The Sony Xperia Tablet Z LTE and Z2 Tablet LTE were flagship Android tablets aiming for a premium experience. Both offered sleek designs and impressive features for their time. But which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 801 chipset and faster processor provide a noticeable performance boost over the Z LTE. While both offer similar camera capabilities, the Z2's improved internals and slightly refined design make it the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - SGP321 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - SGP541, SGP521, SGP551 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SGP321 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20 - SGP521 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 4 - SGP351 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 - SGP551 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, February. Released 2013, May | 2014, February. Released 2014, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 266 x 172 x 6.9 mm (10.47 x 6.77 x 0.27 in) | 266 x 172 x 6.4 mm (10.47 x 6.77 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 495 g (1.09 lb) | 439 g (15.49 oz) |
| | IP57 dust proof and water resistant | IP58 dust proof and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Shatter proof glass | Shatter proof glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~64.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~64.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | TFT |
| | - | Triluminos display
X-Reality Engine |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro | Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot); microSDHC (SGP351) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8.1 MP, AF | 8.1 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps, 720p@30fps (HDR), stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.2 MP | 2.2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 3D surround sound | 3D surround sound
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | Up to 110 h | Up to 188 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 1230 h (2G) / Up to 1270 h (3G) | Up to 1240 h (2G) / Up to 1200 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | Up to 13 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White (SGP521) / Black (SGP541, SGP551) |
| Models | SGP321, SO-03E, SGP351 | - |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.69 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.0dB / Crosstalk -87.8dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 996:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 70dB
| - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -87.0dB / Crosstalk -87.8dB | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 996:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 70dB | - |
Sony Xperia Tablet Z LTE
- Slim and lightweight design
- LTE connectivity
- Good display quality
- Water resistant
- Older chipset, slower performance
- Limited software updates
- Camera quality is average
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE
- Faster processor and better performance
- Slightly improved battery life
- More modern design
- Quick Charge 2.0 support
- Older model, limited software updates
- Camera quality is average
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature similar display technology, likely IPS LCD panels, offering good color accuracy and viewing angles. The Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE might have slightly improved brightness and color calibration due to refinements in Sony's display technology during that generation. Resolution is likely comparable, around 2560x1600.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable between the two, as both are described as 'Photo / Video' in the provided specs. Both likely feature an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
This is where the Z2 Tablet LTE shines. The Snapdragon 801 (28nm) with a 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU is significantly faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon S4 Pro (45nm) with a 1.5 GHz Krait CPU in the Z LTE. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Z2.
Battery Life
The Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 6000 mAh) compared to the Z LTE (around 4800 mAh). Coupled with the more efficient Snapdragon 801 chipset, the Z2 Tablet LTE should offer slightly better battery life, especially during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
The Xperia Tablet Z LTE is a good option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a slim and lightweight tablet with decent performance for basic tasks. The Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and a slightly more modern experience, even considering its age.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these tablets still worth buying in 2024?
Both tablets are quite old. While they can still handle basic tasks, performance will be limited by their age. Consider newer, more powerful Android tablets if you need a modern experience.
❓ Which tablet is more water resistant?
Both tablets have an IP67/IP68 rating, meaning they are both dust and water resistant. The level of protection is similar between the two.
