65

Conclusion: Pass on it

With the Walkman Z, Sony attempts to unseat the iPod touch from its throne as the reigning non-smartphone portable media player. And like most other Android-based PMPs, it doesn't provide a compelling reason for most people to choose it over the touch. Although it handles music and video playback well, its display resolution isn't great, it's somewhat bulky, and it doesn't have a camera or expandable storage. It's also more expensive than both the iPod touch and its closest competition on the Android front, Samsung's Galaxy Player 4.2. If you're looking for an Android-based media player, the Samsung is likely to be a better choice, especially since it also includes dual cameras, GPS, and expandable storage. Otherwise, stick with the iPod touch.

Buy It:

$209.95

90-Day Price History

now
high
$209
low
$158

Critic reviews

6.4
6 reviews
  • Sound quality
    9.7
  • Video quality
    6.9
  • Ease of use
    7.1
  • Portability
    7.0
  • Battery life
    7.6
  • Media support
    7.3
  • Capacity
    5.8

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User reviews

8.0
1 review
  • Sound quality | 1 comment
    10
  • Video quality
    8.0
  • Ease of use
    6.0
  • Portability
    6.0
  • Battery life
    8.0
  • Media support
    10
  • Capacity
    8.0
8.0
Engadget Feb 14, 2012

Despite a few quirks, the Walkman Z is a solid choice for those seeking a PMP running (nearly) vanilla Android.

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7.0
PC World Jun 6, 2012

Sony found the right balance between big enough for video and gaming and not too big to hold and carry comfortably, but the device's fixed storage and nonremovable battery limit its flexibility.

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7.0
Android Central May 23, 2012

If you're in the market for a portable music player, the Z is a nice choice. If you want something a bit more versatile, spring for a tablet.

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6.0
Android Police Apr 30, 2012

Even if Sony were to have produced a great PMP device with the Walkman Z, it probably still wouldn't sell - there's no more room in this dying sun of a market, especially at this price point.

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