Sony Xperia Z4 (Z3+) Release Date: How to Buy Best Sony Smartphone

By Richard Waelty
The Sony Xperia Z3+.
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Now that Sony's Xperia Z3+ is already available worldwide, buying should be as easy as pie. However, things are not as they seem. Compared to other countries, the buying situation in America is rather complicated.

This is partly due to Sony's unusual naming convention for different versions of the same device. In fact, there are three different names for the Xperia Z3+ that is floating around.

Why Buying an Xperia Z3+ Is Confusing in the U.S.

Unlike the rest of the world, the Japanese market refers to the Xperia Z3+ as the Xperia Z4. So, Sony's latest flagship device shares two international names - the Xperia Z4 in Japan, and the Xperia Z3+ in the rest of the world. There are no significant differences between these handsets apart from their geographic differences.

In the U.S., Verizon is going to sell a heavier version of the Xperia Z3+ that is dubbed the Xperia Z4v. As of now, the Xperia Z4v release date has not been announced. However, the Verizon is discontinuing sales of the previous Xperia Z3v. So, that means the Xperia Z4v will be available soon.

Where to Buy the Original Xperia Z3+

Currently, only Amazon offers the unadulterated Sony Xperia Z3+, but only the International Model. Because the device is unlocked, consumers will need to pay between $500-600. Prices vary between merchants. This method is perhaps the easiest way to get the original Xperia Z3+, but at the cost of having to pay a lot of money.

Buying the Xperia Z4v Version

Users in the U.S. may consider buying the Xperia Z4v version through Verizon. Price information is currently not available. Still, it is likely that the Xperia Z4v will sell for cheaper as an unlocked device. Unlike the international Xperia Z3+, the Xperia Z4v will be available exclusively through Verizon Wireless in the United States.

The most noticeable difference between the two devices is the weight. Sony reported Xperia Z4v to be heavier because of its 3000mAh battery capacity and wireless charging support. In contrast, the international Xperia Z3+ contains a 2930mAh battery, and cannot be charged wirelessly.

Though the Xperia Z4v has the same 5.2-inch screen as its other cousins, the former has a higher resolution 2560x1440 Quad HD display. On the other hand, the Z4 and Z3+ have the 1920x1080 Full HD display.

Android Central revealed that the build quality of the Z4v may be slightly inferior, with more plastic in the gap between the body and screen. The Z3+ and Z4 have metal trim. Also, the Z4v color options lack the original "aqua green" and "copper" cover variants.

All three devices have the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor,camera, microSD support, wifi component, RAM and memory capacity.

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