Sony Xperia Z1 challenges Apple, Samsung (video)

Sony introduced a wide range of new products at the IFA trade show in Berlin this week, including a flagship smartphone, televisions and cameras, the Huffington Post reported.

The Xperia Z1 smartphone is an impressive update to the Xperia Z, which Sony launched earlier this year. The Z1 improves upon the design, while also adding functionality. The camera is the Z1's hallmark feature. Sony carried over a larger 1/2.3 imaging sensor from its compact camera range as well as its G Lens technology to give the Z1 the best possible camera. The sensor rates 20.1-megapixels and has all the low-light capabilities of its smaller predecessor. The G Lens offers a wider field of view (27 mm versus 34 mm for the Z), and should also produce sharper images. Sony also improved the camera's software with new shooting modes that make it easier to be creative with how the camera is used.

The Android 4.2.2-backed Z1 has a 5-inch full HD display with TriLuminos and X-Reality processing engines. Sony has said that these help produce the sharpest video possible. The Z1 is powered by a 2.2-GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2 GB of RAM, and comes with 16 GB of internal storage. Like the Xperia Z before it, the Z1 is water resistant. It can stand in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It also includes Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS and Bluetooth 4.0LE.

The phone is made from tempered glass that is glued to an anodized aluminum frame. It has a very high-quality feel. The metal and glass combination feels superior to the plastics favored by Samsung. The Sony Xperia Z1 is a flagship smartphone in every sense, and clearly challenges the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone.