Sony Xperia L4 Review - Has Sony nailed the under £200 Budget phone?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- The Sony Xperia 1 II is my phone of the year so far - but has enough of that Sony Xperia flagship magic made its way into the Sony Xperia L4? We have had the L4 in the BTEKT studios since launch and the team here, including myself have grown rather fond of it, so we decided to give it the full Rooftop Review treatment!
In this video I show you the Xperia L4's strengths and weaknesses, covering the L4's design, battery life, camera tech, operating system before giving you my full verdict - on the roof of a skyscraper in Latin America - because, why not? Andrés and I will also be treating you to more synthwave visuals and music courtesy of the extremely talented people I've credited below. Enjoy!
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He's incredibly talented and I will give him a proper mention in the next video. Only just discovered his work before putting this live. I really recommend checking out what his does!
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Tom - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I love how Sony put the notch on their lowest end offering, while the others make it like a neat feature on their high end ones.
The phone itself isn't very appealing to me, the 10 II is at least what appeals me in the Sony line up this year.
If you still get the Sony experience though, that's a good phone for the price.
Yes it is funny how Sony only puts the notch in this cheapest of offerings... the Xperia 10 II is just way way better though. It is worth saving to get the 10 II rather than this L4
Me being die hard fan of SONY i always liked their Mobiles, I always go for Flagships but unfortunately Sony discontinued Mobile division in India. now im still using my Good old XZs which works like a brand new till date. Unlike other brands they dont fool people with Big numbers, Sony XP1ii is pretty unbeatable even with devices with 12/16 GB ram LMAO. I just hope worlds best premium brand Sony will come back to India soon i cant wait to prove my stupid friends how great is Xperia in front of their shitty Chinse awefull scam phones... I love Btekt unlike other YT ers they dont give false info about SONY. Mr Whosetheboss my ass #SONY
Maybe all you have to do is get rid of those huge import taxes.
@@nuNWO yeah : (
Using xperia xzs myself. Ice blue. Absolutely beautiful.
@Cool shades. In the next video I will start a petition to try and get Sony Xperia phones back into India. It's ambitious I know, bit you have to start somewhere, let's give it a go! Tom
@@tech_edit tbh it won't happen. It is only because we have pretty high import tax and they are not ready to set up shop in India. If they do, there will be less tax on sony products which will decrease costs and increase market share hence increase in profits but initial investment is high so guess they don't see the potential.
The govt of India won't reduce the tax because they want them to come here and they won't come because they don't want to do that initial investment. It is a vicious circle in which consumers are losing. Thanks for listening to our concern though. 😁 Full marks for that.
Sony Discman - loyal customer for life.
Nice!
Couldn't agree more.
I have one off these, brought this for my mum when was released, paid 170 for it 3 months ago, I have the Xperia 1 Mark 1, so for me this is to budget, but to be honest is a decent performer and I would really recommend it for one reason only, that 21.9 screen is the primary reason, that's what makes it special. It's very comfortable to hold my mum can use with one hand no problem. I with you don't understand tech reviews saying it's too big it isn't. EE have this for 129 pounds now bargain.
Love the synthwave theme. Great review as usuall
Cheers Jesper, thanks so much! Tom 👍
After being a Sony Ambassador as work I discovered your videos. Absolutely amazing, love watching them on 4k on my Xperia 1ii. Love the channel, love the music and content! Smashing it! Also gorgeous views everytime! Man to work in Panama must be a dream!
Cheers Chris, what a great comment, thank you! It is pretty nice out here, true. I do consider myself lucky, although I am missing London. I will be back there soon, soaking up the rain! Thanks so much for your comment and your support! Tom
One of the finest review
Thanks so much Abdullah! Grateful for your comment! Cheers, Tom
Im just waiting for the sweet Xperia 5 ii review.
It is very very close indeed! Xperia 5 II content starts this week...! Thats going to be the highlight for me too! Tom
Yees. Can't deside between the 1 ii and 5 ii. And both are rather expensive :p. Might go with the 10 ii aswell
@@jesper492 you better get a used flagship instead of the 10ii su ch as xperia 1 mark1 or 5 m1
@@IbrahimIdrisPoesie They are so hard to come by these day. Belive me i've looked. Trying to get my hands on a used 1 ii atm ;)
@@jesper492 my bad, my suggestion was based on the geman market where these models aren't hard to get
Hi again, a very realistic review🙌🏿 looking forward for the comparison video, it will be interesting against the A51 and the note 9. good video
Nice one Tyrone! Excellent - I've penciled that exact video on for between the 10th and 14th October. I'm gonna do two: that exact comparison, and a full review of the Redmi Note 9 as well. Thanks for your comment - always good to see you here! Tom
Very thoughtful review. As always
Cheers Dani, thanks so much. The 5 II stuff is really going to be fun. We are shifting up a gear with our b-roll filming now too, so the new videos will look really nice 👌
Cheers, Tom
Bloatware is unacceptably at any price.
