The Sony Xperia L2 and R1 (Plus) represent Sony's attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. While both devices aim for affordability, they diverge in their core hardware. The L2 prioritizes endurance with a reported 65-hour battery life, while the R1 (Plus) attempts to offer a performance boost with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly smoother experience, the Sony Xperia R1 (Plus) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 430 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable advantage over the L2’s quad-core Mediatek processor. However, those heavily focused on maximizing battery life may still find the L2 appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - H3311, H4311, H4331 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - H3311, H4311 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - H4331 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, January. Released 2018, January | 2017, October. Released 2017, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 150 x 78 x 9.8 mm (5.91 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) | 146 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm (5.75 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) | Android 7.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", AF | 13 MP, predictive PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0" | 8 MP, predictive PDAF, 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2620 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Pink | Black, Silver |
| Models | H4311, H3311, H4331, H3321 | G2299, G2199 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 14000 INR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.0dB / Crosstalk -89.7dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 65h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1130:1 (nominal), 2.266 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 91dB
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 45023 (v7)
GeekBench: 1932 (v4.4) | - |
Sony Xperia L2
- Exceptional battery life (65h endurance)
- Better sunlight visibility (Contrast ratio 2.266)
- Potentially more affordable
- Slower processor (Mediatek MT6737T)
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Sony Xperia R1 (Plus)
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 430)
- Smoother multitasking
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely shorter battery life than L2
- May be slightly more expensive
- Display specs are less defined
Display Comparison
Both the Xperia L2 and R1 (Plus) lack detailed display specifications beyond the L2’s contrast ratio of 1130:1 (nominal) and 2.266 (sunlight). This suggests the L2 offers better visibility in direct sunlight. Given Sony’s history, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, but the R1 (Plus) may benefit from slight optimizations in color calibration due to the newer chipset’s image signal processor. Without further data, it’s difficult to assess differences in color accuracy or viewing angles, but the L2’s higher sunlight contrast ratio is a clear advantage for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Given their budget positioning, expect similar camera performance – likely a primary sensor paired with a basic secondary sensor. Without megapixel counts or aperture information, it’s impossible to definitively assess image quality. However, the Snapdragon 430 in the R1 (Plus) includes an image signal processor (ISP) that likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the L2’s Mediatek chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xperia L2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6737T, a 28nm quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. The R1 (Plus) steps up to the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430, also on a 28nm process, but with an octa-core CPU at the same 1.5 GHz clock speed. This architectural shift from quad-core to octa-core provides a significant advantage to the R1 (Plus) in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. While both are entry-level chipsets, the Snapdragon 430 generally exhibits better sustained performance and more efficient power management, translating to a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
The Xperia L2 boasts an endurance rating of 65 hours, a standout feature. While the R1 (Plus) battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 430’s improved power efficiency could partially offset the L2’s advantage. The L2’s endurance rating suggests a larger battery capacity, optimized for extended use. However, the R1 (Plus) may offer faster charging speeds due to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge support (though not explicitly stated), potentially reducing the overall time spent tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia L2 if you absolutely need the longest possible battery life and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Its 65-hour endurance rating is a significant draw for users who are frequently away from a charger. Buy the Sony Xperia R1 (Plus) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for everyday tasks, and occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking. The Snapdragon 430 offers a tangible performance improvement over the L2’s chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 430 in the R1 (Plus) handle basic gaming like Asphalt 8 or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Snapdragon 430 is capable of running less demanding games like Asphalt 8 and Subway Surfers at playable frame rates. However, don't expect high graphics settings or a consistently smooth experience in more graphically intensive titles. The L2’s Mediatek chipset would struggle significantly more with these games.
❓ Is the lack of specific camera details (megapixels, aperture) a major concern for casual photographers?
For casual users primarily taking photos in good lighting conditions, the lack of detailed camera specs isn't a dealbreaker. Both phones will likely produce acceptable results for social media sharing. However, expect limited performance in low-light situations and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 430 compared to the Mediatek MT6737T in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 430 offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and multitasking. App launch times will be quicker, and switching between apps will be smoother. While both are entry-level chips, the octa-core architecture of the Snapdragon 430 provides a significant advantage in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
