Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium vs Xperia XZ1: A Clash of Flagships

Sony's Xperia line has always been known for its unique design and impressive camera capabilities. The XZ2 Premium and XZ1 were both flagship contenders, but which one truly delivers the best experience? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ1 edges out the XZ2 Premium thanks to slightly better battery life and superior sunlight display performance. While the XZ2 Premium boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 845, the XZ1's overall package offers a more compelling value proposition, especially considering its age and potential price drop.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium Sony Xperia XZ1
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - F8341, F8342
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - G8341
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/200 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - G8343
Launch
Announced2018, April. Released 2018, July2017, August 31. Released 2017, September 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.22 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm (5.83 x 2.89 x 0.29 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight236 g (8.32 oz)155 g (5.47 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~765 ppi density)1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size5.8 inches, 91.5 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio)5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10IPS LCD, HDR10
 Runs at 1080 x 1920 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality EngineTriluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 540
OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model onlymicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal64GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual19 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF 12 MP B/W, f/1.6, 1/2.3", 1.55µm, predictive PDAF-
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3"
Video1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, 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, QC3 Wireless (Qi)18W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Ion 3540 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsChrome Black, Chrome SilverBlack, Warm Silver, Venus Pink, Moonlit Blue
ModelsH8166, H8116, SOV38G8341, G8342, F8341, F8342, G8343, SOV36, SO-01K
PriceAbout 460 EURAbout 260 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -91.0dB / Crosstalk -87.6dB Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -90.2dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 77h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1411:1 (nominal), 2.867 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 1406 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 73dB Voice 65dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 69dB
Performance AnTuTu: 264734 (v7), 288101 (v8) GeekBench: 8509 (v4.4), 2099 (v5.1) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) GeekBench: 6541 (v4.4), 1527 (v5.1) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium

  • More powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset
  • Slightly better low-light camera performance (potentially)
  • Modern design

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less impressive sunlight display
  • Potentially higher price

Sony Xperia XZ1

  • Excellent battery life
  • Brighter and more viewable display in sunlight
  • Fast autofocus
  • Potentially lower price

  • Slightly older chipset
  • Design may feel dated to some

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays with a nominal contrast ratio of around 1400:1. However, the XZ1 shines in direct sunlight with a significantly higher contrast ratio of 3.765 compared to the XZ2 Premium's 2.867. This makes the XZ1 noticeably easier to view outdoors. Both use OLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer excellent camera performance, but with slightly different strengths. The XZ2 Premium features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better low-light performance. The XZ1's camera is known for its fast autofocus and accurate color reproduction. Both offer 4K video recording.

Performance

The XZ2 Premium packs the Snapdragon 845, a more powerful chipset than the XZ1's Snapdragon 835. This translates to slightly faster app loading times and smoother performance in demanding games. However, real-world differences are often minimal, and the XZ1 remains a capable performer.

Battery Life

The XZ1 takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 82 hours compared to the XZ2 Premium's 77 hours. This difference can be significant for users who rely on their phones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power and a slightly more modern design. It's a good choice if you find it at a significantly discounted price. The Sony Xperia XZ1 is a better buy for those seeking excellent battery life, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a more balanced overall experience at a potentially lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 845 in the XZ2 Premium worth the extra cost?
While the 845 is more powerful, the real-world difference in performance compared to the 835 in the XZ1 is often minimal. Consider if the extra power is essential for your usage.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality overall?
It's close. The XZ2 Premium *may* have a slight edge in low light, but the XZ1's faster autofocus and accurate colors make it a strong contender. Both take excellent photos.