Awesome review keep it up as always stay safe 👍
Cheers Usman, thanks man
Thank you so much for using my tunes!
Cheers Mattie- we are going to do more and I'll give you more promotion via piece to camera too. Love what you do! Tom
@@tech_edit That is so nice of you, thank you so much Tom! You are doing more than enough for me, I think its just great that my music get shared! Thank you! Keep up the good work! :)
I'm really happy with this review. I like my phone bloatware free and my OS up to date, and Although I like Sony, I'm with you on this.
Thanks Nilasco- yes I hope Sony can drop the bkoatware and make a firm commitment to updates, that they will honour. Thanks for commenting Nilasco great to see you here again! Tom
@@tech_edit yeah. The phone has a potential if they will allow users to upgrade it and get rid of the bloatwares. It can actually be instrumental to Sony's resurgence.
100% agreed! The words Sony and Bloatware should never have to be in the same sentence! You are right, I think it would help Sony to ditch bloatware forever and show clear upgrade plans.
There's the usual Facebook stuff and even a Booking.com app weirdly enough. Its impossible to delete, which I think is a tad obnoxious!
Very well adapted to new apps and the overall speed of it it's the best under 200 euros. Sony it's getting closer to perfection, but still some bugs make it weird... Who has some issues would be nice to reply to my comment, hoping to find its cause. Thank you!
I'm new to Sony smartphones, but this is a cracking review! On the basis of this review I'm going to give it a go, I don't have a huge budget, I don't game, I don't use 24/7 and I really dig the look of it. Thanks for a spot on honest review :-)
Aye aye Tom, cheers!!
Hello! Great review!
I am wondering if this L4 is better at withstanding shocks than the 10 ii. I have 2 small kids and they might drop the phone from time to time on the floor. Thanks
Nice video 👌 It's a budget phone for people on a budget. It's a great trap phone or even for your kids first phone. I saw the Global Bank of Panama in the background. Might have to give them a call. Enjoy your day, stay safe.
Yeah, I think you are totally right re the phone - and yes, give Global Bank a call! Haha
Great video!
Stay safe, sir.... 😃
Cheers Sai! Tom
That's a great review! I am not into low or midrange phones, but I'd say this Xperia L4 is a good deal for its price. You get all that in a low midrange smartphone which is pretty nice. Though, the only none-flagship Sony device that catches my eyes was the midrange Xperia 10 II. It is all round good phone for those who'd like to try Sony Xperia's eco system. Cheers.
Thanks Pixel Shader. Yeah, agreed- for the price sensitive this is a good intro to Xperia way of doing things! Cheers, Tom
Excellent review
Thanks so much Chris!
I'm using Xperia Z5 Compact. Since the L4 kind of having the similar spec (3GB RAM and similar size storage), is the bloatware in L4 really stacked up inside?
It isn't super awful- Facebook is one, Booking.com weirdly is another one. There is a micro SD card, which is handy. Shouldn't be too bad, but I still think it's rude! Cheers Tom
@@tech_edit I see.. Booking.com.. Is Sony indirectly asking consumer to book 1/5 II after purchasing this phone, somehow? Just adding Puns joke there. Haha
😎👍 hahaha
Hey Tom and team, this is HR-Vex, but changed my name recently FYI.
Imo, the L4 is the type of phone I would give my daughter. If it falls and breaks, we won't feel too bad 😁
Completely agree with you. Great new name by the way.. love it! Tom
@@tech_edit thanks!
