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
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Andrew Lanxon
sony-xperia-z1.jpg
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.
sony-xperia-z1-2.jpg
2 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It has the same glass back as its predecessor, the Xperia Z.
sony-xperia-z1-3.jpg
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.
sony-xperia-z1-4.jpg
4 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's slender, but not quite as skinny as its predecessor.
sony-xperia-z1-6.jpg
5 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The SIM card and microSD card slots are covered by a rubber flap to stop water getting in.
sony-xperia-z1-9.jpg
6 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The aluminium band around the edge makes it a bit more comfortable to hold.
sony-xperia-z1-8.jpg
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.
sony-xperia-z1-7.jpg
8 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There's a larger speaker grille on the bottom. Hopefully it'll give a bigger sound than before.
sony-xperia-z1-13.jpg
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.
sony-xperia-z1-5.jpg
10 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The headphone jack doesn't have an annoying flap over it, but the phone is still completely waterproof.
sony-xperia-z1-10.jpg
11 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
As well as toughening it up, the aluminium gives the Z1 an extra element of luxury.
sony-xperia-z1-11.jpg
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.
sony-xperia-z1-12.jpg
13 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's a little fatter than the S4, too, but not by much.
sony-xperia-z1-14.jpg
14 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It has camera apps that can be fired up from the normal viewfinder.
sony-xperia-z1-15.jpg
15 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The aluminium band is milled from a single block of metal.
sony-xperia-z1-16.jpg
16 of 16 Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Don't worry, you won't be able to pop the phone out of the band like this.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos