Sony Xperia XZ1 vs. Xperia XZ Premium: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the Sony Xperia XZ1 is the better choice. Its significantly higher endurance rating of 82 hours, coupled with a respectable display contrast ratio, outweighs the XZ Premium’s slightly brighter screen. Both phones offer identical processing power, making battery life the key differentiator.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sony Xperia XZ1 | Sony Xperia XZ Premium |
| 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 - G8142 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - F8341, F8342 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - G8141, G8142 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - G8341 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - G8141, G8142 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - G8343 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, August 31. Released 2017, September 19 | 2017, February 27. Released 2017, June 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum/plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm (5.83 x 2.89 x 0.29 in) | 156 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.14 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM (G8141)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (G8142) |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) | 3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~807 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.46 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | Runs at 1080 x 1920 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 540 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF | 19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", predictive PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3" | 13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted, region dependent), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3230 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Warm Silver, Venus Pink, Moonlit Blue | Luminous Chrome, Deepsea Black, Bronze Pink, Rosso |
| Models | G8341, G8342, F8341, F8342, G8343, SOV36, SO-01K | G8142, G8141, SO-04K, SO-04J |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 320 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -90.2dB | Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 82h | Endurance rating 72h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1406 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1238:1 (nominal), 2.877 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 65dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 69dB | Voice 62dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB |
| Performance | GeekBench: 6541 (v4.4), 1527 (v5.1) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | GeekBench: 5460 (v4.4), 1603 (v5.1) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XZ1
- Superior battery life (82h endurance)
- Higher display contrast ratio for better image quality
- Identical processing power to the XZ Premium
- Potentially less bright display in direct sunlight compared to XZ Premium
- Camera specifications are unknown, making a direct comparison difficult
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
- Good sunlight readability (2.877 contrast ratio)
- Identical processing power to the XZ1
- Potentially more premium build quality (based on market positioning)
- Shorter battery life (72h endurance)
- Lower display contrast ratio for less vibrant images
- Higher price point at launch (likely)
Display Comparison
The Xperia XZ1 boasts a contrast ratio of 1406 (nominal) and 3.765 in sunlight, indicating strong visibility even in bright conditions. The XZ Premium, while still offering good sunlight readability at 2.877, falls behind with a lower nominal contrast ratio of 1238:1. This difference suggests the XZ1 will deliver deeper blacks and a more vibrant image in typical indoor lighting. Both displays utilize similar IPS LCD technology, but the XZ1’s superior contrast contributes to a more visually appealing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices share the same 'Photo / Video' camera capabilities as listed, lacking specific details for a detailed comparison. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, it’s difficult to definitively state which camera is superior. However, Sony’s brand reputation suggests both phones deliver competent image quality, focusing on natural color reproduction. The absence of information regarding features like OIS or low-light performance makes a conclusive assessment impossible.
Performance
Both the Xperia XZ1 and XZ Premium are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo). This means performance will be virtually identical across most tasks, including gaming and multitasking. The 10nm process node ensures efficient power consumption, but the real-world impact is mitigated by the differing battery capacities and optimizations. Neither device features advanced cooling solutions, so sustained peak performance will be limited by thermal throttling.
Battery Life
The Xperia XZ1’s endurance rating of 82 hours is a significant advantage over the XZ Premium’s 72 hours. This translates to a tangible difference in real-world usage, allowing the XZ1 to comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy use. Both phones support 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3), offering similar charging speeds. Despite the XZ Premium potentially having a slightly larger battery (unspecified in the data), the XZ1’s superior optimization results in longer battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia XZ1 if you need a phone that will reliably last a full day, or even longer, on a single charge. It’s ideal for users who frequently travel or have limited access to power outlets. Buy the Sony Xperia XZ Premium if you prioritize maximum screen brightness and contrast in direct sunlight, and are willing to accept a shorter battery life. This phone caters to those who consume a lot of media outdoors.