Sony Xperia Z2 Waterproof Tablet Review

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The Sony Xperia Z2 waterproof tablet only weighs one pound, making it the lightest 4G LTE tablet. The Xperia Z2 is also the slimmest 4G LTE tablet with a quarter-inch (6.4 mm) width. This Verizon XLTE-ready device has strong durability in the material construction and great battery life, plus extra features with PlayStation game consoles.

The Hype

  • The world’s slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet for ultimate portability
  • The world’s first tablet display with Live Colour LED2 for the best entertainment viewing experience
  • The world’s fastest processor featuring the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor combined with Sony’s leading battery performance
  • The world’s first Digital Noise Cancelling technology for a truly immersive sound experience
  • Unique accessories to further enhance your tablet experience for work and play

The Reality

The package includes the tablet with a standard 6000mAh Lithium-Ion Battery (nonremovable) and a pre-installed SIM Card (4FF Non–NFC), AC charger, microUSB cable, quick reference guide, and other manuals.

Pre-loaded applications include Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Music, Amazon AppStore, Audible, Verizon’s Cloud, Kobo, Google Chrome, Google Maps for Mobile (with Street View and Latitude), Google Play, Message+, My Verizon Mobile, OfficeSuite, Smart Connect, Sony Select, Video Unlimited, VZ Navigator, and Xperia Lounge.

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The “What’s New” app covers everything, and the entertaining Sketch app lets users draw on their tablet. No need for a stylus (not included) thanks to the accuracy and response plus the large surface is perfect.

Interface and navigation have the standard bottom row – arrow (left), home (center) and window (right) buttons.

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The open k3.5mm headphone jack (CTIA) is very accessible, and the power and volume button works well on the edge. The ports and card slots (top) are protected with snug covers to retain the dustproof and waterproof standards.

SonyXperiaTablet

This tablet is waterproof and weighs less than one pound – 15.5 ounces (439 grams)! It’s an amazing design feat that fits well in one hand. The very thin quarter-inch (6.4 mm) thickness and overall construction may cause some alarm, but it’s still very durable.

The equally prominent IP55/IP58 certified waterproof resilience on the tablet can be under 4.9 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes…with, of course, all ports and covers firmly closed. Users won’t damage their tablet in accidental events. Special cases and sprays may not be enough, so better to have waterproofing designed into the device.

Waterproof devices require more labor-intensive, expensive methods, which usually makes the device heavier, so the lightweight design is even more impressive. The tablet also meets an IP55 dustproofing standard, which helps users maintain a pristine look.

Other notable specifications include:

  • Android 4.4.2 KitKat
  • LTE Band 13/4 (700/1700 MHz), CDMA/1xEVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz); Global – EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)), HSPA/UMTS(850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 32 GB internal storage with support for up to 128 GB microSD card
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, clocked at 2.5GHz
  • Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor
  • FM Radio with RDS

Networks

  • UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz
  • GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
  • LTE Band I, Band II, Band III, Band IV, Band V, Band VII, Band VIII, Band XIII, Band XVII, Band XX

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The 10.1-inch, triluminous display with more than 16 million colors features an on-screen keyboard and the size is 6.77 x 10.47 x 0.25 inches (172 x 266 x 6.4 mm). The Xperia Z2 Tablet features a 1920×1200 resolution display that is sharp and bright and works well for indoor and outdoor uses.

Take a screenshot at any time with no button combinations. The multiple functions and options are usually available using the soft keys and on-screen keyboard. The only disappointing instance was sending pictures from the “Album” where Gmail was an option that constantly disappeared and reappeared.

The impressive battery life ranges from 14 to 16 hours, so users can usually get two or three solid days before charging. The aptly named “Stamina” mode also gives users a boost with specialized power management settings to save battery life so this tablet can win the usage marathon.

Sound on the Xperia Z2 Tablet Sony’s proprietory Front Surround™ audio technology with the first digital noise-canceling technology for tablets reducing ambient noise. Sony recommends its MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling headset for even better sound performance.

No sound during website access is another occasional issue while the instant voice recognition tool is music to the ears.

AR_EFFECT_20140927171802The clean camera interface lets users get the most of the 8.1-megapixel rear-facing camera and 2.2-megapixel front-facing camera. Effects like background defocus and augmented reality (AR) effects are practical and entertaining plus the 8x digital zoom and HD video recording (1080p) work well. The “burst” mode helps you catch that perfect still quickly and scene recognition helps users organize their works.

The main camera issue is the resolution of pictures taken. They usually don’t look too sharp when viewing on the large tablet, which can be a bit deceiving because the overall pictures are pretty decent. The auto-focus occasionally underperforms as well.

The Face Unlock feature offers more security where users unlock the tablet with facial recognition technology…and a smile (literally).

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It’s a Sony tablet, so it’s probably no surprise that developers offer great functions and features with the best-selling PlayStation game consoles.

Users can also get their PlayStation 4 games on by setting a connection with Sony’s PlayStation DUALSHOCK3 wireless controller (USB On-The-Go adapter required). The big screen offers gamers an excellent second screen option similar to Sony’s handheld PlayStation Vita console. Users can also access the PlayStation Store.

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This tablet also features a remote control application that uses infrared (IR) technology to manage several devices. Using this tablet as a remote works well (e.g. TV launcher) plus users also get Android Beam (share contacts, directions and more by touching two devices together) and the information Google Now service

Accessories mainly include Sony products like the Sony X3 Bluetooth Speaker that pairs and connects devices to the speaker with NFC one-touch connectivity and the wearable Sony SmartWatch 2 Pro including email and various social media features

Sony Experia Z2 waterproof tablet

$499.99 with a new two-year activation and will be available online and in Verizon stores; $599 alone

Source: Verizon Wireless supplied review sample

What I Like: waterproof, dustproof, instant voice recognition tool, works well with games, strong display, thin but durable design, good battery life, 4G LTE, connectivity/sharing features

What Need Improvement: Camera resolution/sharpness, website sound, rare disappearing/reappearing options

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