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Sony developers behind the Xperia 1 II sat down for an interview with Engadget Japan to discuss exactly what sets the device apart from its competition.
The recently reported discussion largely centered around the display panel and cameras. But the developers also discussed audio decisions for the device. Aside from the included Dobly stereo audio tuning, for instance, the company decided to bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack for its latest flagship.
The developers say that port, long-since replaced by competitors with Bluetooth and USB-C audio, was determined to be “indispensable” for entertainment on the go. Especially if the company wanted to give “all users” an experience they could love.
On the display panel, the developers indicate that Sony chose to tie motion blur reduction technology to the display. The move is a bid to achieve a 90Hz-like experience without the added cost. The feature is tucked under Motion Blur Reduction Settings in the Settings app. And it ensures that OLED pixels receive increased voltage in time with activation.
The company also chose a 21:9 “CinemaWide” display ratio because it was reported by users as a top-three reason for the purchase. But that ratio also makes the device more comfortable to hold. Coupled with the decision to better balance white balance, the display is now not only as comfortable and clear as ever. It’s also more color-accurate than ever. That was accomplished by setting the white balance of the display based on the light source and color temperature.
What else is special about Sony Xperia 1 II?
Now, Sony developers also delved into the color chosen for the Xperia 1 II. In particular, they indicate that the near-mirror-like “reddish-purple” finish of the device was set with intent. Depending on the lighting, the color shifts tones to look more ashen or redder in hue. A slight glossy finish was added to the metal frame to intensify the mirroring.
The final key point covered by the developers is the device’s three 12-megapixel cameras. Identical sensors, the developers say, were chosen so that there wouldn’t be any discrepancy between the different shooting modes. Namely, to prevent resolution changes with magnifications. The company also opted for 1/1.7-inch sensors to gather 1.5-times the light of the original Xperia 1 cameras.
Video recording, meanwhile, was built around the needs of cinematographers and content creators. Professional users don’t use 960 frames-per-second modes because the videos can’t be very long, the company explained. So, instead, the developers focused on bringing the 120 frames-per-second mode up to 2K resolution. That allows the 4- to 5-times slow-down most users reportedly use without compromising quality.
But those aren’t the only special features with this phone. The Sony Xperia 1 II also packs a gaming feature that not only saves battery but keeps the phone cool. Or at least it does as long as a power supply is nearby.
Dubbed “H.S. Power Control” and turned on for apps under the “Game enhancer” menu, the feature effectively bypasses the 4,000mAh battery entirely. Now, that only works when the gadget is plugged in. But with power being drawn directly from a secondary source, there won’t’ be any extra strain to heat up the battery or the phone.
That means users can take full advantage of the Snapdragon 865 SoC — paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB expandable storage.
This phone will ship soon and pre-orders come with a big bonus
While already officially launched as of February, Sony hasn’t yet begun shipments on its Xperia 1 II. Pre-orders are still available though. And customers who do go ahead and purchase the phone in advance will get a perk for doing so.
In fact, anybody who gets in on the presale for this $1,199 device before June 28 will pick up a free pair of headphones for their trouble. Specifically, those are Sony’s $200 WF-1000XM3 noise-canceling wireless earbuds.
Shipments of the Sony Xperia 1 II flagship, in the US, are presently slated to start on July 24.