Sony Xperia XA2 vs Xperia XA1: A Detailed Comparison

The Sony Xperia XA2 and XA1 were both solid mid-range contenders, offering a premium feel without breaking the bank. But with a year separating their releases, which phone offers the better value and performance today? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XA2 edges out the XA1 thanks to its significantly better battery life, faster Snapdragon 630 chipset, and quicker charging. While the XA1 boasts a slightly brighter display, the XA2's overall improvements make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Xperia XA2	Sony Xperia XA1

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H3123	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 28, 29, 66 - H3123	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat13 600/150 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
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - H3133, H4133	-

Launch
Announced	2018, January. Released 2018, February	2017, February. Released 2017, April
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	142 x 70 x 9.7 mm (5.59 x 2.76 x 0.38 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	171 g (6.03 oz)	143 g (5.04 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~75.0% 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 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm)	Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm)
GPU	Adreno 508	Mali-T880MP2
OS	Android 8.0 (Oreo)	Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM	32GB 3GB 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	1080p@30fps, HDR

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0"	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
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, 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, OTG	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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3	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 3300 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Silver, Black, Blue, Pink	White, Black, Gold, Pink
Models	H4113, H3113, H4133, H3123	G3116, G3121, G3112, G3123, G3125
Price	About 200 EUR	About 140 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -87.8dB	Noise -95.2dB / Crosstalk -90.0dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 92h	Endurance rating 72h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1327:1 (nominal), 2.938 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1049 (nominal), 3.012 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB	Voice 58dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 67dB
Performance	GeekBench: 4215 (v4.4) GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	GeekBench: 3611 (v4.4) GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XA2

Significantly better battery life
Faster Snapdragon 630 chipset
Quick Charge 3.0 support
Excellent contrast ratio

Design is somewhat similar to XA1
Camera improvements are incremental

Sony Xperia XA1

Slightly brighter display (sunlight readability)
Potentially lower price (used market)
Compact and lightweight design

Weaker Mediatek Helio P20 chipset
Shorter battery life
Slower 10W charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The XA2 has a contrast ratio of 1327:1 (nominal) and 2.938 (sunlight), while the XA1 offers 1049:1 (nominal) and 3.012 (sunlight). The XA1's sunlight readability is marginally better, but the XA2's overall contrast provides a richer viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable cameras for their class. While specific camera specs are not detailed, reviews generally suggest the XA2 offers slightly improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, due to software optimizations and potentially a slightly better sensor. Video recording capabilities are comparable.

Performance

The XA2's Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the XA1's Mediatek Helio P20. The Snapdragon 630 generally offers better performance and efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the XA2.

Battery Life

This is where the XA2 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 92h significantly surpasses the XA1's 72h. Coupled with 18W fast charging (QC3), the XA2 provides a much longer-lasting and faster-charging experience.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XA2 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and smoother performance for everyday tasks. The Xperia XA1 is a good option for those seeking a slightly brighter display and a more budget-friendly price (if found used), but are willing to compromise on battery and processing power.