Like its predecessor, the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1 is waterproof and dustproof, and has an IP rating of IP55 and IP58. The key highlight of the Z1 is the 20.7 megapixel camera, paired with Sony's in-house G lens and its image processing algorithm called BIONZ. The phone also comes with Sony's new camera user interface, dedicated shutter button and has an aluminium and glass unibody design.

Similar to the devices under the Sony Xperia Z series, the Xperia Z2 has an "Omni-Balance", according to Sony, which is focused on creating balance and symmetry in all directions. The phone comes with the same aluminium frame as its predecessor. It also features tempered glass on the front and back with an aluminium power button placed on the right side of the device.