The update offers the following new features and improvements in its changelog, which are similar to what we have already seen on the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 updates.

Sony Xperia Z1 update (14.5.A.0.270) changelog

• Ensured the lock screen / notification bar doesn’t indicate “no service” when the device has coverage
• Added a Sony feature; bringing back the “close-all-button” in the activity menu, so you can easily close all apps at once
• Unblocked devices with server policies (such as Exchange Active Sync for e-mail), to enable the new Lollipop lock-screen notifications
• Ensured the LED light is lit across all sound modes – and no longer offset by “silent”
• Made the necessary fixes to enable the easy movement of content from internal memory to external microSD card (something we saw affecting a few devices)
• Improved messaging functionality in Ultra stamina mode – some conversations could not be opened before in Ultra stamina mode

source - Xperia Blog

source - XperiaBlog

LG G2 - £299 (16GB) | £339.99 (32GB)




Google Nexus 5 - £299 (16GB) / £339 (32GB)




Sony Xperia Z1 - £399.99




HTC One - £372




Motorola Moto X - £306




Samsung Galaxy S4 - £320


Like many of the flagships on this list, the Galaxy S4 is also getting set to give way to its successor the Galaxy S5. This means the former flagship can be yours for a little over £300. The Galaxy S4 comes with a 5-inch 1080p display, a 13-megapixel camera and several software enhancements from Samsung like its hover-touch.


Would you consider purchasing one of the above mentioned Android smartphones instead of the affordable Apple iPhone 5c? Its clear that Apple needs to rethink its strategy on Affordability unless it wants to be slowly overtaken by its competitors. Its important for us to point out that the 8GB iPhone 5s is only available in UK and Europe and not offered in the U.S. at this time.


source - Android Central

Sony is rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat software update to the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z1 Compact. The update will bring all the new features and performance improvements offered by the latest version of Android, along with the customizations from Sony.

This means you will get the updated Status Bar and Quick Settings menus which are now clearer and more intuitive. The Xperia lineup will also borrow the new launch animation and live wallpaper from the Sony PlayStation 4.

Furthermore, Sony's native Android apps, such as Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select, Smart Social Camera have received updates as well, while the Media apps (Walkman, Album, and Movies) are now integrated with Sony Entertainment Network and PlayMemories. The update should bring a better UI and faster download speeds.

Finally, Sony's Xperia Themes with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select will let you customize up to 280 items from the Xperia Android interface in a variety of styles.

One of the great new features on the Sony Xperia Z2 is the ability to answer a call by just bringing the phone to your ear. The feature is enabled from the Smart call handling set on the Z2, and has been present on phones from other manufacturers for a while now.

Now the folks at XDA have managed to port the Smart call handing feature to the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z1 Compact.

[NOTE] Keep in mind that your device will have to be rooted before you continue with a custom recovery installed.

[NOTE] Rooting and installing custom apps is not recommended unless you are fully aware of the risks that come with it. You will be fully responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur from incorrectly following this guide.

1. Download the Intelli_sign zip file, and flash it to your device in recovery mode
   -
2. Download the Gesture.2.apk file, sideload it, and install
   -
3. Start the Gesture app, enable the Smart call handling feature, and start answering calls by just raising the phone to your ear

The Sony Xperia Z1 and the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact are two very similar smartphones. They share the same design language that Sony phones are known for, like their waterproof bodies, and they both pack the hardware specs we've come to expect out of a high-end Android devices. Size, however, is the key factor that sets them apart. The Xperia Z1 comes with a 5-inch screen and is obviously the chunkier one of the two, while the Z1 Compact is physically smaller as it is equipped with a 4.3-inch display. The following video takes a closer look comparing these two handsets to find out what sets them apart.

Both handsets are very similar as you will see from the video, hoping to reach a wider audience based on the users preference in smartphone size. The Xperia Z1 Compact much more suitable for those who value ease of use above all; those who would appreciate owning a high performer that they can easily operate with one hand and fit in any pocket. On the other hand, people who often find themselves watching videos or photos, browsing the web, or playing games on their smartphone should be more satisfied with the Xperia Z1 since its bigger, higher-resolution screen is a huge asset when it comes to multimedia consumption. Overall, we find both phones equally appealing, which is why whichever you pick, we doubt you'd end up feeling disappointed.

