The Sony Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra were compelling mid-range Android phones, offering a blend of style and functionality. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key features to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia XA2 Ultra edges out the XA2 thanks to its larger display, slightly better battery life, and improved sunlight visibility. Both share the same processor, so performance is similar. If screen real estate and battery endurance are priorities, the Ultra is the clear winner.
| 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 - H3213, H4213, H4233 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 28, 29, 66 - H3123 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - H3213, H4213 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat13 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat13 600/150 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 | 2018, January. Released 2018, February |
| 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) | 163 x 80 x 9.5 mm (6.42 x 3.15 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 221 g (7.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~367 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~76.1% 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) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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@30fps | 1080p@30ps |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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 3300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3580 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black, Blue, Pink | Silver, Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | H4113, H3113, H4133, H3123 | H4213, H4233, H3213, H3223 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -87.8dB |
Noise -67.7dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 92h
| Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1327:1 (nominal), 2.938 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1562:1 (nominal), 3.445 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 80dB |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 4215 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 89110 (v7)
GeekBench: 4198 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XA2
- Compact and pocketable
- Good color accuracy in photos
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Smaller display
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Average low-light camera performance
Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
- Larger display for media consumption
- Better sunlight readability
- Slightly longer battery life
- More comfortable for extended use
- Less pocketable
- Similar performance to XA2
- Average low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, but the XA2 Ultra boasts a larger 6.0-inch screen compared to the XA2's 5.2-inch display. The XA2 Ultra also has a slightly better contrast ratio (1562:1 vs 1327:1) and significantly improved sunlight readability (3.445 vs 2.938), making it easier to see outdoors. The XA2 Ultra's larger size does come at the cost of portability.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, detailed camera comparisons are difficult without specific sensor and lens information. Generally, the XA2 Ultra's larger size may allow for slightly better image stabilization. Both phones are known for producing accurate colors, but low-light performance is average.
Performance
Under the hood, both devices are powered by the same Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 chipset and Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they're perfectly capable for most users.
Battery Life
The XA2 Ultra has a slight advantage in battery life, offering an endurance rating of 100 hours compared to the XA2's 92 hours. This difference is noticeable, especially for heavy users. Both support 18W wired charging (QC3).
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia XA2 is a good choice for users who prefer a more compact phone and don't need the absolute best battery life. The Xperia XA2 Ultra is ideal for those who value a larger display for media consumption and gaming, and appreciate a bit more battery power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia XA2 Ultra worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a larger display and slightly better battery life, the XA2 Ultra is worth the extra cost. However, if you prefer a more compact phone, the XA2 remains a solid option.
❓ How does the performance of these phones compare to newer models?
The Snapdragon 630 is a bit dated now. Newer mid-range phones offer significantly improved performance. These phones are best suited for basic tasks and light to moderate use.
