Sony·Flagship · Released Feb 2013

Xperia Z

The 2013 phone that launched Sony’s waterproof glass-slab era.

30/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$650
Color · Black
Display
5.0" FHD LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon S4 Pro
Memory
2 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
13.1 MP · f/2.4
Battery
2,330 mAh
Weight
146 g
Quick answer

The Xperia Z is a flagship Sony smartphone released Feb 2013, with a launch price of $650. It pairs the Snapdragon S4 Pro with a 5.0" FHD LCD display, a 13.1 MP · f/2.4 main camera and a 2,330 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 30/100 — The start of Sony’s glass-slab Xperia era. Standout strengths: launched sony’s omnibalance glass-slab design language. and ip57 water and dust resistance — early for a flagship. Main trade-off: tft lcd had poor viewing angles.

AI Snapshot

The start of Sony’s glass-slab Xperia era.

The Xperia Z introduced waterproofing and the OmniBalance design Sony used for years. A weak LCD aside, it was a notable 2013 flagship — now history.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display52
Camera42
Performance18
Battery38
Build62
Value36
  • Launched Sony’s OmniBalance glass-slab design language.
  • IP57 water and dust resistance — early for a flagship.
  • Sharp FHD display for 2013.
  • microSD support.

Full specifications

Type
TFT LCD (Mobile BRAVIA)
Size
5.0 inches
Resolution
1,920 × 1,080 px (441 ppi)
Protection
Shatter-proof glass
Main
13.1 MP, f/2.4, Exmor RS
Selfie
2.2 MP
Video
1080p @ 30 fps

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -98.5%
This
24,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -97.2%
This
82
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -97.3%
This
215
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.4%
This
0.4 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the Xperia Z compares

Xperia ZiPhone 5Xperia Z1
SpecEagle score303036
ChipsetSnapdragon S4 ProApple A6Snapdragon 800
Display5.0" FHD LCD4.0" LCD5.0" FHD LCD
Main camera13.1 MP · f/2.48 MP · f/2.420.7 MP · f/2.0
Battery2,330 mAh1,440 mAh3,000 mAh
Launch price$650$649$650

Frequently asked questions

When was the Xperia Z released?

The Xperia Z was released in Feb 2013.

How much does the Xperia Z cost?

The Xperia Z launched at $650 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the Xperia Z screen size and type?

The Xperia Z has a 5.0" FHD LCD display.

What chipset does the Xperia Z use?

The Xperia Z is powered by the Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Xperia Z have?

The Xperia Z ships with 2 GB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Xperia Z battery capacity?

The Xperia Z has a 2,330 mAh battery.

How fast does the Xperia Z charge?

The Xperia Z supports ~5 W wired charging.

Does the Xperia Z have wireless charging?

The Xperia Z does not support wireless charging.

What is the Xperia Z main camera?

The Xperia Z has a 13.1 MP · f/2.4 main camera.

Is the Xperia Z waterproof?

The Xperia Z is rated IP57 for dust and water resistance.

How much does the Xperia Z weigh?

The Xperia Z weighs 146 g.

What colours does the Xperia Z come in?

The Xperia Z is available in 3 colours: Black, White, Purple.

Is the Xperia Z worth buying?

The Xperia Z introduced waterproofing and the OmniBalance design Sony used for years. A weak LCD aside, it was a notable 2013 flagship — now history. SpecEagle gives the Xperia Z an editorial score of 30/100.

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