Sony Xperia Z3+: A Premium Android Flagship Revisited

Sony Xperia Z3+ (Xperia Z4) (2015)

Product Overview: The Sony Xperia Z3+ (internationally named; known as Xperia Z4 in Japan) is a flagship Android smartphone announced in April 2015 (Japan launch) and May 2015 (global release), codenamed Ivy. It is an incremental upgrade to the Xperia Z3, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and a slimmer design while retaining Sony’s iconic OmniBalance glass – and – metal build with IP65/IP68 water/dust resistance. Launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop (upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat), it targeted premium users seeking a balance of performance, multimedia, and durability, though it faced criticism for Snapdragon 810 overheating issues and shorter battery life than its predecessor.

Core Specifications

Component	Details
Model Aliases	Xperia Z3+: E6533 (Dual – SIM), E6553 (Single – SIM); Xperia Z4 (Japan): 402SO, SO – 03G, SOV31
Display	5.2 – inch FHD IPS LCD (1920×1080, 424 ppi), Triluminos Display, X – Reality for Mobile, Gorilla Glass 4, 550 nits peak brightness
Processor & GPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (20nm, octa – core: 4×2.0 GHz Cortex – A57 + 4×1.5 GHz Cortex – A53), Adreno 430 GPU
Memory & Storage	3 GB LPDDR4 RAM; 32 GB eMMC 5.0 internal storage; microSD expandable up to 128 GB
Rear Camera	20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile (f/2.0, 25mm, 1/2.3″ sensor, 0.03s autofocus, OIS, 4K video at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, 720p slow – mo at 120 fps)
Front Camera	5.1 MP Exmor R for mobile (f/2.4, 1080p video at 30 fps)
Battery & Charging	2930 mAh non – removable Li – Ion; 15 W Quick Charge 2.0; no wireless charging; standby up to 400 h (3G), talk time up to 10 h (3G)
Design & Build	146×72×6.9 mm, 144 g; OmniBalance glass front/back, aluminum frame; IP65/IP68 water/dust resistance; colors: Graphite Black, White, Copper, Aqua Green
Connectivity	4G LTE Cat.6 (300 Mbps down/50 Mbps up), Wi – Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 (LDAC support), NFC, micro – USB 2.0 (MHL 3.0), 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, compass, barometer, GPS/A – GPS/GLONASS
Audio	Hi – Res Audio certification, LDAC Bluetooth audio, Clear Audio +, noise cancellation, FM radio

Key Feature Breakdown

1. Display & Multimedia

The 5.2 – inch FHD LCD offers vibrant colors via Triluminos and sharp upscaling via X – Reality for Mobile, ideal for streaming and gaming. Hi – Res Audio and LDAC (lossless Bluetooth streaming) cater to audiophiles, while the 20.7 MP rear camera delivers fast autofocus and stabilized 4K video, making it a strong multimedia flagship.

2. Performance & Software

The Snapdragon 810 delivers fast multitasking and 4K video editing but is prone to thermal throttling under heavy load, a common issue for 2015 devices using this chip. The software starts with Android 5.0 Lollipop, with Sony’s lightweight UI and two major OS updates, ensuring long – term usability until 2018.

3. Design & Durability

The 6.9 mm thin frame (down from Z3’s 7.3 mm) and 144 g weight improve portability, while the glass – aluminum build and IP65/IP68 rating maintain Sony’s signature durability, surviving 1.5m water immersion for 30 minutes. The side – mounted power button integrates a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

4. Camera Capabilities

The 20.7 MP Exmor RS sensor with OIS and ultra – fast autofocus excels in low light and motion capture. 4K video recording and 720p slow – motion mode add versatility, while the 5.1 MP front camera handles sharp selfies and 1080p video calls.

Market Position & Legacy

Market Position

Premium Flagship: Priced at ~$600 unlocked, it competed with the Samsung Galaxy S6 and LG G4. It appealed to Sony loyalists but lost mainstream buyers to the S6’s AMOLED display and better battery optimization.
Regional Branding: Named Z4 in Japan and Z3+ globally to align with the Z3’s market recognition, leading to some consumer confusion.

Legacy & Limitations

Limitations: Snapdragon 810 overheating caused performance throttling; the 2930 mAh battery (down from Z3’s 3100 mAh) led to shorter daily use; micro – USB 2.0 was outdated vs. USB – C rivals.

Legacy: It pioneered LDAC for high – quality Bluetooth audio and maintained Sony’s focus on camera/design excellence, laying groundwork for the Z5 series’ refined Snapdragon 810 v2.1 and 4K display innovation.