on with Sony's two new Android smartphones, the Xperia Z and the Xperia ZL.
Hello to Sony's new Xperia phones
LAS VEGAS--The Sony Xperia Z (left) and the Sony Xperia ZL made their debut today at Sony's CES 2013 press conference. Though both devices have a similar feature set including Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, and 4G LTE, the Xperia Z has is taller, it has a larger battery, and it's fully water resistant.
A vibrant display
One of the highlights of the Xperia Z is its 5-inch 1080x1920p full HD Reality display. The Bravia Engine 2 brings sharp clarity and bright and natural colors. Sony used a split screen on the handset to show the difference between using the Bravia Engine (right) and not.
Camera
The display also is the viewfinder for the 13-megapixel camera. The shooter supports HD resolution both for still shots and video.
Go ahead, dunk it
Thanks to covered ports and a secure design, you can fully submerge the Xperia Z and it keeps on ticking.
Power up
Sony made a point of enlarging the power button and making it a bright gold color. It also sticks out from the side of the phone, though I wonder if it might catch on your clothing when carrying the phone in a pocket. In this shot you also can see the Xperia Z's slim 7.9mm profile.
Movie time
Video on the Xperia Z looks great.
Tap tap
I like that the Xperia Z uses the standard Jelly Bean virtual keyboard.
Around back
The Xperia Z has an all-glass back cover and sharp corners and edges.
Cover to cover
In contrast, the the ZL has a traditional textured back cover with curved sides.
NFC champ
Thanks to the Xperia Z's NFC support, you can stream music to this new Sony desktop speaker.
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