Sony Xperia XZ3 Review: A Premium Flagship Smartphone

Sony Xperia XZ3 (2018)

Definition: The Sony Xperia XZ3 (model: H8416/H8424/H9436) is a premium flagship Android smartphone announced at IFA Berlin on August 30, 2018, and released globally on October 5, 2018. As the final device in Sony’s Xperia XZ flagship series (succeeded by the Xperia 1 line), it is notable for being Sony’s first Xperia flagship with a 3D curved OLED display, integrating Bravia TV-grade image tech, Snapdragon 845 performance, and Sony’s signature MotionEye camera system with 960fps super slow-motion video. It targets multimedia enthusiasts and premium users seeking a blend of Sony’s audio-visual expertise and flagship hardware.

Core Technical Specifications

Component	Details
Display	6.0-inch 3D curved OLED (18:9), 2880×1440 (QHD+, 537 PPI), HDR, Bravia HDR, X-Reality Engine, Gorilla Glass 5, 60 Hz refresh rate
Processor & Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm), octa-core (4×2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold + 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver), Adreno 630 GPU
Memory & Storage	4/6 GB LPDDR4X RAM; 64 GB UFS 2.1 storage; microSD slot (up to 512 GB, hybrid SIM)
Camera System	Rear: 19 MP Exmor RS CMOS, f/2.0, 1/2.3” sensor, OIS, laser AF, RGBC-IR sensor, LED flash, 4K HDR video (30 fps), 1080p 960fps super slow-motionFront: 13 MP, f/2.0, 1080p video (30 fps)
Battery & Charging	3300 mAh non-removable Li-ion; 18W USB-C PD fast charging; Qi 9W wireless charging; up to 13 h 4G talk time
Connectivity	4G LTE Cat 18 (1.2 Gbps downlink), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD/LDAC), NFC, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo, USB-C 3.1, no 3.5 mm jack
OS & UI	Launched with Android 9.0 Pie; upgradable to Android 10; Sony Xperia UI (minimal skin)
Design & Durability	3D curved glass front/back, aluminum frame; dimensions: 158×73×9.9 mm; weight: 193 g; colors: Black, White Silver, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red; IP68 rating (waterproof to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Unique Features	Dynamic Vibration System, dedicated camera shutter key, Hi-Res Audio, DSEE HX, S-Force Front Surround, rear fingerprint sensorSony

Key Selling Points & Innovations

3D Curved OLED with Bravia Tech: Sony’s first flagship OLED display delivers infinite contrast, vibrant HDR colors, and wide viewing angles, optimized by Bravia HDR and X-Reality Engine for videos/photos.
MotionEye Camera with 960fps Slow-Motion: The 19 MP rear camera uses Sony’s imaging stack for sharp low-light shots and smooth video; 960fps super slow-motion (1080p) captures fleeting moments with precision.
Snapdragon 845 Performance: The 10 nm chipset offers fast app launches, smooth multitasking, and console-grade gaming (supports PUBG Mobile and Fortnite at high settings).
Premium Audio & Vibration: Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, DSEE HX, and S-Force Front Surround deliver immersive sound; the Dynamic Vibration System syncs vibrations to audio for enhanced media immersionSony.
IP68 Durability & Wireless Charging: Dust/waterproof build (IP68) and Qi wireless charging add practicality to the premium design.

Limitations & Criticisms

Single Rear Camera: While the 19 MP sensor was capable, the XZ3 lacked a dual-camera setup (common in 2018 flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9+), missing telephoto/ultrawide versatility.
Non-Removable Battery: The 3300 mAh sealed battery struggled with heavy QHD+ and gaming use, requiring frequent charging despite fast charging support.
Limited Software Updates: Upgraded only to Android 10 (skipped Android 11+), leaving users without modern features (e.g., Material You) and security patches post-2020.
No 3.5 mm Jack: Required a USB-C adapter for wired headphones, a divisive choice among audiophiles.
Fingerprint Magnet & Fragility: Curved glass front/back collected fingerprints easily; the glass was prone to shattering if dropped without a case.

Release & Market Performance

Launch & Pricing: Released October 5, 2018, priced at ~€799 (unlocked) / $899.99 (US carrier).
Sales & Reception: Sold moderately globally; praised for display quality, audio, and build, but criticized for the single camera and late software support. It underperformed against competitors like the Galaxy S9+ and iPhone XS due to weaker marketing and fewer camera features.
Discontinuation: Phased out in 2019, replaced by the Sony Xperia 1 (21:9 4K OLED, triple camera), marking Sony’s shift to the Xperia 1 series.

Legacy

The Xperia XZ3 is remembered as Sony’s curved OLED flagship swan song for the XZ line, blending Bravia display tech, premium audio, and flagship performance. It laid groundwork for Sony’s later Xperia 1 series focus on multimedia (4K OLED, triple cameras) and solidified Sony’s reputation for audio-visual excellence in smartphones. Today, it remains a collector’s item for fans of Sony’s unique design language and imaging heritage.