MWC 2018 | Here are the Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, 3.5mm jacks inexplicably missing

Sony released the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact at IFA, six months ago, but the company has also announced the launches of the successors to those two devices, in the forms of the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact.

Almost surprising releases—one would have expected an XZ1 Premium instead—both devices represent Sony's deviation from its tradition design factor. The company promised to offer a new design, and has made good on that promise with the two new devices, as both devices now sport curvier, more rounded edges when compared to traditional Xperia smartphones.

The Xperia XZ2 is the larger of the pair, and it sports a 5.7-inch FHD+ display. It's Sony's first 18:9 device, and features relatively slimmer side bezels. The top and bottom bezels are still very much present, however, and we believe that to be an attempt by Sony to maintain its design identity. The device is powered by the new Snapdragon 845, and features 4GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, with the option to expand with a MicroSD of up to 400 GB.

Camera-wise, it sports a single 19 MP rear sensor, which has the ability to shoot 4K HDR videos, and also FHD videos in 960fps. That's particularly impressive, especially since the new Samsung Galaxy S9 can only replicate the latter feature in 720p. The camera, of course, also features five-axis image stabilization.

The device sports stereo speakers for extra audio bite, a rear fingerprint sensor, a 3180 mAh battery that can be charged via a Type-C USB 3.1 port, and Qi wireless charging. It also runs on Android Oreo 8.0 out of the box.

The Xperia XZ2 Compact, like its name implies, is the pint-sized variant of the regular XZ2. Perhaps the only true compact flagship we'll get this year—much like the XZ1 Compact was last year—the device features a 5-inch FHD+ 18:9 display. That aspect ratio gives it the feel of a traditional 4.7-inch device, so lovers of smaller devices are sure to be pleased. The device ships with the same camera as the regular XZ2, and also comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage—expandable to 400 GB with a MicroSD. It gets its juice from a 2870 mAh battery that can be charged via a Type-C port, but doesn't support Qi wireless charging.

Quite surprisingly, both devices do not feature headphone jacks, which we believe could be a deal-breaker to most. Sony has significant ties to the audio electronics industry—the company produces audio hardware of all kinds—so it's a tad baffling that the new flagships do not come with the industry-standard 3.5mm headphone jack. 

The XZ2 comes in color options of Black Liquid, Liquid Silver, Deep Green and Ash Pink, and will retail with an MSRP of €799. The XZ2 will be available in Black, White Silver, Moss Green and Coral Pink, and will retail for €599.