You can read a full comparison between the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the Sony Xperia Z1 on PhoneArena.

The Sony Xperia Z1 and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra are now receiving a new firmware update which gives users the ability to tweak their respective device's white balance among other features and improvements. The update is being pushed out OTA (over-the-air) in phases, but can be alternatively downloaded though Sony's PC Companion Suite.

The update also brings improvements to Bluetooth streaming, along with improvements to e-mail and Wi-Fi. As expected the update is also said to bring minor bug fixes and performance improvements.


The update is also expected to arrive on the Sony Xperia Z1 compact, but there is no news on if and when it will arrive. Meanwhile Sony is also expected to be working on the Android 4.4 KitKat update, which is rumored to arrive somewhere between late January and early February for new Xperia devices.

Sony is now rolling out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for the the Sony Xperia Z1 and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Even though we initially suspected that Sony may skip Android 4.3 for both handsets in favor of jumping directly Android 4.4 KitKat, it looks like the company will be taking one step at a time.

Sony says that not only does it include Android Jelly Bean's Project Butter, but also new Timescape functions, and overall performance tweaks. Here's the changelog you can expect:

• Google’s Android 4.3; Jelly Bean as standard – bringing Project Butter performance & UI optimisation and a smoother graphical experience
• Launched with Xperia Z1, we’re now bringing Sony’s Smart Social Camera to Xperia Z Ultra – our signature camera experience, that lets you download, access and enjoy “Xperia camera apps” directly from within the viewfinder
• We’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions – bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for (to name but a few): Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, Sony Select and…
• Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration - a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, offering seamless access to both local and cloud content
• The launch of our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – more on this soon…
• The latest Android security enhancements, matched with Sony’s mobile enterprise solution: Xperia in Business

Sony has also confirmed that the other members of the 2013 Xperia family will be receiving the Android 4.3 update notification.


source - Sony

You may also be interested in the following comparisons:

• Lumia 1020 vs Xperia Z1 vs Galaxy S4 vs HTC One - Action Mode Camera Comparison
• Lumia 1020 vs Xperia Z1 vs Galaxy S4 vs HTC One - Low Light Camera Comparison

source - Phones4u (YouTube)

source - Phones4u (YouTube)

Owners of the flagship Sony Xperia Z1 and Sony Xperia Z Ultra will be delighted to learn that their devices might go straight to Android 4.4 KitKat in the end of January/beginning of February time frame, according to inside sources

That means the two Sony flagships will skip the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in favor of the newest version of Android. However Sony still plans to offer Android 4.3 to devices like the Sony Xperia Z, Sony Xperia ZL and Sony Xperia ZR by the end of this year, before they get a chance at KitKat.

re. #Android @KitKat, we’re excited – next week our news on: 4.3, 4.4; products & more... #SonyXperia
— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 1, 2013

As Sony is planning to reveal more information about their Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 plans this week, it wont be long before they confirm whether this rumor about a direct jump to KitKat for the Z1 and Z Ultra is true or not.


source - SonyViet

We already know the Sony Xperia Z1 is capable of capturing beautiful photos. Now Sony has released a new firmware update which improves the algorithm to enhance the performance of the camera further. Features like Burst Mode, Superior Auto, AR Effect and Sweep Panorama are all improved following the update.

The update has started rolling out globally and a Dutch Sony Xperia Z1 owner showed off some photos, demonstrating the difference in the quality of photographs taken before and after the update. As you can see, the update allows the camera to capture more detail, even in shadows. You should also notice the improved color reproduction and contrast.


The rear snapper on the phone is 20.7MP with an f/2.0 aperture that allows for clear photographs even in low-light conditions. With a 1/2.3 inch sensor and a Sony G lens, the firmware update helps the camera on the Sony Xperia Z1 come closer to reaching its potential.


source - XDA | GSMArena

If you live in the U.S. you probably know that Sony products tend to arrive later than most other brands. Luckily the manufacturer wants this to change. The company's newest lineup with include the Sony Xperia Z1, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet and the Sony SmartWatch 2 are set to be launched in the United States.