Sony Xperia Z Ultra's size can be a challenge for buyers

SONY XPERIA Z ULTRA
Price: Rs 41,600
Rating: 3/5
Specs: 6.4 inch display; 8MP camera; Android v4.2; 2.2GHz quad core processor; 2GB RAM; 16GB onboard storage, 64GB expandable; Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi Direct, 212 grams; 3050mAh battery

The idea of the phablet was to combine the best features of a smartphone and a tablet in a single device. What started with 5-inch displays has now moved to massive 6.4-inch screens like in the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. But can a device this big be a smartphone?

WHAT'S GOOD?
The Ultra looks like a rectangular slab of glass. Very slim, very impressive. The Sony branding at the back stands out and feels like a part of the display.

The 6.4-inch screen makes it ideal for watching movies, browsing the web and even playing games, especially when you are on the move.


Running Android 4.2, the Snapdragon 800 processor gave the Ultra enough power to handle heavy graphics apps with ease. The Quadrant Benchmark score of this phablet was right on top at 21580.  

The Xperia Z Ultra is a waterproof phone and you can continue to talk or browse on the device even when it is raining. The company claims it can also be used for underwater photography.  

WHAT'S BAD?
Handling the device with a single hand is next to impossible. I often feared dropping it and taking calls was a challenge. The 212-gram weight can be tiring for the hand.


The Ultra has covered ports as it is water-resistant. But the flip cover on the charging jack was flimsy enough to break off, thus defeating the very purpose.

The 8MP camera is just about average. At times, it managed to produce superb images, but they were good only on the phone's screen. A full zoom in of the pictures showed a lot of noise and grains.

The 3050 mAh battery gave up before end of the day. We had to carry a charger all the time.

BAG IT OR JUNK IT:
The size can be a challenge