Great reviews thanks! Have to sadly say goodbye to Sony, being in Australia. Was so disappointed to find out when my four year old Xperia Z5 Premium ceased to be last week that Sony have stopped selling in Australia. Would have loved the new 5ii. Thanks to your review videos am opting for a Pixel 5. Thanks ☺
Cheers Kayben7. Not having Sony Xperia phones is a real drag, I agree - but at least you live in incredibly beautiful Australia. That definitely makes up for it, and more! I miss Australia so much! Thanks much for your comment. Pixel 5 looks like a solid bet, even if it isn't shaping up to be a true flagship phone. Can't wait to put our Pixel 5 videos live! Cheers, Tom
@@tech_edit thanks so much Tom! 31 years here. Welsh girl! Not a Samsung fan and flagships do cost now! Looking forward to the Pixel 5. Have you done reviews of earbuds? Sony v Pixel v Jabra?
Occasionally we have done headphone reviews. I would like to do them more often though. We have a chap called Jordan joining the team this week, and with him I will be putting together the new editorial strategy. Actually, in the next video I will hopefully remember to ask for input from viewers. We will be doing at least 3 videos per week from now on so easier to fit in new stuff! Funnily enough, although I sound English, I am actually Welsh too! Pixel 5 seems to be more about being a great daily driver rather than trying to be super premium and I love that approach. Quite a few Pixel videos on the way! Cheers 🍻
@@tech_edit Thanks Tom! !!! ☺
It’s an amazing phone great quality screen but not so good cameras could be better but overall good for the price of £160 it has 3GS of ram which is fast enough for a phone of this price point . I would really recommend it if you don’t want to pay a silly amount of money like the s20ultra or iPhone 11 Pro / 12 pro. You cant play games like call of duty or pubg smoothly on this phone because it only has 3GS of ram but still good for playing non first person shooter games. Image quality on display when looking at photos is amazing even the speed of scrollling through social media / Instagram is so fast it’s maybe only a 60hz display I think but it’s still great. If your buying it for an elderly or non technical person or child they would really Appreciate it it’s simple to use and really easy to use I’ll give a 5⭐️ and 10/10.
Well done Sony
Can u enable ldac mode on this phone? thanks
This was one of the phones I considered buying. I had similar reaction as you did. The 21:9 looks very premium, camera is fine, texture looks like the one I have on my Xperia T (which I love). But there are still so many cons that come with budget phones. Mono speaker, software specs and that NOTCH ughh Sony how could you?!
I wanted to buy ether a new Sony budget phone or an old flagship till I gathered money for 5 or 5II. A good deal of 120euros for a new L3 slipped by me, L4 was a consideration but when I saw the notch, it was a nope from me. For whatever reason XZ3 is still expensive as heck, even pricier than Xperia 5 in my country (can someone explain why is the price so high? is it limited?). Xperia 10II was supposed to be my next phone til l discovered the one speaker it has. And I almost bought another Z5 just like mine, till I eventually gave up on buying anything till one of the two 5's drops in price
Sounds like a good plan you have there! Cheers, Tom
Will we get comparison with the redmi note9 as promised?
Hi there. Thanks for the review. Has Sony discontinued the L line or has it just been put on hold for this year? I can't access any info online and I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Personally, I think releasing the Ace 2 in other territories as a budget option would be a savvy move. I don't understand why companies such as Sony aren't producing a compact (sub 6") model when there's clearly a market for it (Google Pixel 4a, 5.8"). The L4 is canny enough but the notch doesn't float my boat. Whoever's bright idea that was needs their pay docking. A bigger bezel to house the front snapper is perfectly acceptable. Sony shouldn't be compromising their sexy, minimalist design - it's their biggest strength. I know the Ace 2 has a notch but I think I'd compromise for the smaller screen (I'm not fussed about the 21:9 ratio). Right, ramble over. Haha. Best wishes. ;-)
You're absolutely right - messing with the display wasn't a great idea, and an 'Ace' type of phone would work extremely well, on an international level too. I think the L4 would've been discontinued by now, yes. Right now, I'd say the best thing to do is keep to keep an eye out for a great deal on a 10 III or 10 II, depending on your budget. I enjoyed my time with the 10 III very much. Cheers, Tom 🙏
@@tech_edit Thanks for your reply, much appreciated. ;-)
Are u filming with the Huawei p 40 sky is a bit oversaturated in the start of the video?
With a Sony A7 III mirrorless
@@tech_edit I saw the colurs got better after a few seconds .
Great looking phone the L4 very similar to the Samsung a42.
Both have the most important feature Jack.
True, good point re the headphone jack
if you are not a heavy gamer, then this might be a good choise. you know, you really gonna love that sony hardware quality. one more thing to consider tho, old OS.
