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Sony Xperia Z1

$160

Overview

Sony Xperia Z1 is a budget Android smartphone released in 2013 with a 5-inch TFT, Snapdragon 800 chipset, 20.7 main camera, and 3000 mAh battery.

The device runs Xperia UI with features like Alpha camera technology. Priced at $160, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Sony Xperia Z1

The display of Sony Xperia Z1 measures 5 inches with TFT technology. Peak brightness reaches 450 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x1920 pixels resolution.

Size
5 inches
Type
TFT
Resolution
1080x1920 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
450 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Sony Xperia Z1 features 1 rear cameras: 20.7 main. Video recording supports up to 1080p.

Main Sensor
20.7
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
1080p

The battery of Sony Xperia Z1 has 3000mAh capacity with 20 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 180 min minutes.

Capacity
3000mAh
Wired Charging
20
Full Charge Time
180 min minutes

The performance of Sony Xperia Z1 is powered by the Snapdragon 800 chipset with ARM Mali-G57 GPU. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 241300.

Chipset
Snapdragon 800
CPU
2x1.6 GHz Cortex A75 + 6x1.6 GHz Cortex A55
GPU
ARM Mali-G57
AnTuTu Score
241300

The memory of Sony Xperia Z1 offers 2GB RAM with 16GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4X RAM technology. Storage is 16GB 2GB RAM.

RAM Options
2GB
Storage Options
16GB
RAM Type
LPDDR4X RAM
Storage Type
16GB 2GB RAM
Expandable
microSDXC (dedicated slot)

The connectivity of Sony Xperia Z1 includes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot, and Bluetooth 4.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth
4.0
NFC
Yes

The build of Sony Xperia Z1 weighs 880g with Aluminum frame and Glass back. Water and dust resistance is rated IP68, IP69. Dimensions measure 144 x 74 x 8.5 mm.

Dimensions
144 x 74 x 8.5 mm
Weight
880g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Glass
IP Rating
IP68, IP69

The software of Sony Xperia Z1 runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop) with Xperia UI. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop)
Update Policy
2 years

Compare Sony Xperia Z1

Sony Xperia Z1 vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Sony Xperia Z1 offers competitive value at $160 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$160 price point
Snapdragon 800
5" display

Sony Xperia Z1 vs Motorola Moto G Power

Sony Xperia Z1 offers competitive value at $160 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$160 price point
Snapdragon 800
5" display

Sony Xperia Z1 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Sony Xperia Z1 offers competitive value at $160 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$160 price point
Snapdragon 800
5" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Sony Xperia Z1

Sony Xperia Z1 has a 20.7 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Yes, Sony Xperia Z1 is excellent for gaming with its Snapdragon 800 chipset. It handles demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

Related: mobile gaming

Sony Xperia Z1 receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Yes, Sony Xperia Z1 is water resistant with IP68, IP69 rating. It can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Avoid saltwater and high-pressure water.

Related: water resistance

Sony Xperia Z1 has a 3000mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Sony Xperia Z1 at $160 is a budget device offering Snapdragon 800. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Sony Xperia Z1 supports 20 wired charging with full charge in approximately 180 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

Sony Xperia Z1 is available in 16GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Sony Xperia Z1 has a 5-inch TFT with 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Sony Xperia Z1 ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Sony Xperia Z1 delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

5"

Main Camera

20.7

Chipset

Snapdragon 800

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - all versions
4G LTE BandsLTE
5G Sub-6 BandsN/A
5G mmWave BandsN/A
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation4G LTE
SIMMicro-SIM
Dual SIM ModeDual SIM (single active)
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA SupportN/A

Launch

Announced2013
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$160

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)144 x 74 x 8.5 mm
Weight (g)880
Build MaterialsPlastic
FrameAluminum
Back FinishGlass
Colors["Black", "White", "Purple"]
IP RatingIP68, IP69
Rugged CertificationsIP58
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded DimensionsN/A
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeTFT
Size (inches)5
Resolution (px)1080x1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio8:5
Pixel Density (ppi)149
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)69
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)120
Peak Brightness (nits)450
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)N/A
Glass ProtectionShatter proof glass
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop)
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetSnapdragon 800
CPU2x1.6 GHz Cortex A75 + 6x1.6 GHz Cortex A55
GPUARM Mali-G57
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesBasic
ModemQualcomm MDM9x25
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-CoreN/A
Geekbench Multi-CoreN/A
AnTuTu Score241300
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM2GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4X RAM
Storage16GB
Storage Type16GB 2GB RAM
Storage SpeedeMMC 5.0
Expandable StoragemicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Slot TypemicroSD
USB OTG
Filesystem Encryption

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor20.7
Main Sensor Size1/2.3"
Main Sensor ModelSony Exmor RS
Main Lensf/2.0, 27mm
OIS
AutofocusAF
Pixel Binning1.12 um
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashLED
Video Resolution1080p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264, H.265
Slow Motion720p@120fps
Video StabilizationEIS
Night Mode Featuresbasic
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution2
Sensor Size1/4"
Aperturef/2.4
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock2D

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones1
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX, LDAC
DAC/AmpQualcomm WCD9320

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBUSB Type C
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorSide-Mounted
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsBasic
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)3000
TypeLi-Ion
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging20
Wired StandardQuick Charge 2.0
0-50% Time (mins)90 min
Full Charge Time180 min
Wireless ChargingN/A
Wireless StandardN/A
Reverse Wireless
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box
Battery Health Features1000 charge cycles

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop)
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherN/A
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesBasic
AccessibilityStandard
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsPhone, Charger, Cable, Manual
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreA
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Sony Xperia Z1 Review: Solid Performance for the Price

7.1/10
Very Good

Our comprehensive review of the Sony Xperia Z1 covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.6 stars)
Pros
  • + Powerful Snapdragon 800 chipset for smooth performance
  • + Excellent value for money
Cons
  • - Display could be brighter or smoother
  • - Camera performance is average

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