Sony M4 Aqua

amazon Sony M4 Aqua reviews

Xperia M4 Aqua configuration fairly compared with the price range: Snapdragon 615 processor 8-core 64-bit, 2GB RAM, 8GB of internal memory (approximately 2,9GB only available to users), with slots removable memory card, 13MP rear camera resolution and front camera has a resolution of 5MP.

Experience in practice, the performance of the product is quite good, satisfying even the more graphic games. Rear camera for photos with a wide range of brightness, the fine details but unfortunately the water vapor images often light and slow shutter speed. However, photos take a selfie from the front 5MP camera back causing more impressive, with color photographs and more honest than the machine the same price range.

The Xperia M4 Aqua relatively easy disassembly for repair when needed. Machine with multi-layer waterproof design. The back lid is sealed, easy access to parts within such short tap connector (connector) is wrapped into closed cavity source. If water does not leak into damage. Easy on the water portion as audio connectors and USB 3.5 is poured glue sealed and connected by cable flex circuit. Speaker and mic section is coated with a waterproof mesh perhaps the phenomenon is due to surface tension.

where can you get a Sony M4 Aqua online

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua 16GB GSM/LTE Unlocked Cell Phone – Black (U.S. Warranty): Buy it now

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua E2306 16GB Unlocked GSM 4G LTE Android Smartphone w/ 13 Megapixel Camera – Black: Buy it now

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua E2303 4G White International Version no warranty: Buy it now

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua E2353 5.0-Inch Factory Unlocked Smartphone (Black) – International Version No Warranty: Buy it now

SONY XPERIA M4 AQUA E2303 8GB BLACK FACTORY UNLOCKED IP68 4G/LTE CELL PHONE: Buy it now

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua E2363 Dual SIM 5.0-Inch Factory Unlocked Smartphone (Black) – International Stock No Warranty: Buy it now

The back cover is attached to the chassis by glue around the edges to prevent water

The back cover is made of plastic so easy to remove without risk of fracture

2400mAh capacity battery. Battery is glued to the frame, be careful in the process of removing prevent damage. Battery duration good use: call 12 hours 54 minutes continuously, 7 hours 26 minutes surfing the web, watching movies 6 hours 10 minutes and 4 hours 6 minutes surfing (these operations are calculated from the time the battery is full 100% till 10%)

Double-sided circuit boards are protected by the cage against electromagnetic interference (EMI shield). The cage is designed shielded tuck format, can be removed easily.

Xperia M4 Aqua uses a 64-bit processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 eight-core (4 core ARM Cortex A53 1.5GHz and 4 cores ARM Cortex A53 1.0GHz). This chip has integrated graphics core GPPU Adreno 405, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS.

The machine uses integrated solutions and memory RAM: eMCP (embedded Multi-Chip Packages) of Samsung, which is 2GB RAM and 8GB of internal memory.

SKY77633: (Power Amplifer Module) – The power amplifier module for 2G / 3G / 4G. For Xperia M4 Aqua model E2312, the module provides GSM (4 band 850-900-1800-1900MHz) and WCDMA.

NFC controller chip: NXP 47803 company’s NXP

PM8916 power management chip from Qualcomm

13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera.

Audio jack to open and poured glue waterproof from the outside

Clusters of Xperia M4 Aqua Screen: 5-inch IPS panel LCD, 720×1280 pixel resolution and 294 ppi pixel density.

Performance

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, which is an octa-core chipset with four cores clocked at 1.5 GHz and four cores clocked at 1.0 GHz. This is paired with 2GB of RAM, which was standard for mid-range smartphones at the time of its release. The Snapdragon 615 is a 64-bit processor, and it was one of Qualcomm’s first mid-range chipsets to support this architecture.

In terms of performance, the M4 Aqua handles day-to-day tasks with ease. Basic operations such as browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps are smooth and responsive. The phone can handle multitasking reasonably well, with apps remaining open in the background without too much lag when switching between them.

When it comes to more demanding tasks, such as gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, the performance is adequate but not exceptional. The Snapdragon 615 is capable of running most games available on the Google Play Store, but more graphically intensive games may experience some frame drops or longer load times. Casual games and less demanding applications run without issues, making the M4 Aqua a suitable choice for users who do not require top-tier performance.

One area where the performance could be improved is in the storage department. The M4 Aqua comes with 8GB of internal storage, which is quite limited by modern standards. Out of the box, a significant portion of this storage is already occupied by the system and pre-installed apps, leaving users with only about 4GB of usable space. This is not enough for users who wish to install a large number of apps or store media files such as photos and videos. Thankfully, the phone supports microSD cards up to 128GB, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.

The Adreno 405 GPU handles graphics processing, and while it is not a powerhouse, it is sufficient for the M4 Aqua’s display resolution and the types of tasks it is likely to encounter. Users should not expect flagship-level performance, but for a mid-range device, the M4 Aqua offers a satisfactory experience.

