Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium vs Xperia XZ2: A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia XZ2 edges out the XZ2 Premium despite the Premium's slightly better nominal contrast. The XZ2 boasts superior sunlight readability, longer battery life, and a more manageable price point, making it the more practical choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium | Sony Xperia XZ2 |
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018, April. Released 2018, July | 2018, February 26. Released 2018, April 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.22 x 3.15 x 0.47 in) | 153 x 72 x 11.1 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 236 g (8.32 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| IP65/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 | 3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~765 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.8 inches, 91.5 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | IPS LCD, HDR BT.2020 |
| Runs at 1080 x 1920 pixels except for select use cases 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 8.0 (Oreo), 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 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 19 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps (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 Dynamic vibration system | 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, QZSS | 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 Wireless (Qi) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3540 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3180 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Chrome Black, Chrome Silver | Liquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green, Ash Pink |
| Models | H8166, H8116, SOV38 | H8266, H8216, H8296, H8276, 702SO, SOV37 |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -91.0dB / Crosstalk -87.6dB | Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 77h | Endurance rating 88h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1411:1 (nominal), 2.867 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1434 (nominal), 3.58 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 73dB | Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 78dB |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 264734 (v7), 288101 (v8) GeekBench: 8509 (v4.4), 2099 (v5.1) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 259244 (v7), 281749 (v8) GeekBench: 8466 (v4.4), 2060 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
- Excellent contrast ratio (1411:1 nominal)
- Potentially more detail in optimal lighting (48MP sensor)
- Wireless charging (Qi)
- Shorter battery life (77h)
- Higher price
- Sunlight readability not as good as XZ2
Sony Xperia XZ2
- Longer battery life (88h)
- Superior sunlight readability (3.58 contrast ratio)
- More affordable
- Sleeker design (subjective)
- Lower resolution main sensor (19MP)
- No wireless charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays with a 1434:1 contrast ratio, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, the XZ2 shines in direct sunlight with a significantly better 3.58 contrast ratio compared to the XZ2 Premium's 2.867. This makes the XZ2 noticeably easier to view outdoors.
Camera Comparison
The XZ2 Premium initially boasted a higher megapixel count on its main sensor (48MP vs 19MP on the XZ2), but image processing and overall camera experience are more nuanced. Both phones offer excellent image quality, but the XZ2 Premium's larger sensor can sometimes capture more detail in optimal lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable. Video recording capabilities are also strong on both devices.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset and Octa-core CPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding games. Real-world performance differences are minimal, with both phones handling multitasking and graphics-intensive applications with ease.
Battery Life
The XZ2 takes a clear lead in battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 88 hours compared to the XZ2 Premium's 77 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, making the XZ2 a more practical choice for users who prioritize battery longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium? Photography enthusiasts who prioritize absolute contrast and don't mind a higher price and slightly shorter battery life. Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ2? Users seeking a well-rounded flagship experience with excellent battery life, a bright display, and a more accessible price.