Sony Xperia Z3 full specs sheet pops in the wild: 600 nits screen, thinner chassis

Someone has managed to snap a prototype Xperia Z3 with a full specs sheet taped on the back, on the cusp of tomorrow's grand announcement at the IFA expo in Berlin. The list is largely similar to what we have now in the Z2, with a few notable differences. First off, the screen remains a 5.2" 1080p Triluminos display, and Sony is now touting its ability to hit 600 nits of peak brightness, rivalling the Galaxy S5 display, which our test showed is one of the best in terms of outdoor visibility. Provided that Sony has kept screen reflectivity in check, the Z3 should be great for use outdoors, even in direct sunlight.

Processing power is supplied by the fastest Snapdragon 801 version, which is a quad-core MSM8974AC, clocked at 2.5 GHz, like in the Galaxy S5, whereas the one in the Z2 is the 2.3 GHz 8974AB version. The generous 3 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage, plus a microSD slot for expansion, round up the memory offering. The Xperia Z3 is evidently poised to have the same 20 MP sensor as its predecessor, able to record 4K video with ISO up to 3200, and stills with ISO up to the whopping 12800. The stereo speakers and digital noise cancellation tech we know and love from the Xperia Z2, are thankfully present in its successor as well, despite that it has been significantly thinned in comparison. 

The Z3's dimensions are actually the biggest change from the Z2, at least on the surface, as the phone is listed with 146.5 x 72.4 x 7.5mm, whereas the Z2, at 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm, is slightly taller, wider, and thicker than the Z3. Unfortunately, slimming the Z3 chassis has warranted a bit of reduction in battery capacity, so the Z3 is listed as having a 3100 mAh juicer, which is a 100 mAh less than the Z2, though the company still lists that this is a "2-day" battery. Given our Z2 battery tests, we are inclined to believe Sony that their new flagship's endurance won't take a hit, as the Z2 is already the longest-lasting of all spring flagships. Last but not least, the IP55/IP58 dust- and waterproof certification of the phone is kept intact, and Sony even teased that it might be dunked deeper in water than before, but we'll know for sure when we sit down in the Messe Berlin hall at the IFA expo, and relay all the unveiling festivities to you in real time.

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