Reviews
Sony Xperia XZ2 Review: Flexing more camera muscles
Offering features never seen on a smartphone before
Sony once again updates its flagship smartphone and this year, it seems like the Japanese handset maker wants to shake things up a bit.
We first saw the Xperia XZ2 at Mobile World Congress earlier this year and with its launch is the introduction of new and improved features. You’ve seen its curvy design, heard of its Snapdragon 845 processor, and witnessed its capability to shoot 4K HDR video.
So for this review, we tell you how these features helped us and how they worked together to provide the demands of everyday tasks.
Let’s start with the design…
Boxy no more
As you can probably already tell, the XZ2 breaks from the uniformity of Xperia handsets that has been going on for years now. Many have actually grown tired of its old OmniBalance form factor with sharp corners and large top and bottom bezels.
And in this time of bezel-less phones and curved designs, we really couldn’t blame them.
There’s still a bit of chin and forehead going on for the XZ2 but compared to its previous design, we’re not complaining. It’s significantly heavier, though, compared to its predecessor and you can really feel its heft when you hold the handset with one hand.
The new form factor is a welcome change. We now see a curved back made of glass which adds a premium feel when slapped on a phone. There’s a trade-off, however, by going for an all-glass design. The phone provides no grip and easily slides out of a loose pocket.
Its finish is so slippery that it sometimes struggles to lay still on a flat surface. The curved back also doesn’t help when you operate it while on a table. Although I personally am not a fan of phone cases, I think most users would rather have the XZ2 in one to add grip and protect its glossy surface as well.
All the buttons are tucked at the right side including the camera shutter, power/lock, and volume rocker. We have the hybrid dual-SIM tray up top and the USB-C port below. Nope, no 3.5mm audio jack here.
The Xperia XZ2 boasts dual front-firing speakers but they’re not easily seen. And while the earpiece acts as a loudspeaker, the second speaker is squeezed between the display and chassis at the bottom. Sneaky — and we like it.
Turn it around and you’ll see nothing but circles. From the sensors and LED flash, down to the single camera and finally the fingerprint scanner.
We’re just not big fans of the new placement of its fingerprint scanner. It feels too low and takes quite a bit of awareness to reach or you’ll end up smudging your rear camera.
Multimedia made more immersive
Not coming as a surprise, Sony has packed lots of multimedia goodness into the XZ2. It’s equipped with a 5.7-inch Full HD+ HDR display and enjoys features like X-Reality and HDR up-conversion found in the company’s latest televisions.
Audio has also been given attention to — because this is Sony we’re talking about. The aforementioned dual front speakers provide above-average volume and have more oomph for a phone speaker. The handset also supports hi-res audio so listening to your favorite artists in high quality is possible even through wireless headphones.
As an attempt to further enhance the experience while consuming content, Sony is introducing the Dynamic Vibration System to the XZ2. Similar to the haptic engine on a PlayStation’s DualShock controller, the feature can be turned on to feel synced vibrations while watching a video or listening to music.
Pressing the volume button will reveal the slider with four levels of intensity. Although a pretty cool feature to show off to friends, I could go on throughout the day without using it, so I consider it more of a gimmick and not as effective as the DualShock controller. Plus, it consumes more battery with all the vibration while you watch or play music.
Camera on steroids
If there’s one thing I was super excited about during the XZ2’s announcement, it was the camera. The new Sony flagship is the world’s first smartphone that can shoot 4K HDR video and capture super slow-mo Full HD videos at 960fps.
These were achieved through the phone’s new 19-megapixel Motion Eye camera that the company claims produces lifelike images. And with those in mind, we eagerly put the device to the test.
4K HDR video recording has good color and tonality. I found it easy to color correct during post-production thanks to its manageable dynamic range. Sony’s SteadyShot also works well for stabilizing video.
