Sony launches waterproof Xperia Z2 smartphone and tablet

New flagship devices offer only a slight upgrade on Z1 series but still put Sony devices at the top of the class in terms of style

Smartphones are complex, immensely capable devices. So much so that it’s sometimes difficult to see where the next innovation will come from – it’s like they’ve plateaued.

So after Sony built in waterproofing and made the leap to a highly capable 20.7-megapixel camera in last year’s flagship, the Xperia Z1, what would the Xperia Z2 deliver?

The big upgrade is the screen. It’s a little bigger (5.2 inches measured diagonally) but it looks tremendous. Sony has always borrowed expertise from its other divisions, including the TV section. This phone has a Triluminos screen with Live Colour LED. This offers a bigger colour range and wider viewing angles. Since the phone’s screen is big enough for two people to watch video at the same time, this is a real benefit.

The display is rich and vibrant without tipping over into colour saturation. It’s pin-sharp and makes Sony’s demure take on Android with its subtle, darker colours look its best.

The stills camera is the same as last year, though as this was that 20.7-megapixel model based on components identical to an advanced Sony compact camera, it’s still no slouch. All last year’s extras like the splendid Info Eye which recognises that landmark building you’re shooting and downloads information to the phone is still here. And the cute augmented reality setting where you can make dinosaurs appear (though sadly only on the photos, not in real life) is still there. It’s been enhanced so you can overlay the creatures and cartoony leaves, trees and volcanoes on video as well.

And shooting video is taken to the next level by the introduction of 4K recording. As you’ll know, 4K is the super-high resolution that’s four times that of HD and staggeringly good to look at. You may not have a 4K TV yet, but when you do (and one day we all will) then the video you’ve shot at the higher resolution will look great. Sony says you’ll be future-proofing your memories, which is nice. Of course, while you’re saving up for your 4K TV, you can still play back the footage at lower resolutions as well. An optical stabilisation feature means the video looks its best, too.

Sound is improved thanks to digital noise cancelling technology, though you need special in-ear headphones to make the most of this. In many cases they’ll be included with the phone when you buy it.

The phone has a high-capacity battery and enough operating memory to make it run at speed, all squeezed into a pleasingly slim 8.2mm case. It’s out next month and is Sony’s slickest, most powerful phone yet.

Sony updated its tablet, too. Still waterproof like last time only more so. Which just means it can lie in deeper water for longer. And the new tablet is thinner and lighter, with an improved display thanks to the same Live Colour LED featured on the phone. And it has the same improved sound with digital noise cancellation. So you can still watch a movie in the bath, but it’ll look and sound even better.

In the hand, this tablet, called the Xperia Z2 Tablet, feels astonishingly light, almost impossibly thin. A powerful processor means the Z2 Tablet is speedy and responsive. It also boasts a fast-charging technology which is a welcome addition, many tablet users will attest.

Sony’s new range is a gentle upgrade, not a revolution. Even so, these are great improvements with features, design and outstanding displays which are top-notch.