Sony Xperia 1 II vs Xperia 1: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony's Xperia line caters to enthusiasts who value a premium experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and a unique design. The Xperia 1 II builds upon the foundation laid by the Xperia 1, offering improvements across the board. But is the upgrade worth it? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 II offers a noticeable upgrade over the Xperia 1, primarily in processing power and camera features. While both phones share a stunning display and design, the 1 II's Snapdragon 865 provides smoother performance and enhanced video recording capabilities. If you prioritize performance and camera, the 1 II is the clear winner.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 II Sony Xperia 1
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66
5G bands1, 3, 28, 77, 78 NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat19 1600/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, February 242019, February 25. Released 2019, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, May 22Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm (6.5 x 2.80 x 0.30 in)167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181.4 g (6.38 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020OLED, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use casesRuns at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, predictive PDAF, 2x optical zoom, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
Video4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/25/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD 11W wireless18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Ion 3330 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Purple, Mirror Lake GreenBlack, Gray, Purple, White
ModelsXQ-AT51, XQ-AT52, SOG01, XQ-AT42J8110, J8170, J9110, J9150, SOV40, SO-03L
PriceAbout 700 EURAbout 500 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 83hEndurance rating 79h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.3 LUFS (Good) -26.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 534701 (v8) GeekBench: 3295 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 356734 (v7), 418206 (v8) GeekBench: 10985 (v4.4), 2753 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1 II

  • Improved Performance (Snapdragon 865)
  • Enhanced Camera Features (Eye-AF, 4K 120fps)
  • Slightly Better Battery Life
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate Display
  • PD Charging

  • Higher Price
  • Design largely unchanged from Xperia 1

Sony Xperia 1

  • More Affordable
  • Excellent 4K OLED Display
  • Premium Design
  • Compact Size (relatively)

  • Older Processor (Snapdragon 855)
  • Slower Charging
  • Lacks 120Hz Refresh Rate

Display Comparison

Both the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 1 boast a stunning 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate (1 II). The Xperia 1 II edges out the Xperia 1 with a slightly higher peak brightness of 611 nits versus 665 nits, though the difference is minimal. Both offer an infinite contrast ratio, delivering exceptional image quality. The 1 II's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer a versatile triple-lens camera system. The Xperia 1 II introduces improved autofocus tracking and real-time eye-AF for both photos and videos, a significant advantage for videographers. Both have a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lens. The 1 II also boasts improved video recording capabilities, including 4K 120fps recording. While both produce excellent image quality, the 1 II's enhancements give it a slight edge.

Performance

The Xperia 1 II features the Snapdragon 865 chipset, a significant upgrade over the Xperia 1's Snapdragon 855. This translates to noticeably faster processing speeds, improved multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The 1 II's CPU configuration (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a more modern architecture compared to the 1's (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485).

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 II boasts an endurance rating of 83 hours, slightly better than the Xperia 1's 79 hours. Both phones feature a similar battery capacity (around 4000mAh). The 1 II's more efficient chipset contributes to its slightly longer battery life. Charging speeds are also improved on the 1 II with 21W wired charging versus 18W on the 1.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia 1 II is ideal for photography enthusiasts, videographers, and power users who demand top-tier performance and a unique, cinematic display. The Xperia 1 remains a compelling option for those seeking a premium experience at a potentially lower price point, especially if they prioritize a slightly more compact form factor and don't require the absolute latest processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 1 II worth the upgrade from the Xperia 1?
If you're a photography enthusiast or power user, the improved performance and camera features of the Xperia 1 II make it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're satisfied with the Xperia 1's performance and are looking to save money, it remains a solid choice.
❓ What is the difference in camera performance between the two phones?
The Xperia 1 II offers improved autofocus tracking, real-time eye-AF for photos and videos, and 4K 120fps video recording. Both phones produce excellent image quality, but the 1 II's enhancements provide a noticeable advantage for serious photographers and videographers.