Software

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, with Sony’s custom UI layer on top. Sony’s user interface is known for being relatively close to stock Android, with only a few customizations and additional features. This approach appeals to users who prefer a clean and straightforward Android experience without too much bloatware or unnecessary modifications.

One of the advantages of Sony’s UI is its simplicity. The interface is easy to navigate, with a familiar layout that Android users will feel comfortable with. The app drawer, home screen, and notification shade all function similarly to stock Android, with only minor visual tweaks and added features.

Sony has included a few of its own apps and services, such as the Walkman music player, Album photo gallery, and Movies video player. These apps are well-designed and offer a good user experience, although users who prefer third-party alternatives can easily download them from the Google Play Store. There are also a few additional features, such as Sony’s Stamina mode, which helps to extend battery life by restricting background activities and limiting performance when the battery is low.

One notable aspect of the software is the inclusion of Xperia Themes, which allows users to customize the look and feel of their phone by changing the wallpaper, icons, and overall color scheme. This feature provides a level of personalization that some users may appreciate.

However, the software is not without its issues. Android 5.0 Lollipop, while a major update at the time, has since been succeeded by multiple newer versions of Android, and the M4 Aqua did not receive timely updates to more recent versions. This lack of updates means that the phone may not have the latest security patches and features, which is a concern for users who prioritize software security and longevity.

Additionally, the 8GB of internal storage limits the number of apps that can be installed, especially when considering the size of modern apps and games. While the microSD card slot helps alleviate this issue, it is still a limitation that users should be aware of.

Camera

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and LED flash. On the front, there is a 5-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. Sony has a reputation for producing high-quality camera sensors, and the M4 Aqua benefits from this expertise, offering a good camera experience for its price range.

The rear camera produces images with good color accuracy and detail in well-lit conditions. The 13-megapixel sensor captures a decent amount of detail, and photos taken in daylight are sharp and vibrant. The f/2.0 aperture allows for some depth of field effects, with background blur that adds a professional touch to portrait shots. The camera app includes several shooting modes, such as Superior Auto, which automatically adjusts settings based on the scene, and Manual mode, which gives users more control over settings like white balance, ISO, and exposure.

Low-light performance, however, is a different story. While the M4 Aqua can capture usable photos in low-light conditions, the quality is not on par with higher-end devices. Images taken in low light tend to have more noise, and details are often lost in darker areas. The LED flash helps in some situations, but it can result in harsh lighting and unnatural colors.

The front-facing 5-megapixel camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, producing decent images with good

detail and acceptable color reproduction. However, like many front-facing cameras in this category, it struggles in low-light conditions. The absence of a front flash means that users will need to rely on ambient light for their selfies, which can result in grainy and less detailed photos when lighting is not optimal.

The camera app itself is user-friendly and comes with several additional features that enhance the photography experience. Some of the key features include:

1. Superior Auto Mode: This is the default shooting mode on the M4 Aqua, which automatically detects the scene and adjusts settings accordingly. It’s designed for users who prefer to point and shoot without worrying about manual adjustments. The mode generally does a good job of selecting the right settings, especially in well-lit environments.
2. Manual Mode: For users who want more control over their photography, Manual Mode allows adjustments to settings like ISO, white balance, exposure, and focus. While this mode isn’t as comprehensive as the manual modes found on more advanced cameras, it provides enough options for casual photographers looking to fine-tune their shots.
3. AR Effects: This fun feature allows users to superimpose augmented reality elements onto their photos. From dinosaurs to fairy tales, the AR effects are playful and can be a hit during social gatherings or with children.
4. HDR Mode: The High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode helps in capturing better photos in challenging lighting conditions, where there are both bright and dark areas in the scene. HDR can bring out more detail in both the shadows and highlights, but it can also slow down the capture process slightly, so it’s best used when the subject is stationary.
5. Panorama: The Panorama mode allows users to capture wide landscape shots by sweeping the camera across a scene. The resulting images are generally well-stitched together, although fast-moving subjects can cause some blurring or misalignment.

Video recording on the M4 Aqua is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps), which is standard for mid-range devices from this period. The video quality is satisfactory, with good color reproduction and detail in well-lit conditions. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means that videos can appear shaky, especially when recording while moving. The camera also struggles with autofocus during video recording, occasionally resulting in hunting and loss of focus, particularly in low-light scenarios.

Overall, the camera capabilities of the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua are decent for a mid-range smartphone, offering a good experience for casual photographers and everyday snapshots. While it doesn’t compete with flagship models, it provides sufficient features and quality for its target market.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is powered by a non-removable 2,400mAh battery, which is on the smaller side compared to some of its contemporaries. However, Sony has implemented several software optimizations to help extend battery life, including the well-known Stamina Mode.

