The Sony Xperia Z5 is the culmination of 18 months of incremental improvements for Sony's range of Xperia smartphones. However, while the Z2, Z3 and Z3+ were all barely any different from each other, the Xperia Z5 represents - at last - a significant step forward.
First announced at the IFA trade show in September 2015, Sony’s flagship introduces a number of key changes, including a refined design, revamped camera technology and a fingerprint reader. Sony has also released two other versions of the Z5: the diminutive Z5 compact, and the slightly largerZ5 Premium, which is almost identical, somewhat superfluous 4K screen aside.
Sony Xperia Z5 review: Design
From a distance, the Xperia Z5 doesn't appear to be all that different from its predecessors. Sony has stuck with the design language that has stood it in such good stead over the past few years, so the phone keeps the trademark Xperia glass-slabbed front and back and squared off profile. Unsurprisingly, the Z5 is both water- and dust-resistant and certified to IP65 and IP68, just like the rest of the Xperia range.
It's when you look more closely that the changes begin to emerge. The aesthetic alterations are the subtlest: there's a new engraved Xperia logo on the left edge; the Xperia Z5's metal frame has been squared off ever-so-slightly; and Sony has swapped the glossy glass rear for a smooth-to-the-touch frosted glass plate. Surrounding the screen at the very edge, is a slightly raised lip this time, a design feature intended to prevent the phone slipping off inclined surfaces. And in each of the white, “Graphite Black”, gold and green colour options, it looks simply gorgeous.
As with all glass-backed phones, however, if you buy one of these, you'll need to be careful how you handle it. I dropped my review sample from the height of around 30cm onto some gravel, and it shattered the rear into thousands of tiny shards. That wouldn't have happened to a phone with a plastic or metal rear casing. I'd advise using a case, or at the very least a screen protector applied to the rear, just to be on the safe side.
The biggest departure in design terms, however, is the look of the power button. Sony’s trademark protruding chrome-effect circle, which has been around for years, has now been replaced by an elongated lozenge, slightly inset from the edge to prevent you accidentally pressing it.
