Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when faced with similar models. This article dives deep into a comparison of the Sony Xperia L4 and Xperia 10, two devices offering distinct features and price points. We'll analyze their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia 10 is the clear winner. While the L4 is a budget option, the Xperia 10 boasts a significantly better chipset, faster charging, and a longer track record of excellent battery life, making it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - I3113, I4113, I4193 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38 - I3113, I4113 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - I4193 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 20. Released 2020, April 28 | 2019, February 25. Released 2019, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 71 x 8.7 mm (6.26 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 156 x 68 x 8.4 mm (6.14 x 2.68 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1680 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~79.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | USB Power Delivery | 18W wired, PD, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3580 mAh | Li-Ion 2870 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Navy, Silver, Pink |
| Models | XQ-AD52, XQ-AD51 | I3113, I4113, I4193, I3123 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -97.1dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 65h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1517:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.2 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 89697 (v7), 112198 (v8)
GeekBench: 3985 (v4.4), 990 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 4.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia L4
- Affordable
- Compact size
- USB Power Delivery charging
- Weaker processor
- Slower charging
- Basic camera
- Potentially lower display quality
Sony Xperia 10
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- Excellent battery life
- Potentially better camera
- More premium build quality
- Older model (potentially outdated software)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a nominal contrast ratio of 1517:1, suggesting good image quality. However, the Xperia 10 likely has a slightly larger display and potentially better color accuracy due to its higher tier positioning. The L4's display is likely an LCD, while the Xperia 10 may have an OLED or improved LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
While both offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Xperia 10 likely has a more advanced camera system with potentially better image processing and features. The Xperia 10's camera has a better reputation for image quality and low-light performance. Specific sensor details are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Xperia 10's Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the Xperia L4's Mediatek Helio P22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Xperia 10. The Snapdragon 630 is generally considered more efficient as well.
Battery Life
The Xperia 10 shines in this category. Both are reported with an endurance rating of 65h, indicating exceptional battery life. However, the Xperia 10's charging capabilities (18W wired, PD, QC3) are significantly faster than the L4's USB Power Delivery, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia L4 is best suited for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability over premium features. The Xperia 10 is ideal for those seeking a reliable mid-range phone with good battery life, a decent camera, and a more powerful processor for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia L4 worth buying in 2024?
The Xperia L4 is a very budget-friendly option, but its performance limitations might be noticeable. Consider it only if your budget is extremely tight and you don't need a powerful phone.
❓ What is the main difference between the Xperia L4 and Xperia 10?
The primary difference lies in the chipset. The Xperia 10 has a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 630, resulting in better performance and faster charging compared to the Xperia L4's Helio P22.