Since the original Xperia Z, Sony has been really stepping up its game in the high-end smartphone market with some great devices released last year, including the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z1 Compact. Boasting the same fantastic build quality and similar design elements, along with some key hardware and software upgrades, comes the Sony Xperia Z2, which we first got our hands-on during this year’s Mobile World Congress.

We can’t wait to run Sony’s latest flagship through its paces, but, before we do, here’s the unboxing and our first impressions about the Sony Xperia Z2!

Unboxing

Even before opening the packaging, the first thing you notice is that the box is a lot bigger than what the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z before it were packaged in, which definitely gets us excited about what other goodies, other than the smartphone, are included in the box. After opening it up, front and center is the Sony Xperia Z2 handset, along with a quick start guide. We’ve got the white version of the device for this unboxing and the upcoming in-depth review, which is really great, since we think it looks even better than the black on black version that we got to play around with during MWC 2014.

Removing the flap, you’ll find the standard fare included, such as the AC wall charger, a microUSB cable, as well as some more documentation, including warranty information and some legal notices. What is interesting is the inclusion of some documentation for the included headphones, which right away indicates that the earphones aren’t your regular fare, but definitely leaning more towards the high-end, which is great to see. The earphones are the Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset that is available on Amazon for $57.99. It certainly looks like Sony isn’t holding back by offering some of its better accessories. The earphones also come with spare earbuds that come with some color, allowing you to change up the look to suit your tastes.

Also included for the first time is a magnetic charging port dock. Granted, almost every other high-end Sony smartphone released last year also featured the magnetic charging port. But, without a dock included with those smartphones, you’d have to pick one up separately, so not many took advantage of this feature. The dock also comes with an external clip to hold the device in place, in case you use it without a case on.

First Impressions

Getting to the handset itself, what shines through, quite literally, is the glass back of the device, which looks amazing. Turning over to the front, it’s good to see that Sony has addressed a common complaint with previous Xperia smartphones, and really reduced the bezels to the left and right of the display, and to some extent around the top and bottom of the phone.

Despite its larger display, the Xperia Z2 is barely bigger than the Xperia Z1, and is in fact lighter and thinner than its predecessor. There isn’t much of a distance between the end of the phone and where the screen starts, and reaching across the display is quite easy while using it with one hand.

While the overall design language remains the same, and is a design that only Sony really puts out, you get sides and corners that are a little more rounded, that definitely help with the grip. Of course, Sony design staples such as the dedicated camera shutter button and the iconic large silver power button make a return, and overall, the phone looks even sleeker than its previous iterations. Once again, all ports are covered for protection against dust and water, with the Xperia Z2 boasting the IP58 rating that has become a standard feature of Sony’s flagship lineup. What this means is you can immerse the handset in up to one meter of water for as long as 30 minutes, without affecting performance in any way. You also get superior protection against dust.

Jumping over to the software side of things, the Xperia Z2 features Android 4.4 KitKat and an updated Timescape UI that comes with a slightly brighter user interface, and while it may be quite minimalistic, it packs plenty of new features. Additions include glove mode, adjustable white balance, double tap to wake, USB DAC support, and a built-in answering machine app, just to name a few. Additionally, you’ll find all the regular Sony apps you’d expect such as the Walkman app, PlayMemories, the Playstation app, Small Apps, and more.

Specifications

Display 5.2-inch IPS LCD Full HD (1920 x 1080), 424 ppi Processor 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU RAM 3 GB Storage 16 GB, expandable Cameras 20.7 MP Exmor RS rear camera, 2.2MP from camera Battery 3,200 mAh Software Android 4.4 Kitkat Dimensions 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm, 163 grams Connectivity 3G/4G LTE

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Stay tuned with Android Authority as we prepare to bring you the full, in-depth review of the Sony Xperia Z2!

What are your thoughts? What are your first impressions about the Sony Xperia Z2? Let us know in the comments section below.