Yeah, it's a tricky one. That old OS, and no promise of upgrades though, is a real downer! Shame, the form factor and feel of the device is superb. Cheers, Tom
When I heard the word "pesky " it automatically remembers me of on episode of south park " don't you love you cocaine without that pesky taste of marijuana?"
Btekt you are such a Pro Sony channel in YT and why don't you publish the videos in 21:9 aspect ratio? 🤔
Haha, yeah, we did one in 21:9 - it was the cinematic short film which we filmed on the Xperia 1 II. I think whenever we do content like that we should always do it in 21:9 for sure! Thanks for commenting! Tom
Can you not do a review near the edge of that building? You're making me uncomfortable.
Haahaha. It's the only way I can do videos here during the Covid19 restrictions... at least, on this rooftop here there are railings so nobody is gonna fall. We are safe! Cheers, Tom
@@tech_edit you're lucky we (achrophobics) can't let your videos pass. Just take care and stay safe.
@@rollieduran264 Will do, thanks for your concern and for commenting - take care!
I would love to see xperia 10 mk.II compared to xperia xz3, they are nice example of 2 years fold of top end stuff getting to middle end phone.
plus I'm not sure if I should upgrade from my xz3 to 10 mk.ii or save for xperia 5 mk.ii
So far, we really love the 5 II . Super rapid compact phone...loads of videos coming your way soon!
Why not do Xperia 10 mark II? 🙂
I would love to. This month we launch our 5 II series of content (starting this week) as well as the Pixel 5 content and then... all the iPhone content. Plus we have a couple of Xiaomi videos planned! Its trying to find the time that is tricky. But... we are moving from 2 to 3 videos per week from now on! If we can get a 10 II I will review it! Cheers, Tom
S20 pro mode vs xperia 1ii photography mode
Hi guys.
I've just ordered the Xperia L4 but I didn't realise before I did that It runs on Android 9 Instead of Android 10. And because I'm not really a technical person where mobile phones are concerned, I was just wondering If anybody could please explain to me the difference between Android 9 and 10? Does It really matter for somebody like me? I only use my mobile for texting, emailing, making calls, watching videos on TH-cam and taking the occasional photo. I also never play games on my phone either, so would Android 9 really be an Issue for me?
And also, I can confirm that Sony will not be updating the L4 from Android 9 to 10 anytime In the future. This Info came directly from Sony customer services earlier today. Thanks guys 👍
Generally speaking we reckon you'll be absolutely fine - no cause for alarm. We would much rather the OS was going to be updated, but the quality of the hardware is solid and Android 9 has plenty of life.
@@tech_edit Thanks for the quick reply Btekt, It's really appreciated. But I decided to send the Sony L4 back because It just wasn't for me. I've now got an Oppo Find X2 Lite and I much prefer this phone. With 128gb of storage and 8gb of ram, what more could I want. The phone even came with a charger, a backing gel case, headphones and a fitted screensaver. I've only had the Oppo for a few days, but so far I'm actually quite Impressed.
More than anything we are happy you've found the better match for your needs. Thanks for taking time to reply here just now. We wish you the very best for 2021 !!
nice review..do keep it up..why has sony stopped making phones with those beautiful led lights(like the xperia s).
There is a little notification light, is that what you mean? Forgive me, maybe I'm being slow- i just woke up and haven't had my first coffee yet
@@tech_edit Seems I was the one being slow.. Lol. Not led lights... Light bar on the body of the s model would love to see same in current flagship. Can you cut in a word to Sony on my behalf.. Appreciate that. You may also search on the old but elegant s models.
It's a budget phone & it should work well in Asian markets like India which is full of Chinese products. I am user of high end phones but I think #SonyXperia has 4 different devices for different segments (L4, 10, 5 & 1) The price is very low but Anroid 10 & Brightness are must(They should upgrade it like all 2020 Sony devices). It does have 21:9, Headphone Jack , 3 rear camera. Like 10ii, I am sure L5 will have good upgrades. I like your conclusion of how it fair with competition. #SonyMobile ❤️ ...yes #Xperia ways of doing things !
Always great to see a comment from you Raj, thanks so much for stopping by. Totally agree with your assessment too. Cheers! Tom
@@tech_edit Yes it's a 2020 device & #Sony should treat it like that however they operate in very less markets worldwide, I am sure if they were in mass markets like other brands, they would have spent more money, time and effort on #XperiaL4 😀
Hope i get like from btekt☺️
Yey..thanks♥️♥️
3:50 totally agree.
