The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra and XA2 Plus were solid mid-range contenders in their time. Both offer a unique Sony experience, but cater to slightly different needs. This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide which one is right for you, especially if considering a budget purchase.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The XA2 Ultra edges out the XA2 Plus primarily due to its larger display and potentially better multitasking capabilities. However, the XA2 Plus might offer a slightly more compact form factor. Both share the same core processor and camera capabilities, making the choice largely dependent on screen size preference.
| 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 - H3213, H4213, H4233 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - H3213, H4213 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - H3413, H4413 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat13 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - H4493 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, January. Released 2018, February | 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 | 163 x 80 x 9.5 mm (6.42 x 3.15 x 0.37 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 | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~367 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~76.1% 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 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 508 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec., HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec., HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/2.6", OIS, AF
8 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0" | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30ps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3580 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3580 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black, Blue, Gold | Silver, Black, Gold, Green |
| Models | H4213, H4233, H3213, H3223 | H4413, H4493, H3413 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -67.7dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -93.1dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 100h |
Endurance rating 104h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1562:1 (nominal), 3.445 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1522:1 (nominal), 3.445 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 80dB |
Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 89110 (v7)
GeekBench: 4198 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (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 XA2 Ultra
- Larger 6-inch display
- Excellent battery life (100h)
- Good sunlight visibility
- QC3 fast charging
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some
- Potentially slightly lower gaming performance due to screen size
Sony Xperia XA2 Plus
- More compact and pocketable
- Excellent battery life (104h)
- Good sunlight visibility
- QC3 fast charging
- Smaller display may be limiting for some
- Slightly less screen real estate for multitasking
Display Comparison
Both phones boast impressive contrast ratios (1562:1 nominal, 3.445 in sunlight), indicating excellent visibility even outdoors. The XA2 Ultra features a 6-inch display, while the XA2 Plus has a 5.5-inch display. This difference is significant for those who value screen real estate for watching videos, browsing, or gaming. The XA2 Plus offers a more manageable size for one-handed use.
Camera Comparison
While the provided data doesn't specify camera details, both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Based on general knowledge, both likely feature a 23MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Image quality should be comparable, with Sony's image processing algorithms providing a consistent experience.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 and an Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, both phones offer similar performance. Expect smooth everyday tasks, but demanding games might require lower graphics settings. The XA2 Ultra's larger screen could slightly impact gaming performance compared to the XA2 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both devices. The XA2 Ultra claims an endurance rating of 100h, while the XA2 Plus boasts 104h. In real-world usage, these numbers translate to excellent all-day battery life, even with moderate to heavy use. The XA2 Plus's smaller size might contribute to its slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra? Users prioritizing a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking. Who should buy the Sony Xperia XA2 Plus? Those seeking a more pocketable device with a similar feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in [current year]?
While older, both phones offer good value if you're on a tight budget and prioritize battery life and a decent display. However, consider newer budget options with more modern features and software support.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the XA2 Ultra and XA2 Plus originally shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo. Software updates may have been provided, but support is likely limited now.
