This Is What Android 5.0 Lollipop Looks like on the Sony Xperia Z3

Android 5.0 Lollipop has been out and about for five consecutive months and device makers such as HTC, Samsung, LG or Motorola have been relatively quick in picking up the update for their flagship products (some faster than others).

Sony was one of the phone makers that initially promised the Lollipop update for a bunch of its top-tier models like the Xperia Z3 smartphone. It appears the company is still working on the update, which is currently undergoing testing, so it might be a while before we actually see the new build coming to our devices. However, if you’re curious to check out Sony’s take on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, you’ll be pleased to know that the folks at Spazio iTech have spotted the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact running the new build on the MWC show floor in Barcelona. And they even shot a video, so you can see it for yourself.

As you can notice, Sony has done a good job at maintaining Google’s vision of Lollipop alive. However, users will stumble upon a bunch of Sony-specific features too. The company did the same with Android 4.4 KitKat, so don’t expect to see any major changes.

Sony Xperia Z3 main screen

Sony Xperia Z3, about phone

Sony Xperia Z3, Video app

Sony Xperia Z3, applications

Sony Xperia Z3, quick settings
Images credits to Youtube Screenshot

Anteprima aggiornamento Lollipop su Sony Xperia Z3 by Spazio iTech
Video credits to Spazio iTech

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Samsung Galaxy S6, HTC One M9 and iPhone 6 Fight It Out in Benchmarks

One of the world’s biggest tech conventions is unfolding in Barcelona as we speak, so you probably heard that two of the most highly anticipated handsets this spring, the HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6, already made a debut.

The One M9 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 810 platform, while the Galaxy S6 draws life from the company’s own Exynos 7420 chipset. While we have seen the two chips appear in benchmarks before, scoring in a similar fashion, the folks at Computer Base have managed to pit the chip inside the HTC flagship against the one in the new Samsung phone via the cross-platform GeekBench. The chips powering these phones were also compared against other processors living in others flagships like the iPhone 6, Nexus 5 and Nexus 9.

Snapdragon 810 vs. Exynos 7420 vs. other high-end chips

In the multi-core test, the octa-core Exynos 7420 takes the number one position by scoring 4,547 points, while the Snapdragon 810 only manages to grab 3,959 points. Coming in at number three is the NVIDIA Tegra K1 Denver inside the Nexus 9 with 3,423 points. Apple’s A8 chip only takes the sixth position, scoring just 2,911 points. But when it comes to the more realistic, single-core performance, the Apple A8 chip outperformed the two rivals by taking hold of 1,626 points compared to the 1,443 for the Exynos 7420 and 1,186 for the Snapdragon 810. Interestingly enough, the biggest score goes to the NVIDIA Tegra K1 Denver inside the Nexus 9, which managed to tower over the competition with 1,976 points.

The difference between the chips isn’t huge, so you shouldn’t get too worried. Regardless if you choose to invest in the Samsung Galaxy S6, HTC One M9 or iPhone 6, you can be sure the phones will support snappy navigation and will handle basically pretty much everything you throw at them without a murmur. For the time being, the iPhone 6 is the only model customers are able to pick up from retail. As for the new Galaxy S6 and One M9, you still have a few months to wait until the first units start shipping out, although the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge already popped up for pre-order at Samsung Netherlands.

GeekBench multi-core test results

GeekBench single-core test results

GeekBench multi-core test results
Images credits to GeekBench

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Expect the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet with Snapdragon 810 to Be Utterly Expensive

While Sony didn't show off any high-end smartphones at MWC 2015, it did roll out the first tablet to take advantage of an advanced Snapdragon 810 processor.

The tablet made a debut as the world’s lightest and thinnest, coming with a frame of just 6.1 mm / 0.24 inches (identical to the iPad Air 2), although the title of most anorexic slate out there still goes to the Dell Venue 8 7000 Series which boasts a 6-mm / 0.24-inch profile. Anyway, Sony didn't say anything about the pricing specifications of the new Xperia Z4 Tablet when it launched it. Even so, we assumed it wouldn't come cheap.

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet pricing revealed

Even if the tablet will start shipping out to customers starting in June, Sony France has already put the tablet up for pre-order, while also revealing pricing specifications in the process (in European rates). Sadly, it seems like Sony’s latest slate is going to appeal only to those with fat wallets. In France, the Xperia Z4 Tablet will start from €554 / $620 for the Wi-Fi version. If you want the LTE model instead, then you’ll have to take out €649 / $727 from your piggy bank. In case you need the Bluetooth keyboard accessory as well, the rates will take you all the way up to €759 / $850. While there’s no indication about US pricing for the time being, we assume the base model won’t go below the $500 / €446 mark, so you better start saving up if you want the new Xperia Z4 Tablet.

Sony Xperia Z4 spec roundup

In case you missed our earlier scoop, we’ll tell you that the Xperia Z4 Tablet arrives with a 10.1-inch display with beautiful 2K resolution and 300 ppi. As is the case with Sony products, the slate takes advantage of the company’s Triluminos technology and X-Reality Mobile engine for a vivid depiction of colors. As we told you before, the power source of the tablet is a Snapdragon 810 processor working hand in hand with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card). In the photography sector, there’s an 8MP Sony ExmorRS camera and a 5MP wide-angle front selfie shooter available for you to take advantage of. The Xperia Z4 Tablet is quite capable, but will you pay so much to get your hands on this waterproof slob?

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet frontal image

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet dispay

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet in white

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet in black and white

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is extremely thin
Images credits to Sony Mobile France

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