Like the Z5 and Z5 Compact, the Premium boasts a new fingerprint sensor built into a redesigned power button on the side of the device. (Sony says this location is marginally more convenient than a sensor at the bottom of the phone and I agree — marginally.) There's a Snapdragon 810 64-bit processor and 3GB of RAM powering the device, and the same 23-megapixel camera that Sony's putting into the Z5 and Z5 Compact. The company claims it has the fastest autofocus on the market — just 0.03 seconds — and is making big promises about solving familiar "pain points" for smartphone cameras, like taking pictures in low light. Judgement on that will have to wait for a full review.

These questions aside, however, it's easy to say that the Premium is beautiful. The chrome, black, and gold variations are all glossy and rich-looking, with a liquid finish to them like newly poured ingots. They're heavy, yes — 180 grams compared to the iPhone 6 Plus' 172 gram weight — but the design quality means they feel reassuringly solid, rather than a burden. That being said, we wonder how it would feel carrying one around in our pockets day after day after day, and this seems like it might be the biggest issue for the Z5 Premium. With its luxurious appearance and vivid screen it looks fantastic on a stand, but the shine might wear off with some day to day use.