I would say that this video is catering to Sony Xperia fans among subscribers of this channel, this L4 was a dissapointment in my opinion but I am glad that 2020 Xperia 1, 5 and 10 series phones actually brought in quality products, so hopefully L series will become better next year
background music although lovely is just a tad too loud to listen to you comfortably
Thanks for the feedback, we will dial it down a bit! Tom
@@tech_edit Thanks
Oh I forgot the Xiaomi has NFC, and it has a 64 mp camera
Sony should give up on budget phones. They aren't any where near the competition. If you have to continually say it's OK for this price point, then the phone sucks. Nothing about this phone would make me want to buy it. I have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 pro. I got it for about 200 dollars, and it puts this phone to shame. Even just the looks. Mine I think was called ocean blue and it is truly one of the most beautiful phones I've ever seen. The 8 pro has 6 gb of ram 128 gb of storage, 4500 mah battery with quick charging, 6.57 inch 1020 screen, gorilla glass 5 front and back, an IR blaster, headphone jack, it scores 285,000 on Antutu, plus Xiaomi updated it to Android 10, and this was last years model. Give it up Sony.
It is interesting to see how even hard-core Sony fans here just aren't feeling this phone. I cannot wait to review the Redmi Note 9, which I will do soon - and the A51 of course. Then let's see how it all looks re Sony. Cheers, thanks for commenting! Tom
@@tech_edit Thanks for the response, very few ever do and it's nice to know that I'm not writing in vane. Thanks
Cheers Douglas - we aren't the biggest tech channel on YT (although we do have some plans to expand and new people joining like Jordan, this week!) but that has its advantages in that I can respond to pretty much everyone. We have a good little community here - some really great comments from very knowledgeable people which I'm really happy about. Thanks for contributing to the comments here! Tom
My old xperia Z2 (2014 flagship) is still probably better than this phone saved for the bezels 😁 but I am happy to still see LCD on phones (it's more resilient)
Love that older Omnibalance design from those days. Despite the bezels, still looks cool!
@@tech_edit, I miss the front stereo speakers of that beast. My note albeit louder doesn't give me that direct sound I want. 😁
Good point. There's so much to be said for that. People who have never had that in their phone, really don't know what they're missing !
Yes smash the notifications lol
Android Pie? They should have left it with Oreo. I refuse to upgrade my XZ Premium to Pie. Sony optimized Pie really badly. 10 is good from what I hear though
Interesting point re optimisation... yeah, 10 is beautifully done, definitely
SONY❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇱🇰
is that a lego building in the background :)
It looks like it - even in real life!
@@tech_edit XD wow I want to come over there :)
Yeah its an amazing building in a fantastic city!
I just oder L4 after watching 🥰 in Netherlands it 199 €
Great stuff Mansurpur! I think you'll enjoy having a phone which stands out fron the crowd. I know ibalways like having a more 'exclusive' device! Enjoy it, and thanks for commenting 🙂
You've been made my man.
At the moment o2 are doing this for £119.00
U could compere 200 phones in future videos
True, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 video will be out soon, and I will do another one comparing the REdmi Note 9 with the Samsung Galaxy A51. Other than that it'll all be Pixel5 and XPeria 5 II content until the iPhones are out! Exciting times! Tom
£150 affordable? Id have to save up for months to get that
Facts.🤔
Still he means it is for a Sony phone.
🤣 No proper "journalist" ever complains that the Samsung s20 is a tall phone. It wider too. 21:9 has really grown on me as an idea, can't justify a phone purchase now though.
Sony with a notch display? Well that's a first 😂😂😂
Yeah, having spent so much time with the 1 iI this year it has ruined my enjoyment of all phones (cheap and expensive) that have notches and punch holes! Which is basically all of them! Haha
@@tech_edit Personally, I hate notches and their siblings. The notch will go down as an embarrassment, I guess.
I would rather have a forehead like the pixel 4 than have a notch and a chin, which seems weird.
Keep it up!
Sai I 100% agree with you! Tom
@@Sai_on_youtube I agree!
Sony has just got in 2019.
In short, dont ever go for sony phone lower than high midrange. Midrange and budget xperia are not sony phone. They are ruining the sony experience.
Sony fans here but sony budget or midrange never work.
I know what you mean. If they could just release a contemporary OS and promise to keep it updated it would really change my opinion...
Battery kills any iPhone
Yes smash the notifications lol