In regular usage, the battery life of the M4 Aqua is fairly average. With moderate usage, which includes activities like browsing the web, checking emails, using social media, and taking photos, the phone can typically last through a full day. However, heavy usage, such as gaming, streaming videos, or using GPS navigation, can drain the battery more quickly, requiring a charge before the day is over.

The Stamina Mode is one of the key features that help manage battery life. When enabled, it restricts background data and reduces performance to extend battery life. This mode is particularly useful when the battery is running low, allowing users to squeeze out a few extra hours of usage. Additionally, there is an Ultra Stamina Mode, which limits the phone to basic functions like calls, texts, and limited app usage, further extending battery life in emergency situations.

Charging the M4 Aqua is done via the micro-USB port, and unfortunately, the device does not support fast charging. This means that a full charge can take a couple of hours, which is slower compared to modern smartphones that often include fast-charging capabilities.

Overall, the battery life of the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is adequate for its class. It may not offer the long endurance of some other models, but with the help of Sony’s power-saving modes, it can comfortably last a full day for most users.

Connectivity and Audio

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua offers a range of connectivity options typical for a mid-range smartphone. It supports 4G LTE, allowing for fast mobile data speeds where networks are available. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, and GPS. The inclusion of NFC is a nice touch, as it allows for easy pairing with other NFC-enabled devices and supports contactless payments through services like Google Wallet.

One area where the M4 Aqua falls short is in its lack of support for 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. This means that users are limited to the 2.4GHz band, which can be more crowded and result in slower speeds in areas with many Wi-Fi networks. However, for most users, the Wi-Fi performance will be sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming.

The phone also includes FM radio, which is a feature that has become less common in recent years but can be useful for those who enjoy listening to local radio stations without using data.

Audio quality on the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is decent but not exceptional. The single speaker located on the bottom edge of the device produces sound that is clear but lacks depth and bass. It’s adequate for hands-free calls, notifications, and casual listening, but for a more immersive audio experience, users will want to use headphones or external speakers.

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming a rarity in modern smartphones. The audio output through headphones is good, with a balanced sound profile that doesn’t overly emphasize any particular frequency range. Sony also includes several audio enhancements in the settings menu, such as ClearAudio+ and equalizer settings, allowing users to customize the sound to their liking.

Durability and Water Resistance

One of the standout features of the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is its durability, particularly its water and dust resistance. The phone is IP68 certified, meaning it is dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This level of water resistance was impressive at the time of the M4 Aqua’s release, especially for a mid-range device.

The phone’s water resistance makes it a great choice for users who often find themselves in environments where their phone might be exposed to water, such as at the beach, by the pool, or in the rain. It also provides peace of mind for accidental spills or drops into water.

The durability of the M4 Aqua extends to its build quality as well. Despite its plastic construction, the phone feels solid and well-made. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, which helps to prevent minor scratches, although it is not as durable as some of the more advanced protective glasses found on premium devices.

One potential downside of the water-resistant design is that the back cover and battery are non-removable. This means that if the battery were to degrade over time, it would require a visit to a service center for replacement rather than a simple swap by the user.

Price and Value for Money

At the time of its release, the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua was positioned as a mid-range smartphone with a price point that reflected its features and capabilities. It was more affordable than Sony’s flagship models but offered many of the same design elements and a few premium features, such as water resistance.

For users looking for a well-rounded smartphone with good design, decent performance, and water resistance, the M4 Aqua offered solid value for money. Its closest competitors at the time, such as the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) and the Samsung Galaxy A3, had similar price points, but the M4 Aqua stood out for its combination of features, particularly its IP68 certification.

However, in terms of raw performance and storage capacity, some competitors offered better value. The limited internal storage of 8GB was a significant drawback, especially when considering the size of modern apps and the operating system. While the microSD card slot provided some relief, users who needed more onboard storage might have found better options elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua was a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market when it was released, offering a blend of attractive design, water resistance, and decent performance at a reasonable price. Its IP68 certification was a standout feature, making it one of the more durable phones in its class, particularly for users who needed a device that could withstand the elements.

The phone’s design and build quality are commendable, with a sleek appearance and solid construction that give it a premium feel despite its plastic body. The display, while not the sharpest, offers good color reproduction and is sufficient for everyday use. Performance is adequate for most tasks, although the limited internal storage and lack of fast charging are notable drawbacks.

The camera experience is decent for casual photography, especially in well-lit conditions, but it struggles in low light and lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models. Battery life is average, but Sony’s power-saving modes help extend usage time when needed.

In summary, the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers good value for users looking for a durable device with water resistance. While it may not excel in every area, it provides a solid overall experience that should satisfy the needs of most users in its target market. However, for those who prioritize storage capacity, camera performance, or cutting-edge features, there are other options available that might better suit their needs.