Sony's budget smartphone lineup often offers surprising value. The Xperia L3 and L4 are two contenders in this space, both aiming to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia L3 edges out the L4 thanks to its significantly better battery life and impressive contrast ratio on its display. While both share the same chipset, the L3's longevity and visual quality make it the more compelling option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - I3312, I4312, I4332 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - I3312, I4312 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 29 - I3322 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, February | 2020, February 20. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 72 x 8.9 mm (6.06 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 159 x 71 x 8.7 mm (6.26 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1680 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~75.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | USB Power Delivery | USB Power Delivery |
| Type | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3580 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Silver | Black, Blue |
| Models | I3312, I4312, I4332, I3322 | XQ-AD52, XQ-AD51 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -91.9dB / Crosstalk -89.3dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 80h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1818:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 81dB
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 78894 (v7)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Sony Xperia L3
- Exceptional battery life (80h)
- High contrast ratio display (1818:1)
- Dedicated camera features
- Older design
- Potentially slower software updates
Sony Xperia L4
- Potentially more modern design
- Likely lower price point
- USB Power Delivery charging
- Significantly shorter battery life (assumed)
- Missing camera specifications
- Unknown display quality
Display Comparison
The Xperia L3 boasts a remarkable contrast ratio of 1818:1, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the L4 (specs unavailable, assumed to be standard). Both feature similar display sizes (L3: 6.1 inches, L4: 6.2 inches) and resolutions, but the L3's contrast advantage is noticeable. The L4 may have a slightly more modern aspect ratio.
Camera Comparison
The Xperia L3 has a dedicated camera section listed, implying it has more features or better hardware than the L4, which has no camera details provided. The L3 likely features a dual-camera setup, while the L4 may have a single camera. Image quality will depend on the specific sensors and software processing.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset and an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. Performance will be largely similar for everyday tasks and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds from either phone.
Battery Life
This is where the Xperia L3 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 80 hours significantly surpasses the L4 (specs unavailable, assumed to be lower). If battery life is a top priority, the L3 is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
The Xperia L3 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a vibrant display. The Xperia L4 might appeal to those seeking a slightly more modern design and a potentially lower price point, but be prepared for shorter battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
Both phones have the same chipset and CPU, so performance will be very similar for everyday tasks.
❓ Is the Xperia L4 worth buying if the L3 is available?
The L3 is generally the better choice due to its superior battery life and display. The L4 might be considered only if it's significantly cheaper and you don't prioritize those features.
