Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact vs Xperia X Compact: A Detailed Showdown

Sony's compact phones have always been a niche but beloved category. The Xperia XZ2 Compact and Xperia X Compact both offer a premium experience in a smaller form factor, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ2 Compact is the clear winner, boasting a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, superior display contrast, and longer battery life. While the X Compact remains a capable device, the XZ2 Compact's performance and features justify its existence.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Sony Xperia X Compact
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - F5321
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - F5321
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat15 800/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2018, February. Released 2018, April2016, September 01. Released 2016, September 08
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions135 x 65 x 12.1 mm (5.31 x 2.56 x 0.48 in)129 x 65 x 9.5 mm (5.08 x 2.56 x 0.37 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)135 g (4.76 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~483 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~319 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)4.6 inches, 58.3 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR BT.2020IPS LCD
 Triluminos display X-Reality EngineTriluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm MSM8956 Snapdragon 650
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 510
OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 UFS 2.1eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/5.0"5 MP
Video1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS/ BDS (region dependent)
RadioNoFM radio, RDS
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC318W wired, QC3
Stand-by-Up to 710 h (2G) / Up to 750 h (3G)
Talk time-Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 2870 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, White Silver, Moss Green, Coral PinkWhite, Universe black, Mist blue
ModelsH8324, H8314, SO-05KSO-02J, F5321
PriceAbout 430 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-0.66 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.08 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB Noise -95.1dB / Crosstalk -90.8dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 88hEndurance rating 73h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1315:1 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 1225 (nominal), 3.694 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 83dB Voice 64dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 69dB
Performance AnTuTu: 265326 (v7), 308651 (v8) GeekBench: 8487 (v4.4), 2174 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) Basemark OS II 2.0: 1738Basemark X: 15415

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

  • Significantly faster performance
  • Superior display contrast and sunlight readability
  • Longer battery life
  • Modern Android experience
  • Likely better camera quality

  • Potentially higher price (when new)
  • May be harder to find new

Sony Xperia X Compact

  • More affordable (especially used)
  • Compact and pocketable
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks

  • Slower performance
  • Lower display contrast
  • Shorter battery life
  • Older Android version

Display Comparison

The XZ2 Compact's display shines with a higher contrast ratio (1315:1 vs 1225:1) and exceptional sunlight readability (3.765 vs 3.694). Both phones feature similar screen sizes (around 5 inches) and resolutions, but the XZ2 Compact's superior contrast provides a noticeably richer viewing experience. The XZ2 Compact also likely has a more modern display technology, potentially OLED vs LCD.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the XZ2 Compact's more powerful processor and likely more advanced camera hardware (sensor size, aperture) should result in better image quality, especially in low light. The XZ2 Compact likely supports features like 4K video recording and improved image stabilization.

Performance

This is where the XZ2 Compact truly pulls ahead. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset is a significant upgrade over the X Compact's Snapdragon 650. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the XZ2 Compact. The XZ2 Compact's octa-core CPU also offers a considerable advantage over the X Compact's hexa-core processor.

Battery Life

The XZ2 Compact demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, with an endurance rating of 88h compared to the X Compact's 73h. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, a crucial factor for many users.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and a modern Android experience in a compact form. The Xperia X Compact is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable, smaller phone and don't require top-tier performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia XZ2 Compact worth the extra cost over the X Compact?
Yes, if performance and display quality are important to you. The XZ2 Compact offers a substantial upgrade in these areas.
❓ Where can I find a Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact?
Due to its age, the XZ2 Compact is primarily available through online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, or from refurbished sellers.