Sony's late-2016 flagship is the phone it needed six months ago, with some of the most important upgrades in years for an Xperia phone. But is it enough?

Impressive display; even at 1080p; Solid performance; Camera a decent all-round performer; Water resistance; Clean; well-designed software

Boring design; Smudgy back panel; No fingerprint security in U.S; Large; thick form factor with big bezels; Camera scene detection + color wonk

There is another catch too, cost. Although confirmed pricing isn't here yet, given the lower specced Sony Xperia X is already one of the most overpriced handsets on the market, expect the XZ to be anything but affordable when it hits retailers in October.

Low on bristling high-tech excitement, but when the also-rans are this good, you know you're spoilt

Typical Sony minimalism with better ergonomics; Practically flawless performance; Sony's UI still pleases (even without Nougat underneath

Screen colours are overblown; Very average speakers; Camera doesn't live up to the specs

Typical Sony minimalism with better ergonomics; Practically flawless performance; Sony’s UI still pleases (even without Nougat underneath);

Screen colours are overblown; Very average speakers; Camera doesn’t live up to the specs;

Design - ALKALEIDO metal The Sony Xperia XZ stands apart from previous Sony smartphones, by its use of ALKALEIDO metal, which has high purity, brightness and shine. The metal back is part of a unified design loop surface, created for a good fit in the hand and inspired by a monolithic form.

Sony's Xperia XZ isn't revolutionary, but it is a very good flagship that boasts some of the best mobile camera tech around. Media fans will enjoy the crisp, colourful screen and excellent audio support, while the solid battery life and performance makes the XZ a respectable all-rounder.

Dependable camera; Smooth sailor; Crisp; colourful visuals

So much for the 4K smartphone. After painstakingly squeezing a 4K screen onto its previous flagship – the Xperia Z5 Premium – Sony's latest top-of-the-range handset, the Xperia XZ, has reverted back to a standard Full HD display.

Excellent; colour accurate display; Fast performance; Great battery life

Rear camera isn't great; Design feels cheap

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The Sony Xperia XZ is the last of 2016's top Android phones. It's Sony's equivalent of the LG G5 or Samsung Galaxy S7 : a top-end phone with lots of features and the price to match. Like all ￡500-plus phones, it's good. Of course it is.

Improved ergonomics; Bold screen; Water resistant

Disappointing camera; Expensive; Conservative improvements

Sony may be done with the Z series, but the letter returns with the company's latest addition to their flagship X range, with the Xperia XZ . Introduced alongside the much smaller Xperia X Compact at IFA a little over a month ago, this high-end smartphone is Sony's attempt at finding a foothold once...

-Fantastic build quality; Comfortable in hand feel; Software is clean and easy to use; Great camera; MicroSD slot; Hi-Res audio support; Vibrant display

-Front-facing speakers are weak -High price point -No fingerprint sensor (U.S; model