To capture things in super slow-motion, the handset shoots 960 frames per second just like on the XZ Premium (and later on the Galaxy S9+ and P20 Pro). Thing is, those phones all max out at 720p or HD, and it’s only the XZ2 that shoots the same frame rate at 1080p Full HD.
Again, there’s a trade-off for this. The length of the slow-mo video in Full HD is cut in half compared to when shot in HD. It’s a bit of a downer and it makes timing the action a bit of a challenge. Although with patience and a few practice shots, it could still achieve impressive shots.
Low-light shots for the rear camera are impressive, which wasn’t the case for its predecessor and even the XZ Premium. Its maximum ISO of 12800 is behind this feat. Meanwhile, its 5-megapixel front camera takes decent selfies. It comes with a 23mm wide-angle lens to accommodate more people in a selfie.
- Software bokeh
- Software bokeh
Beefy under the hood, too
Inside, the Xperia XZ2 carries a top-shelf Snapdragon 845 and is partnered with 4GB of RAM. This means it can handle heavy processing and even multitasking like any other premium flagship smartphone.
Indeed, while playing graphics-intensive games like Asphalt Xtreme and Tekken, it was able to render graphics effortlessly and multiplayer titles like PUBG Mobile ran smoothly. It does get warm after a few minutes of playing but nothing too alarming.
The XZ2 runs on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box and has 64GB worth of internal storage. If you run out, there’s still an option to expand the capacity through an additional microSD. You’ll just have to sacrifice the second SIM slot.
Other notable features
Apart from all that, Sony has given the XZ2 the usual bells and whistles we’ve seen on their previous phones. It still has a water and dust resistance rating of IP68, which means you don’t have to worry about getting it drenched in rain.
The handset also features NFC for wireless pairing and 3D Creator that lets you scan objects, heads, and faces, and turn them into AR models or 3D print them.
It’s interesting to note that you can finally do a 3D scan using the selfie camera — a feature which wasn’t available previously. It wasn’t easy to perform though and needs some practice to perfect before you can produce a pleasing render of yourself.
Wired or wireless
With a 3180mAh battery, the Xperia XZ2 could easily last me a day on a single charge with casual usage. Although, shooting super slow-mo and 4K video will exhaust the battery a lot sooner which is totally understandable.
Though not as fast as when it’s plugged in, the handset already supports Qi wireless charging which is always nice to have when you’re at home most of the time. Through wired charging, it takes exactly one hour from four percent to reach 71 percent.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
This is not your usual selfie phone with basic features. Sony has made a serious contender with the Xperia XZ2 by giving it pioneering features, a redesigned appearance, and an engine that can take on the demands of everyday users.
With its camera and multimedia capabilities, we see its appeal toward those who are into creating and consuming content on the go.
Not everything is a hit. We find its new design super slippery and a bit on the heavy side. There’s no audio jack, the position of fingerprint scanner takes a while to get used to, and its Dynamic Vibration System could be done without.
It’s what it does best that makes me stick up for it as a video guy. 4K HDR recording is something I always want to have access to and slowing random things down is always pure joy.
Pricing was initially revealed in Singapore at SG$ 998 (US$ 760) followed by the United States at US$ 799. It was also launched yesterday in the Philippines for PhP 43,990 which converts to about US$ 840 and the most expensive so far.
Sony has made the XZ2 a pioneer in aspects of mobile videography and of course, it comes at a price. So if you want to be one of the firsts to experience these new capabilities, then this is your GadgetMatch of 2018.
Automotive
Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4
A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.
They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.
But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.
Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.
Comfort with consideration
The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.
The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.
A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.
Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.
Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.
Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.
This cabin understands technology
Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.
Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.
In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.
On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.
Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.
The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.
Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.
Driving with confidence
Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.
Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.
In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.
Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.
Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.
It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.
More than a truck
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.
It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.
If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.
This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.
Reviews
iQOO 15 review: Made for players who take performance seriously
For people with endless games in between
There are phones that try to look powerful and there are phones that simply are, like the iQOO 15.
It feels like a device built for people who live long nights with endless games in between, blurring the line between a hobby and a lifestyle.
