Sony Xperia Z3
$261
Overview
Sony Xperia Z3 is a mid-range Android smartphone released in 2014 with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 801 chipset, 20.7 main camera, and 3100 mAh battery.
The device runs Xperia UI with features like Alpha camera technology. Priced at $261, it targets users seeking mid-range performance.
Specifications of Sony Xperia Z3
The display of Sony Xperia Z3 measures 5.2 inches with IPS LCD technology. Peak brightness reaches 450 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x1920 pixels resolution.
The camera system of Sony Xperia Z3 features 1 rear cameras: 20.7 main. Video recording supports up to 2160p.
The battery of Sony Xperia Z3 has 3100mAh capacity with 18 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 15. A full charge takes approximately 180 min minutes.
The performance of Sony Xperia Z3 is powered by the Snapdragon 801 chipset with ARM Mali-G71 MP2 GPU. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 82545.
The memory of Sony Xperia Z3 offers 3GB RAM with 16GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4 technology. Storage is eMMC.
The connectivity of Sony Xperia Z3 includes 5G support, 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.
The build of Sony Xperia Z3 weighs 279g with Aluminum frame and Glass back. Water and dust resistance is rated IP68. Dimensions measure 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm.
The software of Sony Xperia Z3 runs Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) with Xperia UI. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.
Compare Sony Xperia Z3
Frequently Asked Questions about Sony Xperia Z3
Sony Xperia Z3 has a 20.7 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.
Yes, Sony Xperia Z3 is excellent for gaming with its Snapdragon 801 chipset. It handles demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates.
Sony Xperia Z3 receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.
Yes, Sony Xperia Z3 supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.
Yes, Sony Xperia Z3 is water resistant with IP68 rating. It can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Avoid saltwater and high-pressure water.
Sony Xperia Z3 has a 3100mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.
Sony Xperia Z3 at $261 is a mid-range device offering Snapdragon 801. It's worth buying if you prioritize balanced performance and value.
Sony Xperia Z3 supports 18 wired charging with full charge in approximately 180 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 15.
Sony Xperia Z3 is available in 16GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.
Sony Xperia Z3 has a 5.2-inch IPS LCD with 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes HDR10.
Sony Xperia Z3 in Category Rankings
See how Sony Xperia Z3 ranks in these categories:
Best Gaming Phones
Powered by Snapdragon 801
5G Phones
Supports 5G connectivity
Best Mid-Range Phones
Balanced value at $261
Water Resistant Phones
IP68 water and dust resistance
Wireless Charging Phones
Supports 15 wireless charging
Phones Under $500
Priced at $261
Compact Phones
5.2" display
Android Phones
Runs Android
Verdict
The Sony Xperia Z3 delivers solid value for budget-conscious users who need reliable performance. Select this phone for reliable daily use, if you seek good value without compromising on essential features.
Key Specifications
Display
5.2"
Main Camera
20.7
Chipset
Snapdragon 801
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM / |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - D6603, D6643, D6616 |
| 4G LTE Bands | LTE |
| 5G Sub-6 Bands | [] |
| 5G mmWave Bands | [] |
| Speed | N/A |
| Carrier Aggregation | |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Dual SIM Mode | dual-standby |
| eSIM Support | |
| VoLTE Support | N/A |
| VoWiFi | N/A |
| NR CA Support |
Launch
| Announced | 2014 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Availability | N/A |
| Model Variants | N/A |
| Launch Price | $261 |
Body & Design
| Dimensions (mm) | 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight (g) | 279 |
| Build Materials | Polycarbonate |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Back Finish | Glass |
| Colors | ["Black", "White", "Copper", "Silver Green", "Purple"] |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Rugged Certifications | MIL-STD-810G |
| Ingress Gaskets | N/A |
| Form Factor | Bar |
| Hinge Type | N/A |
| Folded Dimensions | 0x0x0 |
| Thermal Solution | Passive |
| Notification/Alert | |
| Haptics | Basic |
Display
| Panel Type | IPS LCD |
| Size (inches) | 5.2 |
