review xperia z5

Sony Xperia Z5 specifications

The Sony Xperia Z5 is the culmination of 18 months of incremental improvements for Sony's range of Xperia smartphones. However, while the  Z2, Z3 and Z3+ were all barely any different from each other, the Xperia Z5 represents - at last - a significant step forward.

First announced at the IFA trade show in September 2015, Sony’s flagship introduces a number of key changes, including a refined design, revamped camera technology and a fingerprint reader. Sony has also released two other versions of the Z5: the diminutive Z5 compact, and the slightly largerZ5 Premium, which is almost identical, somewhat superfluous 4K screen aside.

Sony Xperia Z5 review: Design

From a distance, the Xperia Z5 doesn't appear to be all that different from its predecessors. Sony has stuck with the design language that has stood it in such good stead over the past few years, so the phone keeps the trademark Xperia glass-slabbed front and back and squared off profile. Unsurprisingly, the Z5 is both water- and dust-resistant and certified to IP65 and IP68, just like the rest of the Xperia range.

It's when you look more closely that the changes begin to emerge. The aesthetic alterations are the subtlest: there's a new engraved Xperia logo on the left edge; the Xperia Z5's metal frame has been squared off ever-so-slightly; and Sony has swapped the glossy glass rear for a smooth-to-the-touch frosted glass plate. Surrounding the screen at the very edge, is a slightly raised lip this time, a design feature intended to prevent the phone slipping off inclined surfaces. And in each of the white, “Graphite Black”, gold and green colour options, it looks simply gorgeous.

As with all glass-backed phones, however, if you buy one of these, you'll need to be careful how you handle it. I dropped my review sample from the height of around 30cm onto some gravel, and it shattered the rear into thousands of tiny shards. That wouldn't have happened to a phone with a plastic or metal rear casing. I'd advise using a case, or at the very least a screen protector applied to the rear, just to be on the safe side.

The biggest departure in design terms, however, is the look of the power button. Sony’s trademark protruding chrome-effect circle, which has been around for years, has now been replaced by an elongated lozenge, slightly inset from the edge to prevent you accidentally pressing it.

This seems a frivolous change on the surface, but there’s considerably more substance to it than first meets the eye, since  the button hides one of the Z5’s big new features: a fingerprint reader.

So far, most smartphones with one of these components have opted to pop it beneath the home button, or on the rear, both approaches that have their problems. The front reader can be difficult to reach with a one-handed grip, and you run the risk of dropping the phone because you're holding it right near the bottom edge. Rear-readers are better for one-handed use, but you can't use them to unlock a phone while it's sat on a desk.

The Sony Xperia Z5's is the best compromise I've come across so far. It can be used on a desk or in your hand, and its positioning is such that it naturally falls under your finger or thumb when you pick it up. It works reliably and quickly, too. It's the best thought out fingerprint reader yet.

The one design change I’m not entirely sold, however, on is the repositioning of the volume rocker from just next to the power button to lower on the right edge, right above the camera shutter. It's a baffling design decision and makes it tricky to adjust the volume one-handed with your thumb. 

Sony Xperia Z5 specifications
Processor	Octacore (quad 2GHz and quad 1.5GHz), Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
RAM	3GB
Screen size	5.2in
Screen resolution	1,080 x 1,920, 428ppi
Screen type	IPS
Front camera	5.1MP
Rear camera	23MP (f/2, phase detect autofocus, OIS)
Flash	LED
GPS	Yes
Compass	Yes
Storage	32GB
Memory card slot	MicroSD
Wi-Fi	802.11ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, apt-X
NFC	Yes
Wireless data	4G
Size (WDH)	76 x 7.8 x 154mm
Weight	180g
Operating system	Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
Battery size	2,900mAh