Thursday 11 June 2015

Product Review - @SonyXperiaZA E4 Android Smartphone

Hi Guys,

It's been many years since I tried any of the Sony mobiles and when I visited the website some weeks back, I could see the whole range of smartphones catering to different segments. I remember the last time when I bought a Sony phone just to get the goodies from Orange Stores in Southwark, London as the price of goodies was much more than the cost of the phone. The phone was the cheapest option available in colored screen with Walkman feature and at that time in 2011, I paid £49 for the same. I still have that Sony phone which I use in emergency when the battery dies on the main phone. 
I do keep an eye on the flagship models that are available in the market from all the brands but never got the opportunity of venturing into the value range of products for Sony Mobile Communications. I got this device names Xperia E4 to review for 2 weeks. It was my first experience of Sony's user interface on android device, all the various apps and camera functionality which comes along with the smartphone.
Sony Xperia E4 is a value segment phone which is targeted at the young generation. The phone has big 5" qHD smart display which helps you to view the phone screen from any angle to get super sharp image and accurate colors. Thought the ppi density (960x540 pixels) is less on the phone but considering the price that's good which also comes with scratch resistant glass. I watched a complete movie on Youtube on this screen and never felt the need to watch the same on tablet or laptop. The other feature that kept me glued to the device was it's xLOUD Loudness Enhancement Engine which really helped me listen to dialogues of the movie without any need of headphones or so in a home environment where kids are also making a lot of noise playing etc. The audio was crystal clear (Clear Audio+ technology) and I even used their normal (old style) earphones but they produces some nice quality music and I was lost in my own zone within no time. Also the equalizers that are available in this smartphone makes you really go in your own zone. I totally loved this feature and also Walkman phones needs no introduction and hence the legacy continues in all of Sony Xperia devices.
Sony Xperia E4 smartphone has 1.3 GHz quad-core processor (ARM Mali-400 MP2) with 1GB RAM and 8GB of ROM. The memory capacity can be extended upto 32GB using the micro-SD card which goes behind the cover on the back of the smartphone. The phone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat and weighs only 144 grams. The curve factor is very high on the phone and it feels really nice to hold the phone. The battery capacity of Xperia E4 is 2300 mAh and comes with power savings features called STAMINA to extend the usage of the smartphone. I was able to watch the 3 hours long hindi movie on Youtube with 35-40% reduction in the battery life of the phone on wi-fi network at home. I also installed some games from PlayStore and was able to play them without any lag on the new review device but may be when all the apps are running and consuming data then there will be lag due to only 1GB of RAM.
Sony Xperia E4 has 5 megapixel rear camera with flash and front camera is 2MP (720p video capability). Here considering the fact that all value segment devices from other manufactures are going towards 5MP wide selfie camera, Sony didn't followed the herd race. But I took some selfies which were really clear and crisp. The main camera also takes nice pictures with 4X digital zoom & image stabilizers and I found them good enough for a phone in the value segment. The rear camera takes Full HD videos at 1080p.
The phone screen feels like sitting on the top of the body of the phone and I never felt that the phone has 5inch display as it was so easy to grasp the phone. Underneath the back cover you will find slots to insert the micro-SIM and micro-SD card. The battery is hidden underneath the cover and can't be taken out. The power button and volume rockers are on the right hand side of the phone. The top portion has 3.5mm jack for your earphones etc and left hand side has the mini-USB charging port. The phone package contains Xperia E4, a charger, cable (small length) and earphones with mic along with some manuals, warranty etc. The phone also has a dual-SIM version available. The phone is available in two colors - Black and White and priced at around R2100 on Orange website for South Africa.
 
It was a great experience to use a Sony Xperia device made especially for the value segment customers. Also the Sony has made the whole experience towards using the phone to develop your interest in mobile photography and music. They have various tutorials on their website to learn various types of mobile photography and camera software on the phone offers you a lot to venture into the same. The phone is really nice for the students and gives you a long battery output which under normal conditions goes till 2 days. If you want a new phone for day to day activities then this is the phone to go for. Follow Sony Xperia ZA on twitter and Facebook.

Cheers!!!

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