Choosing between older Sony smartphones can be tricky. The Xperia L4 and Xperia XA1 both offer a distinct Sony experience, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia XA1 edges out the L4 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor, excellent display contrast, and comparable battery life. While the L4 is newer, the XA1's overall performance and proven endurance make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| 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 or LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 20. Released 2020, April 28 | 2017, February. Released 2017, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 71 x 8.7 mm (6.26 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 145 x 67 x 8 mm (5.71 x 2.64 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1680 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T880MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF |
| 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, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, aptX, 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, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | USB Power Delivery | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 560 h (2G) / Up to 603 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3580 mAh | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | White, Black, Gold, Pink |
| Models | XQ-AD52, XQ-AD51 | G3116, G3121, G3112, G3123, G3125 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -95.2dB / Crosstalk -90.0dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 72h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1049 (nominal), 3.012 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 58dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 3611 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia L4
- Newer design
- USB Power Delivery charging
- Potentially more accurate color reproduction on display
- Less powerful processor
- Older chipset architecture
- Limited camera details
Sony Xperia XA1
- More powerful processor (Helio P20)
- Excellent display contrast
- Proven battery endurance (72h)
- Established camera processing
- Older design
- 10W wired charging
- May lack some modern features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with impressive contrast ratios (1049 nominal, 3.012 in sunlight), indicating excellent visibility even in bright conditions. The XA1 likely has a slightly more refined display due to its slightly older, but more mature, display technology. The L4's display is likely more modern in terms of color accuracy, but the XA1's contrast advantage is noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. However, the XA1's slightly more powerful processor and Sony's established camera processing algorithms likely give it a slight edge in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The L4's newer sensor might compensate somewhat, but the XA1's overall image processing is likely superior.
Performance
The Xperia XA1 boasts a Mediatek Helio P20 with a dual-cluster octa-core setup (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.6 GHz), offering a noticeable performance boost over the L4's Helio P22 (octa-core 2.0 GHz). Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the XA1. The XA1's processor architecture is generally more efficient.
Battery Life
Both phones are advertised with an impressive 72-hour endurance rating. This suggests excellent battery life for both devices. While the L4 has USB Power Delivery, the XA1's 10W wired charging is standard. Real-world battery performance is likely very similar, making this a draw.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia L4 is best suited for budget-conscious users who prioritize a newer design and basic functionality. The Xperia XA1 is ideal for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting phone with a vibrant display and a good camera, even if it's a bit older.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones are advertised with a 72-hour endurance rating, suggesting comparable battery performance. Real-world usage will vary.
❓ Is the Xperia L4 worth buying over the XA1?
The Xperia XA1 generally offers better value due to its more powerful processor and excellent display. The L4's newer design might be appealing to some, but the XA1's overall performance is superior.
