The stand-by is excellent (as is the talk time), but when you want to use the handset, the power sucks quicker than a back stage party with +Miley Cyrus. So we have gone to market looking around to see what is out there for all you Z1 owners, that, like us - want to spend longer, away from a charger.
On test we have this 3200mAh jacket for our Z1, from Brando.
- 3200mAh
- Input 5v/800mA
- Output 5v/1000mA
- Weight 8.1g
- Charging time 4hrs
- 500 x recharge usage
- Size: 144mm(L) x 74mm(W)x 13mm(T)
The jacket is a reasonable design although it has been made with price in mind, so low quality plastics and a very glossy rear - there is a kickstand to stand the handset up - but that could easily break if used. Don't expect this jacket to offer any protection for your phone at all, which is a shame because it would have been easy to include some kind of screen protection. Additional "bumps" on the side mean a little additional width as well as depth is added to the Z1.
When attached to the phone it uses the side power port rather than the USB 'flap' however this doesn't mean the power jacket is waterproof too, because its not. Make sure you remember that next time you jump into a pool with it on !
The hole for the flash is not really good, the reflection from the flash bounced all over the show, resulting in a horrid sheen /mist over any picture that needed additional light.
With those negatives out of the way there are some plus points.
Charging is simple, the USB port on the bottom of the jacket is easily accessible. Pressing the button on the back of the jacket sets priority of charge, either charge the handset first - then the jacket charges. Additional press will change the jacket first and then you have to press again to discharge into the phone at a later date. A helpful series of LED lights let you know how much juice you have left too.
Even though it only supports 800mA charging rate - we didn't feel it felt slow when left over night - it also discharged at a reasonable rate.
While the design isn't THE best, it does hand a smart curve that stops your Z1 from becoming a clunky box.
In real world usage it does exactly what it says on the tin - no drama - just a basic power jacket. its very cheap, and useful - doesn't add so much bulk that you feel like your dragging half a power station along with you.
Would we recommend it !? Yes for sure, don't expect it to last a long time, its just not built to last. We can also over look the lack of waterproofing too, especially at the $34.99 price tag (£22) - get yours at Brando (http://shop.brando.com/)
This jacket fits the following models.
- Sony Xperia Z1
- Sony Xperia Z1 Honami
- Sony Xperia Z1 C6902
- Sony Xperia Z1 L39h
- Sony Xperia Z1 C6903
- Sony Xperia Z1 C6906
- Sony Xperia Z1 C6943