The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus and XA2 Plus were solid mid-range contenders in their time. Both offered a premium feel and respectable features, but which one ultimately delivers a better experience? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia XA2 Plus edges out the XA1 Plus thanks to its faster Snapdragon processor, significantly improved charging speed (QC3), and slightly better sunlight display visibility. While battery life is nearly identical, the XA2 Plus's overall performance and modern features make it the preferable choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G3421, G3412, G3416, G3426 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - G3421, G3412 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - H3413, H4413 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps or LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - G3416, G3426 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - H4493 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, August. Released 2017, October | 2018, July. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) | 157 x 75 x 9.6 mm (6.18 x 2.95 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T880MP2 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF | 23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec., HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3430 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3580 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Gold | Silver, Black, Gold, Green |
| Models | G3416, G3412, G3426, G3421, G3423 | H4413, H4493, H3413 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -83.5dB |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -93.1dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 102h
|
Endurance rating 104h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1572 (nominal), 2.93 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1522:1 (nominal), 3.445 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 88dB / Noise 77dB / Ring 84dB
|
Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 77232 (v7), 95157 (v8)
GeekBench: 3783 (v4.4), 915 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 86374 (v7), 107537 (v8)
GeekBench: 4144 (v4.4), 1018 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -83.5dB | Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -93.1dB |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 102h | Endurance rating 104h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1572 (nominal), 2.93 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1522:1 (nominal), 3.445 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 88dB / Noise 77dB / Ring 84dB | Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 77232 (v7), 95157 (v8)
GeekBench: 3783 (v4.4), 915 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 86374 (v7), 107537 (v8)
GeekBench: 4144 (v4.4), 1018 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XA1 Plus
- Exceptional battery life
- Good value for money (if found)
- Decent display quality
- Slower processor
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging speed
Sony Xperia XA2 Plus
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 630)
- Quick charging (QC3)
- Slightly better sunlight display
- More modern design
- Potentially higher price (if still available)
- Battery life only marginally better
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6-inch Full HD+ (2160 x 1080) IPS LCD display. The XA2 Plus boasts a contrast ratio of 1522:1 (nominal) and 3.445 in sunlight, while the XA1 Plus has 1572:1 (nominal) and 2.93 (sunlight). The XA2 Plus's slightly better sunlight visibility is a noticeable advantage for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 23MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. While both are capable of decent photos in good lighting, the XA2 Plus's newer processor and potentially improved image processing algorithms likely result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are similar on both devices.
Performance
The XA2 Plus utilizes a Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 chipset with an Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, a significant upgrade over the XA1 Plus's Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm) with a 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved overall responsiveness on the XA2 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is remarkably similar. Both phones offer an endurance rating of 102h/104h. However, the XA2 Plus supports 18W wired charging with QC3, a substantial improvement over the XA1 Plus's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus? Those seeking a budget-friendly option with exceptional battery life and are less concerned with raw processing power. Who should buy the Sony Xperia XA2 Plus? Users prioritizing faster performance, quicker charging, and a slightly improved display experience, even if it comes at a slightly higher price (if still available).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia XA2 Plus worth the upgrade from the XA1 Plus?
Yes, if performance and charging speed are important to you. The Snapdragon 630 offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio P20, and the QC3 charging is a significant convenience.
❓ Are spare parts readily available for these phones?
Given their age, finding spare parts might be challenging. It's best to check with online retailers or local repair shops specializing in older devices.
