We already spent time with the Xperia Z1 at IFA earlier this month, and now it’s time to get a little more intimate with Sony’s new flagship. As the successor to the Japanese company’s Xperia Z, the Z1 is a device that improves in every conceivable facet—at least on paper. Stuffing a new device with better specs is one thing, but how is the actual experience?

The Xperia Z1 comes equipped with a 5-inch Full HD display, 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 3,000mAh battery, 2GB of RAM, 20-megapixel camera and 16 GB of internal storage (microSD expandable). In addition, the device sports Android 4.2.2 right out of the box with all of Sony’s familiar stylings on top.

The device is impressively engineered, and feels very premium like most Sony gadgets. As a phablet (is 5 inches considered a phablet these days?) the device will have plenty of competition to go up against, especially in the Samsung camp. But there’s a lot to like here from Sony, which just means Android users will have more solid options to choose from during the holiday period.

If you haven’t seen it already, check out our brief hands-on from earlier this month, and watch Jon’s unboxing for a better look at what the Z1 is all about.

Sony Xperia Z1 Gallery

Thanks to Negri Electronics for setting us up with this device.