Sony Xperia ZL - CNET

When we were given a sneak preview of the Sony Xperia Z last week, the Xperia ZL was nowhere in sight. Sony PR representatives told us that there were no plans to release the smaller smartphone in Singapore yet. Well, it looks like the Japan-based company has changed its mind and will offer both the Sony Xperia Z and ZL in most Southeast Asian countries. Even though the Xperia Z may have captured our hearts at CES, the Xperia ZL does deserve some attention, too. The Sony Xperia ZL (L) with its larger sibling, the Xperia Z (R). (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Upside As with the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia ZL comes with impressive hardware. You'll get a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM and LTE support. This should make the handset feel pretty snappy and we've found this to be true in our brief time with a unit. The Xperia ZL also has the same Exmor mobile sensor and 13-megapixel camera that is capable of an unlimited burst mode and HDR video recording. The latter allows subjects to appear evenly exposed against bright backgrounds. In terms of design, the Xperia ZL is just as good-looking as the Xperia Z, but it has an even more compact footprint. However, both handsets have the same stunning 5-inch 1080p screen that's powered by Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine 2 technology. The Xperia ZL has a gorgeous 5-inch full-HD display with colors that really "pop". (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Instead of a tempered glass body, the Xperia ZL has a matte metallic finish, which isn't as prone to fingerprints. Although we like the Xperia Z's sleek looks, we find the ZL's matte finish more practical in this sense. The Xperia ZL's (L) back cover has a matte finish, which is less prone to being a fingerprint magnet than the Xperia Z (R). (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Downside As we've mentioned in our Xperia Z hands-on, the combined effect of that brilliant 1080p display and LTE could result in a less-than-ideal battery life. And since the 2,370mAh battery is non-removable, you may have to carry a portable external charger around to keep your smartphone running. Of course, you could try turning on the new battery "stamina mode" that's also present in the Xperia Z. The microSD and microSIM card slots are located under the back cover, but the battery is non-removable. (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Although this handset shares many similarities with the Xperia Z, it isn't dust- or water-resistant, so don't try bringing it into the shower or to the beach. The Sony Xperia ZL (top) is also slightly thicker and shorter than the Xperia Z (bottom). (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Strangely, the front-facing camera is at the bottom of the handset, which takes some getting used to. Because of the lower angle, it may be a little less flattering to some. The front-facing camera is located on the bottom of the handset. (Credit: Fazli Zainudin/CBS Interactive) Outlook Available in either black or white, the Xperia Z will retail in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines sometime in Q1 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual launch date. Based on its specs, we think the Xperia ZL could be a slightly more affordable alternative to the Xperia Z, and would probably appeal to a younger crowd. About the author Jacqueline Seng is a presenter/writer for CNET Asia, focusing on mobile phones. Her induction into the world of IT involved typing out stories on a computer in kindergarten--not that much has changed. The only girl on the editorial team (for now), she is also an avid potato chip connoisseur, heist movie enthusiast and indie/hiphop music aficionado. Jacqueline Seng, Presenter/Writer via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGw4YfWHviOiCOnBUEGgqZuKuUJoQ&url=http://asia.cnet.com/product/sony-xperia-zl-46728654.htm

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