| Resolution (px) | 1080x1920 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 6:13 |
| Pixel Density (ppi) | 282 |
| Screen-to-body Ratio (%) | 71 |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 60 |
| Adaptive Refresh Rate | |
| Touch Sampling Rate (Hz) | 60 |
| Peak Brightness (nits) | 450 |
| HDR Standards | HDR10 |
| Color Gamut | sRGB |
| Color Depth | 24 |
| PWM Dimming (Hz) | N/A |
| Glass Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Oleophobic Coating | N/A |
| Curvature | Flat |
| Always-on Display | |
| Display Driver IC | N/A |
| Cover Display |
Platform (SoC)
| OS at Launch | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Update Policy | 2 years |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 801 |
| CPU | 4x Cortex • A53 2.0 GHz + 4x Cortex • A53 1.5 GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G71 MP2 |
| NPU/AI TOPs | N/A |
| ISP Features | Dual ISP |
| Modem | Snapdragon X7 LTE |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Chip | N/A |
| Throttling Behavior | N/A |
| Geekbench Single-Core | N/A |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | N/A |
| AnTuTu Score | 82545 |
| 3DMark Scores | N/A |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 3GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Storage Type | eMMC |
| Storage Speed | UFS 2.0 |
| Expandable Storage | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Slot Type | microSD |
| USB OTG | |
| Filesystem Encryption | FIPS 140-2 |
Main Camera System
| Rear Cameras | 1 |
| Main Sensor | 20.7 |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
| Main Sensor Model | Sony Exmor |
| Main Lens | f/2.0, 25mm |
| OIS | |
| Autofocus | AF |
| Pixel Binning | 1.12 um |
| Ultrawide | N/A |
| Telephoto | N/A |
| Macro | N/A |
| Depth/ToF/LiDAR | |
| Flicker/Color Sensors | N/A |
| Flash | LED |
| Video Resolution | 2160p |
| HDR/Dolby Vision Video | |
| Video Codecs | H.264, H.265 |
| Slow Motion | 720p@120fps |
| Video Stabilization | OIS + EIS |
| Night Mode Features | Night mode |
| RAW/Pro Controls | N/A |
Selfie Camera
| Resolution | 2.2 |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.2" |
| Aperture | f/2.8 |
| AF/OIS | |
| Secondary Front Cam | |
| Front Flash | |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| HDR/Dolby Vision | N/A |
| Face Unlock | 2D |
Audio
| Loudspeakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | |
| Hi-Res Audio | |
| Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos | |
| Microphones | 1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX, AAC |
| DAC/Amp | Qualcomm WCD9330 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Wi-Fi Features | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| NFC | |
| IR Blaster | |
| UWB | N/A |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Dual-Band GNSS | |
| FM Radio | |
| USB | USB 2.0 |
| Display Out | |
| eSIM Capacity |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted |
| 3D Face ID | N/A |
| Accelerometer | |
| Gyroscope | |
| Magnetometer | |
| Proximity Sensor | |
| Ambient Light | |
| Barometer | |
| Thermo/Hygrometer | N/A |
| UV Sensor | N/A |
| Hall Sensor | |
| Color Temp Sensor | |
| Health Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass |
| Satellite SOS |
Battery & Charging
| Capacity (mAh) | 3100 |
| Type | Li-Ion |
| Removable | |
| Endurance Rating | N/A |
| Wired Charging | 18 |
| Wired Standard | QC2 |
| 0-50% Time (mins) | 90 min |
| Full Charge Time | 180 min |
| Wireless Charging | 15 |
| Wireless Standard | Qi |
| Reverse Wireless | N/A |
| Reverse Wired | |
| Charger in Box | 18W |
| Battery Health Features | Battery Care |
Software
| OS at Launch | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Update Window | 2 years |
| UI Skin / Launcher | N/A |
| Feature Drops | N/A |
| App Cloning | N/A |
| Game Mode | Stamina Mode |
| Privacy Features | App Ops |
| Accessibility | TalkBack, Magnification |
| Satellite Messaging UI |
Miscellaneous
| In-Box Contents | phone, charger, USB cable, manual |
| Recycled Materials (%) | N/A |
| Repairability Score | N/A |
| Warranty | N/A |
Reviews & Ratings
186 ratings
Showing 3 of 186 reviews
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.
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.
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!
Sony Xperia Z3 Review: Solid Performance for the Price
Our comprehensive review of the Sony Xperia Z3 covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.
- + Powerful Snapdragon 801 chipset for smooth performance
- + Wireless charging support
- - Display could be brighter or smoother
- - Camera performance is average