Notable features include a 4K HDR ultra-high resolution display and slow-motion video capture at 960 frames per second.

The device also features a fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button that can be used to unlock the phone and secure it from unauthorized access.

The 5.5 in (140 mm) IPS LCD screen has a pixel density of 806 ppi when rendered in 4K resolution and features Sony's TRILUMINOS display and X-Reality for mobile technology.

Sony debuted in the Xperia XZs and the XZ Premium the world's first 3-layer stacked image sensor with DRAM for smartphones.

Officially called Motion Eye, the Xperia XZ Premium has a 19 MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile sensor with a 1.22 μm pixel pitch, f/2.0 aperture and 25 mm wide G Lens.

It also includes phase and contrast detection along with predictive motion tracking, and a laser autofocus sensor for fast tracking and focus-locking on an object, as well as an RGBC-IR (red, green, blue, clear – infrared) color sensor that assists the white balance function of the camera by providing additional data about the light conditions of the surrounding environment.

It also has Steady Shot with Intelligent Auto, in addition to the five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization first seen in the Xperia XZ.

When it detects fast-paced movement, the camera automatically captures a maximum of four photos before the shutter button is pressed, and lets the user select the best one afterwards.

This is done without any user intervention and is possible due to the same built-in RAM chip on the image sensor used in capturing the 960 fps super slow-motion videos.

In November 2017, after receiving user feedback, a software update within the camera features menu was released, titled "Correction for image distortion".

Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 5 with aptX and Low Energy, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac with 2×2 MIMO antennas, Wi-Fi Direct, MirrorLink, screen casting via Miracast, Google Cast, DLNA, GPS (with A-GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo satellite positioning.