Build
The first moment I held the iQOO 15, it felt like a phone created intentionally for a specific market.
The metal frame feels cool in the hand, while the matte finish adds a premium texture that stays clean and comfortable. It feels solid with no flex and no hollow points.
Even the camera module keeps everything clean and simple with a flagship presence that makes sense on this design.
It leans slightly heavier than usual, although the weight is balanced well. It settles into your hand in a way that feels reassuring during long gaming sessions or long hours of multitasking.
Everything about this build tells you the device was made for people who actually use their phones vigorously.
Display
Turn on the screen and everything changes. The 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display pulls you in with bright, vivid colors and a smoothness that immediately stands out.
Fast-paced content feels clean at 144Hz with no ghosting or motion issues even during heavy gameplay.
Meanwhile, outdoor brightness is impressive. The screen stays readable under direct sunlight, and the colors look lively without looking artificial.
Whether you are watching videos or playing games, the overall viewing experience feels premium and immersive.
Performance
Performance is the part where the iQOO 15 proves its point. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 handles everything with confidence.
Heavy workloads, editing, multitasking, and switching between apps feel natural. The device stays fast even after long hours of continuous use.
Gaming is clearly its comfort zone. Titles like Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal, and Solo Leveling run smoothly with stable frame rates and reliable touch response.
The cooling system manages heat well, and the phone warms up during long sessions but stays within a level that feels safe and comfortable. Thermal dips are minimal, so you can keep your momentum without interruptions.
Camera
The camera on the iQOO 15 is reliable and consistent. It opens quickly and locks focus well.
Daylight photos are sharp with natural colors and pleasing contrast. The main sensor shines when given proper lighting.
What surprised me was the Super Macro mode. It captures small details with a clarity that feels more flagship than expected.
The textures, patterns, and tiny subjects come out sharp and visually interesting. Also, taking photos using the Portrait Mode show good separation and smooth background blur.
Night shots hold up well, too. The phone brightens scenes while keeping colors accurate. Although phones with larger sensors still lead in extreme low light, the iQOO 15 performs better than you would expect from a performance-first device.
And if you take a lot of videos, the clips stay stable thanks to effective stabilization.
Battery
Battery life lasts a full day with mixed use.
Even on gaming days, it survives better than expected for a device with a 2K display and flagship power.
Charging is fast. Depending on your charger and settings, it takes about 35 to 65 minutes to fill the battery. The phone warms up slightly while charging but never becomes uncomfortable.
It’s the kind of phone you can top up quickly before leaving the house without feeling stressed.
Software
The software feels clean and manageable. Animations are smooth and transitions feel natural. Multitasking is effortless. There are a few pre-installed apps but nothing overly intrusive.
Features like gaming tools, quick gestures, and UI customization options feel helpful rather than overwhelming. The interface complements the hardware well and creates a smooth, polished user experience.
Is the iQOO 15 your GadgetMatch?
The iQOO 15 excels in the areas that matter. The display is outstanding, the performance is consistent, and the gaming experience feels confident and stable.
Its weight, slightly busy software, and the limits of low-light photography are worth noting, although they do not overshadow the strengths of the device.
For its expected price, it is worth considering if you want a flagship that delivers power with personality. The iQOO 15 fits gamers, power users, and anyone who spends long hours on their phone and needs a partner that can keep up.
If that sounds like you and you want a performance-first flagship built for long gaming sessions, this is easily a Swipe Right.
However, Swipe Left if you prefer lighter phones that disappear in your pocket, and you want the absolute best when it comes to low-light camera performance.
But if you’re looking for those features, you’re probably looking at the wrong device. After all, iQOO is made for those who value power and performance.
Reviews
OPPO Find X9 review: Super Swipe material!
This is the flagship smartphone that’s ready for anything, just like you~
Life has a habit of throwing you into challenges you never trained for.
Smartphones should do the same. They should keep up and evolve with you, and sometimes surprise you with strength you did not expect.
