5 essential Sony Xperia Z1 accessories

The Sony Xperia Z1 is a loving update of the Z that debuted early this year. The new model brings Sony back in line with the most powerful and feature-filled smartphones on the year – like the HTC One, Galaxy Note and Lumia 925 – while retaining the beautiful industrial design and unique waterproof chassis. The result is a phone that packs in a bleeding-edge Snapdragon 800 CPU, a 20 megapixel camera and a host of capable accessories.

In this article, we’ll explore just five of those Xperia Z1 accessories, giving you the chance to best equip your new Sony Xperia Z1. Three of our recommendations are already available, and for the remainder we’ll prescribe a backup option that will hold you over if you need something now.

5. Sony SmartWatch 2 Android Watch

One of the accessories highlighted in Sony’s press event for the Xperia Z1 was this smartwatch. The obviously titled SmartWatch 2 is a follow-up to their first efforts, and marks the first “second generation” design among mainstream manufacturers. Initial reports place the SmartWatch 2 somewhere between the Pebble and Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, offering a good blend of battery life and functionality. There’s a square colour touch-screen, plenty of apps and of course dust and water protection. If you want to receive notifications on your wrist and have a Z1, then this is the ideal smartwatch.

4. Sony Magnetic Charging Dock DK31

Our next accessory is a must-have for any desk – the Sony Magnetic Charging Dock. The Sony DK31 matches the look and feel of the Xperia Z1, with clean lines and a black glassy look. The DK31 uses a magnetic connector, ensuring easy installation and removal. As a bonus, the use of the side connector also ensures that the micro USB port remains free for use with USB OTG adapters and the like. The dock is also case-compatible.

A similarly stylish stand is the Milo Universal Stand. Sadly, this one doesn’t include an integrated charger, but it is inexpensive – a good stand-in.

3. Case-Mate Slim Folio Case

The Slim Folio is a beautiful case that’s a good fit for the Xperia Z1. The book case is made from faux leather and microfibre, securely holding your phone while ensuring the screen remains undamaged. The case’s conservative leather look design fits the form factor well, while still being quite slim compared to other folio cases. If you intend to use the flip cover, then this is a good case choice from a well-regarded manufacturer.

2. Sony Smartphone Car Holder SPA-CK20M

It’s important to keep your phone safe and secure while you’re driving, particularly if you mean to use GPS navigation. This Sony car holder fits the look and style of the Xperia Z1 itself, while providing a solid platform for the phone. The car holder comes with quite a few extras in the box, just to ensure that perfect placement – you’ll receive a mounting sheet, a strap and a cleaning sponge for the suction cup. A rare example of a truly stylish Xperia Z1 car holder.

If you need a car holder soon and don’t want to wait for the official option to become available, please have a gander at the RoadTune Universal Hands-free Car Kit with FM Transmitter. It includes an even greater range of functionality at a reasonable cost. It’s many devices in one, too – a car holder, a car charger, a hands-free kit and an FM transmitter.

1. Case-Mate 2-Pack Screen Protector

The final piece of the puzzle is always-on screen protection. Here we’ve chosen Case-Mate’s offering, which is a dual pack of screen protectors for the Xperia Z1. This provides a good backup if one screen protector is incorrectly applied or damaged through use. With this installed, your Z1’s screen will be protected against scratches, dirt and fingerprints.

Conclusion

So there we have it – five essential accessories for the popularly acclaimed Sony Xperia Z1. Be sure to let me know what you thought of the recommendations, and feel to ask questions in the comments below.