You don’t have to love everything Sony to enjoy the Xperia Z3v, but it would help.
The Xperia Z3v is a Verizon-centric cousin to the Xperia Z3 for same at T-Mobile. For a list price of $199.99 with contract ($500 unlocked), the Z3v is a powerful Android smartphone. It packs a state of the art camera and industry standard processor that teams with an extensive suite of Sony-centric software attractions that make it a good neighbor of other Sony devices like the PS4.
Interestingly, the phone is constructed waterproof and dust sealed — making an expensive case unnecessary. A basic screen protector or phone wrap would help as the all glass exterior makes the unit slippery. Otherwise, the phone feels solid in the hand.
Inside, the Snapdragon 801 2.5 GHz processor is an industry standard heart, and Sony add 3 GB of RAM to maintain all of the phones multi-functionality.
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Up front, a 20.7 megapixel camera with auto focus and assisted light balance add 16 separate in-app settings, including: Manual, Superior Auto, Sound Photo, AR Fun, Multi camera, 4K video, Timeshift video, Live on YouTube, Background defocus, AR effect, Creative effect, Info-eye, Timeshift burst, Social live and Sweep Panorama. No matter the function, image quality is strong in all but extreme low light conditions.
Above everything else and beyond anything this phone can do, this is a Sony device — a phone built to work with other Sony entertainment devices. It taps into other Sony tech to build up the standard Android OS with a suite of game/movie/TV focused apps.
The Sony PS4 Remote Play transforms the phone into a fully functional mobile gaming system. It allows users to stream PS4 games directly to their phone. Gamers can use a Dual Shock controller mount to simulate the PS4 experience. There’s a price to pay for all that game play as the 3,200 mAh battery will take a hit.
Streaming functions include the ability to enjoy movies and TV shows via Sony’s streaming connections. Other original apps include a virtual version of a Sony Walkman for the user’s music.
Buyers should be aware that these Sony apps and functions are hard wired into the smartphone, so you’re married to them.
Overall, the Z3v is effective all around, adding the Sony functionality for extra appeal to PS4 lovers (at least those connected to Verizon). When you add in the additional entertainment potential of PS4 partnering with a full HD screen, the Z3v is worth the purchase price.
