Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZs: A Deep Dive into Sony's Flagship Choices
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sony Xperia XZ1 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 835 offers a noticeable performance boost over the XZs’ Snapdragon 820, coupled with improved battery endurance. While the XZs remains a capable device, the XZ1’s efficiency and power justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sony Xperia XZ1 | Sony Xperia XZs |
| 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 (G8232) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - F8341, F8342 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - G8231, G8232 |
| 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 - G8231, G8232 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat9 450/50 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, April 03 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm (5.83 x 2.89 x 0.29 in) | 146 x 72 x 8.1 mm (5.75 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM (G8231)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (G8232) |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 161 g (5.68 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | IPS LCD |
| Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 530 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| 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 | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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 2900 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Warm Silver, Venus Pink, Moonlit Blue | Black, Warm Silver, Ice Blue |
| Models | G8341, G8342, F8341, F8342, G8343, SOV36, SO-01K | G8232, G8231, SOV35, 602SO, SO-03J |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -90.2dB | Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 82h | Endurance rating 73h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1406 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1223:1 (nominal), 3.818 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 65dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 69dB | Voice 62dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 73dB |
| Performance | GeekBench: 6541 (v4.4), 1527 (v5.1) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 170766 (v8) GeekBench: 808 (v5.1) GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XZ1
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 835
- Longer battery life (82h endurance)
- Higher display contrast ratio for better visuals
- Potentially higher price point
- May be harder to find new
Sony Xperia XZs
- More affordable price (likely)
- Still a capable performer for everyday tasks
- Comparable sunlight display readability
- Older Snapdragon 820 chipset
- Shorter battery life (73h endurance)
- Lower display contrast ratio
Display Comparison
Both the XZ1 and XZs feature similar displays, but the XZ1 edges ahead with a higher contrast ratio of 1406 (nominal) and 3.765 (sunlight) compared to the XZs’ 1223:1 (nominal) and 3.818 (sunlight). While the sunlight readability is comparable, the nominal contrast suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors on the XZ1. Both likely utilize Sony’s TRILUMINOS display technology for color accuracy, but the XZ1’s superior contrast contributes to a more visually engaging experience. The lack of information on refresh rates suggests both operate at a standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given Sony’s expertise in imaging, both likely offer excellent image quality. However, the XZ1’s more powerful processor allows for faster image processing and potentially more advanced computational photography features. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner, but the XZ1’s processing power gives it an edge in post-capture enhancements and video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The XZ1 boasts the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835, fabricated on a 10nm process, while the XZs utilizes the older MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, built on a 14nm process. This process node difference is crucial; the 10nm Snapdragon 835 is significantly more power-efficient, translating to better battery life and reduced thermal throttling. The CPU architecture also differs: the XZ1’s octa-core configuration (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) provides a substantial performance advantage over the XZs’ quad-core setup (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo). This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the XZ1.
Battery Life
The Xperia XZ1’s endurance rating of 82 hours significantly surpasses the XZs’ 73 hours. This difference directly correlates with the Snapdragon 835’s superior power efficiency. While both phones support 18W wired charging with QC3, the XZ1’s more efficient chipset means it will likely reach full charge faster and maintain that charge for a longer period during typical usage. The XZ1’s battery life advantage is a key benefit for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia XZ1 if you prioritize performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value longer battery life. Its newer chipset and optimized power consumption make it ideal for power users. Buy the Sony Xperia XZs if you are on a tighter budget and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography. The XZs provides a solid experience at a potentially lower cost, but compromises on raw processing power.