Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact vs. Xperia XZ3: A Detailed Showdown

Sony's compact phone lineup has always been a favorite for those seeking premium features in a pocket-friendly size. The Xperia XZ2 Compact and XZ3 both offer a taste of this, but which one truly delivers the better experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ3 edges out the XZ2 Compact thanks to its superior display, wireless charging, and slightly improved battery life. While the Compact offers a more diminutive form factor, the XZ3's advancements make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact	Sony Xperia XZ3

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H8416, H9436, H9493
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - H8416, H9436, H9493
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2018, February. Released 2018, April	2018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	135 x 65 x 12.1 mm (5.31 x 2.56 x 0.48 in)	158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	168 g (5.93 oz)	193 g (6.81 oz)
	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)	IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~483 ppi density)	1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size	5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, HDR BT.2020	P-OLED, HDR BT.2020
	Triluminos display X-Reality Engine	Triluminos display X-Reality Engine

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)	Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPU	Adreno 630	Adreno 630
OS	Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10

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, 64GB 6GB 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", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/5.0"	13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)	1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system

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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3	18W wired, PD2.0 Wireless (Qi)
Type	Li-Ion 2870 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, White Silver, Moss Green, Coral Pink	Black, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red
Models	H8324, H8314, SO-05K	H9436, H8416, H9493
Price	About 430 EUR	About 510 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB	Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 88h	Endurance rating 90h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1315:1 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 83dB	Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 265326 (v7), 308651 (v8) GeekBench: 8487 (v4.4), 2174 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Extremely compact size
Excellent build quality
Powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset
Good camera performance

LCD display (less vibrant than OLED)
No wireless charging
Older model

Sony Xperia XZ3

Superior OLED display with Infinite contrast
Wireless charging support
Slightly better battery life
Improved sunlight readability
HDR support

Larger than the XZ2 Compact
Price (potentially higher due to being newer)

Display Comparison

The XZ3 boasts a significant advantage in the display department. Its 'Infinite' contrast ratio (effectively OLED) provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the XZ2 Compact's LCD. The XZ3 also achieves a higher sunlight readability score (4.502 vs 3.765), making it easier to view outdoors. The XZ3's HDR support further enhances its visual appeal.

Camera Comparison

While both offer capable cameras, the XZ3 generally produces slightly better images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The XZ3's image processing algorithms seem to be a bit more refined. Both phones offer excellent video recording capabilities.

Performance

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 845 chipset and CPU, meaning performance is largely comparable. You'll experience smooth multitasking and responsive app loading on both devices. However, the XZ3 might have slightly better thermal management due to its design.

Battery Life

The XZ3 holds a slight edge in battery life, with an endurance rating of 90h compared to the XZ2 Compact's 88h. This difference is minimal in real-world usage, but the XZ3's wireless charging adds a layer of convenience.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact? Those prioritizing the absolute smallest size and a slightly lower price point. Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ3? Users seeking a brighter, more vibrant display, wireless charging convenience, and a marginally better battery experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the XZ2 Compact still a good phone in 2024?

Yes, the XZ2 Compact remains a capable phone, especially for those prioritizing a small size. However, its older display and lack of wireless charging might be drawbacks for some.

❓ Which phone is more durable?

Both phones feature a robust build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass. However, the XZ3's slightly larger size might make it a bit less prone to accidental drops.

❓ Does the XZ3 have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the XZ2 Compact and XZ3 retain the 3.5mm headphone jack.