I have used devices that moved backward when the world kept sprinting ahead, so I felt nervous when I first saw the OPPO Find X9.
I judged it instantly. The same distrust you give a contestant who looks too smug before a grueling Physical: Asia round. I thought I knew how the story would end, but I was wrong.
For more than a month, I carried the Find X9 like a teammate who reluctantly joined my squad. It traveled with me to Shenzhen, powered through my errands and deadlines, and survived my messy blend of workouts, airport transitions, and late‑night scrolls.
Halfway through, I realized that the OPPO Find X9 was not the timid underdog I imagined. It felt like watching a contestant who starts slow, then suddenly reveals a strength that makes you want to cheer.
Settling into its role like a seasoned contender
The Find X9 is OPPO’s premium flagship and it carries itself like someone who trains in silence and performs only when it matters.
It keeps the familiar slate form of its predecessors, although the camera bump shifts back to a square layout that aligns with the rest of OPPO’s lineup. It feels like the brand wants its roster to share a common uniform, the way Physical: Asia teams arrive coordinated and ready for the cameras.
The boxy silhouette I loved from the Find X8 returns. It feels more refined and softened enough to sit comfortably in the hand.
It reminds me of my boxy iPhone 16 Pro, although the Find X9 is thinner and lighter. That difference becomes a blessing once you carry it through an entire day.
I even found myself playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Magic Chess: Go Go longer than I planned. I tapped the screen with the intensity of an elimination round and only noticed the fatigue half an hour later.
Now Playing: Netflix’s Physical: Asia
This is where the Find X9 became my sanctuary. The year‑end grind pushed me from plane to cab to hotel and kept me drifting between destinations like I was competing in my own endurance course.
I barely stayed home, so I clung to the glowing screen whenever I needed a break. The 6.59‑inch AMOLED display feels familiar, although the ultra‑thin bezels create a stage that looks wider and more immersive.
It made watching Netflix’s Physical: Asia feel larger than life. I watched Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan rally Team Mongolia with a conviction that made me forget where I was.
The crisp visuals pulled me into every challenge and moment of grit. Soon enough, my TikTok algorithm surrendered and fed me everything related to Team Mongolia, especially Orkhonbayar, who looks like a polar bear who can protect you while still being soft enough to lean on.
The only moment the illusion cracked was when the audio tried to catch up. The Dual Dolby Atmos speakers were loud, although they lacked the fullness I wanted. It felt like watching a high‑stakes challenge with a crowd that forgot to cheer.
Thankfully, I always had earbuds with me, so the storyline continued uninterrupted.
Knows when to push or hold back
Flagships do not get second chances. They need to perform on command the way Physical: Asia contestants must explode into action the moment a round begins.
The Find X9 understood this assignment. It runs on MediaTek’s 3nm Dimensity 9500 chipset, which feels like a regular Reno 14 that trained for months with the best coaches and came back transformed.
It handled multitasking, gaming, creative work, and frantic app switching with the focus of an athlete who knows exactly when to conserve energy and when to unleash power.
The 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB storage, combined with another 12GB of RAM expansion, give the phone an almost excessive strength that reminds me of challenges where every team sends its strongest member.
It mirrored my facet as an athlete. It’s capable, balanced, and ready for anything–just like yours truly.
Stamina that goes the distance
The smoothness from the Find X8 carried over beautifully. Nothing shocked me in terms of performance, which is exactly the point.
Flagships should feel consistent and quietly powerful, like contestants who never brag yet always outlast everyone.
The battery felt like the unexpected plot twist. During my trip to Shenzhen, the 7025mAh battery lasted two full days.
I used mobile data, scrolled endlessly, took photos, and filmed videos. I am so used to charging my phones every night while I shower that I instinctively reached for a charger and realized I did not need one.
The Find X9 kept going like I was watching a contestant breeze through a challenge you expected them to struggle with.
