IFA 2014: Z3s, Smartwatch 3 and the QX Cameras

We’ve previously heard that Sony is already working on its next-generation flagship smartphone – the Xperia Z3. And last week the Japanese firm has introduced the Z3 alongside other Sony products in Berlin at this year’s IFA.
The Z3 carries the unmistakable Xperia DNA. It features a 5.2-inch Full HD display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM. There’s also a 20.7MP camera at the back with a 25mm wide-angle G-lens.

The camera’s ISO range tops at 12800 and comes with a number of software improvements including an Intelligent Active Mode, an AR fun mode that lets users add 3D augmented reality effects in a frame, and a new live-to-YouTube streaming. There’s also a 2MP front-facing camera for self-portraits and video calls.
Sony has also added some nifty multimedia features to the Z3 including an upscaling engine called DSEE HX that improves low-res audio to near hi-res audio. The Z3 also supports PlayStation 4 Remote Play though this feature won’t be available until Q4 2014. There’s also a 3100mAh battery, which according to Sony can last up to two days on light usage.

The Z3 will also come with a Compact variant which boasts a 4.6-inch display with 720p resolution. There’s 2GB of RAM, a 2600mAh battery and 16GB of expandable storage. Just like its predecessor, the Z3 Compact will just be a smaller version of the Xperia Z3 and as such will bear almost identical specs including its chipset and its rear camera.
For those on a budget, Sony has also introduced the Xperia E3 that offers a 4.5-inch 480x854 pixel display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 305 graphics, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

There’s also a 5MP camera at the back and a 1MP front-facing snapper. The unit will be powered by a 2330mAh battery, will run on Android 4.4 KitKat and will have LTE connectivity.
Also included on Sony’s announcement at IFA was its new line of QX line of lens cameras. The new QX lens cameras are a step up from last year’s models as they now have the ability to switch lenses or have powerful zoom capabilites effectively transforming any compatible smartphone into an Alpha compact camera system or an RX superzoom snapper.
The QX30 packs a 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6.3 optical zoom lens. This model also boasts a 20.4MP, 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor that has an ISO range that tops at 12800. Images can be stored either from the camera or on the smartphone. The device also comes with a replaceable battery that can last for 45 minutes of continues HD video capture or around 200 shots.

Meanwhile, the Sony QX1 comes with an interchangeable lens system much like Sony’s Alpha line of ILCs. The device carries a 20.1MP APS-C Sensor that is capable of recording 1080/30p video. The QX1 also sports a pop-up flash and a bigger battery compared to the QX30.
Finally, there are the new wearables – the Smartwatch 3 and the SmartBand Talk. The SmartWatch 3 is the Japanese manufacturer’s contender for the Android Wear market. The watch comes with a 1.6-inch display and features swappable wrist straps.

The Smartwatch 3 isn’t the prettiest of wearables especially if you compare it side-by-side to the recently launched LG G Watch R and the Moto 360, but nevertheless it does what it’s supposed to do. The watch will be powered by a 420mAh battery and will come with NFC, IP68 certification and an ambient light sensor.
On the other hand, there’s the Sony SmartBand, which is basically your activity tracker. The band comes with a microphone, a couple of speakers and a 70mAh battery. Unlike other smartbands in the market, this once uses e-ink making it more energy efficient than those that use OLED panels. The band is expected to sell for around $295 dollars while the SmartBand will go for roughly $200.
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