X

Sony Xperia Z1 shows off waterproof body (pictures)

The Sony Xperia Z1 has a waterproof body with an aluminium frame, a 20.7-megapixel camera, 5-inch Full HD screen, and quad-core processor. We go in for a hands-on look.

Andrew Lanxon headshot
Andrew Lanxon headshot
Andrew Lanxon
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1 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The Sony Xperia Z1 is the latest flagship smartphone from Sony, packing a 5-inch Full HD screen, a 20.7-megapixel camera, and an impressive 2.2GHz quad-core processor. It's due to land in the UK from mid-September, although global availability hasn't yet been confirmed.
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2 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It has the same glass back as its predecessor, the Xperia Z.
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3 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It might say "X" for now, but rest assured that it's packing an impressive 20.7-megapixel camera.
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4 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's slender, but not quite as skinny as its predecessor.
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5 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The SIM card and microSD card slots are covered by a rubber flap to stop water getting in.
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6 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The aluminium band around the edge makes it a bit more comfortable to hold.
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7 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The subtle Xperia logo is in the same place. It's a stark design but one that I'm very keen on.
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8 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There's a larger speaker grille on the bottom. Hopefully it'll give a bigger sound than before.
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9 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Sony has also added a dedicated camera shutter button to let you quickly snap away with that high-resolution sensor.
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10 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The headphone jack doesn't have an annoying flap over it, but the phone is still completely waterproof.
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11 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
As well as toughening it up, the aluminium gives the Z1 an extra element of luxury.
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12 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's a bit bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S4 so won't suit those of you with small hands.
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13 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's a little fatter than the S4, too, but not by much.
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14 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It has camera apps that can be fired up from the normal viewfinder.
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15 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The aluminium band is milled from a single block of metal.
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16 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Don't worry, you won't be able to pop the phone out of the band like this.

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