It didn’t ask for a break. It simply kept up and stayed with me through everything I wanted to do.
Support team that moves with you
After living with the OPPO Find X9, everything moved with a sense of intention, as if the system knows when to sprint and when to conserve energy.
Animations feel fluid and continuous, and scrolling feels lighter. App launches feel quicker without drawing attention to themselves.
This smoothness comes from OPPO’s new Luminous Rendering Engine, which renders visual elements in parallel so nothing stutters or breaks the flow. It feels like watching a well‑trained team move in sync.
Alongside it, the Trinity Engine manages resources intelligently, keeping the phone responsive even under pressure while controlling heat and power use.
The interface itself feels refreshed and calmer, and customization finally feels playful again. I could set Motion Photos or videos as wallpapers, explore more font options, and even let AI suggest text styles that matched my overall theme.
The Flux Home Screen became a small joy. App folders could be resized into different shapes and the surrounding icons adjusted dynamically, making the layout feel alive rather than rigid.
The Always‑On Display also stepped up with full‑screen support, more widgets, and style options that felt personal instead of ornamental.
Also, OPPO’s growing AI ecosystem, including AI Mind Space, AI Mind Assistant, and Smart Collections, helped organize content quietly in the background.
Screenshots and notes felt easier to find, and suggestions appeared when they actually made sense. Integration with Google’s Gemini through Gemini Live added another layer of intelligence, allowing real‑time interactions that felt natural instead of forced.
What sealed the experience for a flagship device was its cross‑device connectivity. Features like Phone Connect and PC Connect let me share files and mirror my screen across phones, iPhones, Macs, and Windows PCs.
A steady hand when the stakes are high
The Find X9’s camera feels like the teammate who understands the game. It knows when to push and when to let the moment breathe.
I noticed it first when taking portraits, especially in low light. The AI Portrait Glow steps in gently, balancing lighting and skin tones without flattening texture. Faces looked natural and skin tones stayed true, which felt flattering without feeling edited.
Beyond portraits, the suite of AI photo tools is best used when traveling. AI Eraser helped clean up distractions that would have ruined an otherwise great frame.
In busy streets or low‑light environments, AI Unblur helped rescue shots taken in motion. AI Reflection Remover did exactly what it promised, saving photos taken through glass without leaving obvious traces behind.
But what I appreciated most was how easy it was to trust the camera. I didn’t need to overthink angles or second‑guess results.
I lifted the phone, framed the shot, and let the Find X9 do the rest. It’s the best point‑and‑shoot smartphone camera for casual users or anyone learning the ropes of photography. It’s smart enough to call itself a smartphone.
Here are sample photos I’ve taken:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Battery life that lasts through two full days of heavy use
- Flagship‑level performance that handles multitasking with ease
- Immersive, vibrant display perfect for streaming or gaming
- Intelligent, user‑friendly AI camera features
- Smooth, refined ColorOS 16 experience
- Customization tools that feel personal, not gimmicky
- Seamless cross‑device connectivity
Cons
- Speakers are loud but lack premium depth
- Performance might feel overkill for light users
Is the OPPO Find X9 your GadgetMatch?
The OPPO Find X9 is like that teammate who shows up consistently and performs under pressure.
Its performance is nothing short of flagship‑level, and it’s ready to handle anything you throw at it. It’s not perfect. No other smartphone is. But the minor flaws do not outweigh its endurance, consistency, design, and flagship performance.
Some may hesitate and consider it a Swipe Left. But for anyone who wants a smartphone that keeps pace with your life, performs without complaint, and quietly gets the job done, this is a Swipe Right.
And for us, it’s definitely a Super Swipe. The Find X9 earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval because it does more than look good and deliver excellent captures.
It’s one of the best flagship smartphones around that you won’t second‑guess buying at its price.
The OPPO Find X9 retails for PhP 69,999 for the 16GB + 512GB variant. It’s available nationwide through OPPO’s official stores, its official Shopee store, and partner channels.
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