The Sony Xperia M series has long been a staple for budget-conscious Android users seeking a reliable and water-resistant device. Today, we pit two popular models against each other: the Xperia M4 Aqua and the Xperia M2 Aqua. Which one offers the best value and features for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia M4 Aqua is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, improved camera, and a more modern design. While the M2 Aqua’s impressive battery life is a highlight, the M4 Aqua’s overall performance and features make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - E2303, E2353 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - D2403 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - E2303 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - D2403 |
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - E2353 | 2, 4, 7, 17 - D2406 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, June | 2014, August. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 145.5 x 72.6 x 7.3 mm (5.73 x 2.86 x 0.29 in) | 140 x 72 x 8.6 mm (5.51 x 2.83 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 136 g (4.80 oz) | 149 g (5.26 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~63.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8926-2 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM (E2306) | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA |
| Video | 720p | 480p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, aptX, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 64 h 40 min | Up to 37 h 11 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 681 h (2G) / Up to 685 h (3G) | Up to 595 h (2G) / Up to 641 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 13 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 11 h 23 min (2G) / Up to 12 h 11 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Coral, Silver | Black, White, Copper |
| Models | E2303, E2353, E2306 | D2403, D2406 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | 0.66 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 71h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 71h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
- Faster Processor
- Improved Camera
- More Modern Design
- Water Resistant
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life than M2 Aqua
- Can be harder to find new
Sony Xperia M2 Aqua
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Affordable (especially used)
- Compact Size
- Water Resistant
- Slower Performance
- Outdated Processor
- Lower Camera Quality
- Less RAM
Display Comparison
The Xperia M4 Aqua features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (HD). The M2 Aqua also has a 4.7-inch display with a similar resolution. While both are adequate, the M4 Aqua's slightly larger size and improved color reproduction offer a marginally better viewing experience. Both displays are reasonably bright and clear for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
The M4 Aqua's camera is a significant upgrade. It features a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and image stabilization, capable of capturing detailed photos and videos. The front-facing camera is also improved. The M2 Aqua's 8MP rear camera is decent but lacks the same level of detail and low-light performance. Both offer 720p video recording.
Performance
Here's where the M4 Aqua truly shines. Its Octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor and 2GB of RAM provide a noticeable performance boost compared to the M2 Aqua's Quad-core Snapdragon 400 and 1GB of RAM. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the M4 Aqua. The M2 Aqua can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The M2 Aqua is renowned for its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 71 hours. The M4 Aqua, while still offering good battery life, doesn't quite match the M2 Aqua's longevity. Expect a full day of moderate use from the M4 Aqua, but the M2 Aqua could potentially last for two days or more.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a more modern Android experience. The Xperia M2 Aqua is a good option for those primarily focused on exceptional battery life and a very affordable price point, especially if they find a used model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia M4 Aqua waterproof?
Yes, both the Xperia M4 Aqua and M2 Aqua are water-resistant, certified with an IP67 rating. This means they can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xperia M4 Aqua is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and more RAM. The M2 Aqua can struggle with more demanding games.
