Codenamed Togari and marketed as "the world's slimmest Full HDsmartphone[5] it is the first phone that allows users to take notes or draw on with a regular pen or pencil.[6][7]
Like the Sony Xperia Z and Z1, the phone is dust protected, low pressure water jet protected, and waterproof, allowing immersion under 1.5 metres of water for up to 30 minutes (IP55/58), as well as being shatterproof and scratch-resistant,[8] making it the world's thinnest IP certified smartphone.[6]
Design
The Xperia Z Ultra uses the same "Omni-Balance" design as Xperia Z. Combining tempered glass on both the front and rear with a metallic frame, the phablet is described as an "attractive-looking gadget" which has "minimalistic" yet "stylish" appeal and "premium feel".[9]
Designed to be the same width as a passport, the device will fit normal jacket pockets.[10] The metal frame also makes it more comfortable to hold with one hand.[10]
Sony Xperia Z Ultra is available in three colors: black, white and purple.[5]
Sony Xperia Z Ultra back
Sony Xperia Z Ultra side
Hardware
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.44" display, is slim (175 x 92 x 6.5 mm) and lightweight (212 g); it is also dust protected, low pressure water jet protected, waterproof (IP55/IP58), shatterproof and scratch-resistant.[8] It has a 2 megapixel front camera and 8 megapixel rear camera with an Exmor R sensor, 16x digital zoom with auto focus, 1080 p HD recording, HDR, continue burst mode, face detection.FM RADIO with stereo.[8]
Sony will also release a Smart Bluetooth Headset (SBH52) that allows answering calls without taking the phablet out, as well as reading call logs and text messages, listening to music and FM radio.[11][12] The headset has NFC for single-touch pairing with Xperia Z Ultra, and it is also water-resistant.[13][14][15]
Features
The 6.44" Full HD (1080p) 342 ppitouchscreen display uses Sony's Triluminos™ and X-Reality for mobile technology, with an OptiContrast panel to reduce reflection and enable clearer viewing even in bright sunlight. The screen is highly responsive and compatible with stylus as well as regular pencils[7] or metal pens.[6][9]
Being waterproof means that users can use the phablet in the rain, or take it to the pool or beach.[6] Although lacking a rear LED flash, the phone's cameras are capable of taking pictures/videos at any light.[7]
The Xperia Z Ultra was originally shipped with Sony's custom version of Android 4.2.2, and as of 27 June 2014, the Xperia Z Ultra has received the Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) update.[16] In addition to Sony's own applications like Walkman, PlayStation Mobile, battery stamina mode, several Google apps also come preloaded (Google Chrome, Google Play, Google Voice Search, Google Maps, NeoReader™ barcode scanner).[8] On 2 November 2014, the Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition received an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop.[17]
On 4 December 2015, the international version of the Xperia Z Ultra received the Android 5.1.1 update from Sony.
Because of its size, the phone's on-screen keyboard and dialer can be switched to either sides for users to easily reach all keys with only the thumb.[6]
All variants (except SOL24) support four 2G GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 and five 3G UMTS band 850/900/1700/1900/2100.
Reception
Sony Xperia Z Ultra is praised for its "very classy" exterior,[6] "stunning" massive Triluminos display, stylish premium design, slim form, light weight, impressive build quality, durability (water and dustproof), interesting pencil/pen compatibility, and powerful specs.[9]
CNET's editor Aloysius Low wrote that "Sony has set a very high benchmark with the Xperia Z Ultra", challenging the leadership position in the phablet market.[9]
PhoneArena wrote that the Xperia Z Ultra is "an engineering marvel" "towering above all other phablets not only in screen size, but also in specs and design". Its performance is described as "blazing fast", claimed to be the "fastest mobile device they've tested so far" (as of 13 August 2013).[6] According to ExpertReviews, the Xperia Z Ultra is "more than twice as fast as a Galaxy S4".[10]
