Like HTC, Sony has somewhat fallen way down the smartphone pecking order. That’s mainly down to the fact that companies such as Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus etc. are outstripping the once famed smartphone manufacturer in much lesser prices. The Xperia XA2 Ultra seems like yet another shot in trying to revive Sony’s lost prowess but the device seems like something you’ve already seen before.

Quite your customary Sony design is back

The smartphone is designed quite like the way Sony likes its stuff. The rectangle-shaped device is all classy-finished metal while its display is glossed by the Corning Gorilla Glass. Dust and waterproofing, a feature synonymous with Sony devices, unfortunately has been shown the door atop the XA2 Ultra which is somewhat surprising considering the bulky dimensions of the smartphone; we’re talking 221g of solid flesh with a 9.5 width. Quite obese for a smartphone that doesn’t offers waterproofing don’t you think?

The bigger the display, the better the quality

Sony fortunately never ceases to amaze with its displays. The same is the case with the Xperia XA2 Ultra as the smartphone, or should I say phablet, features a large 6.0 inches IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with 367ppi pixel density. Equating to a 1080p HD resolution, the smartphone definitely promises both quantity and quality. The XA2 Ultra is a shout-out to all large screen lovers out there!

The screen, despite being so big, covers only 76% of the smartphone’s front panel that explains why the device features large dimensions. Sony just doesn’t seem ready to roll-in the bezel-less designs as of yet.

Cameras: Sony moves from strength to strength

Apart from the displays, Sony’s cameras have always produced capable results. The XA2 Ultra’s large 23 MP primary camera sensor follows in those footsteps as the sensor is not only plain, raw muscle; there’s quite some firepower too due to the provision of phase detection autofocus. PDAF ensures that your photos reflect what is closest to reality.

Like with any other smartphone come 2018, the selfie sensor outstrips the primary one in the race for being the better one out of the two. The same is the case with the XA2 Ultra as the smartphone features a dual 16 + 8 MP sensor that seems like a gigantic camera plus Iris Scanner on first sightings. Do we need to say more about the selfie camera’s prowess? We’ll let it do the talking, or should we say “snapping?”

Latest Android version meets the hardware that’ll likely keep it happy

The hardware department of the Xperia XA2 Ultra sees no complaints due to the presence of an octa-core Cortex processor with an additive 4GB of RAM. A combination of these two is good enough to smoothly run the built-in Android Oreo meaning that the smartphone probably won’t see any to less lag at all.

With regards to its internal storage, the smartphone comes in either a 32 or 64GB variant both equipped with external card-slots, dual-SIM capability and USB type-C. Other commendable features of the XA2 Ultra are Quick Charge 3.0 technology, a back-mounted fingerprint scanner and a large 3580 mAh battery that finely juices the smartphone to ensure that your user experience can continue for longer than usual.

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra pros:

• A large 6.0 inches 1080p screen is made for the large screen lovers
• Two sets of powerful cameras with proven pedigree
• Beefy hardware promises a smooth user experience
• Large battery promises good battery timing
• Modern day features ensure that you do not regret buying this baby

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra cons:

• The design could’ve seen more creativity, sleekness and finesse
• Should’ve packed dust and waterproofing