Sony launches flagship XZ1 phone in Malaysia for RM2,999

At IFA 2017, Sony debuted their latest generation of phones that offer beefed up hardware and, in particular, 3D object capturing tech in the form of the XZ1 and the XZ1 compact. Of the two, the former has just been officially launched in Malaysia along with the more affordable workhorse Xperia XA1 Plus.

The Xperia XZ1 is one of the first phones to run Android Oreo straight out of the box and with it comes an impressive 19-MP rear camera that comes with their Motion Eye tech. The camera sports what they call Predictive Capture that snags images several seconds before you press the shutter release so you can pick and choose the money shot. Other tricks include the ability to capture 960fps ultra slow video at HD resolution along with the usual 4K video. The camera also integrates a trifecta of Sony’s imaging tech including their impressive G Lens glass, their BIONZ for mobile image processing engine and their SteadyShot electronic stabilisation tech for judder free video.

Ultra slo-mo video and predictive image capture are icing on the cake though to the unique calling card that XZ1 is made for – capturing 3D imagery. The rear camera is able to scan an object be it a person’s mug or some other knickknack, save it as a 3D file which you can then tweak and share on social media or to a 3D printer so you can enjoy a physical representation of your mug plonked on your desk.

The rest of the hardware on the XZ1 consists of a 5.2-inch Full HD HDR-ready display sheathed in Corning Gorilla Glass 5 beefed up with their Triluminos Display tech and X-Reality for mobile imaging tech with a Snapdragon 835 processor running under the hood paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB of expandable storage via a hybrid SIM card. The front camera itself has a 13-MP sensor with their Exmor RS for mobile image sensor and a 22mm F/2.0 wide angle lens. Keeping this all juiced is a 2,700mAh battery. For Malaysia, it will arrive in stores by the end of September in four colours – Moonlit Blue, Black, Warm Silver and Venus Pink for RM2,999.

The more affordable XA1 Plus comes with a slightly larger 5.5-inch Full HD display, runs a MediaTek helio P20 2.3GHz octacore processor with Android Nougat, 4GB RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. The rear 23-MP camera has an Exmor RS for mobile image sensor while the front packs an 8-MP selfie camera. The phone also comes with a larger 3,430mAh battery with Qnovo adaptive charging tech. For Malaysia, the Xperia XA1 Plus will ship in October in your choice of Gold, Black, Pink and Blue for RM1,499. While stocks last, purchases of the XZ1 and XA1 Plus will come bundled with a free screen protector and transparent case.