Sony Xperia XZ2 vs Xperia XZ: A Detailed Comparison

Sony's Xperia line has always been known for its unique design and impressive camera capabilities. The XZ2 and XZ represent two generations of this series, offering distinct features and performance levels. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ2 edges out the XZ thanks to its significantly better battery life and more powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset. While the XZ offers QC3 charging, the XZ2's overall performance and endurance make it the stronger contender, especially for users prioritizing longevity and speed.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia XZ2 Sony Xperia XZ
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 - F8331, F8332
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, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - F8331, F8332
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2018, February 26. Released 2018, April 202016, September 01. Released 2016, October 03
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions153 x 72 x 11.1 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.44 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· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)161 g (5.68 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)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 (~424 ppi density)1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.1% screen-to-body ratio)5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.9% 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)Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 530
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 (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
 UFS 2.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color 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@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0"13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3"
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 Dynamic vibration system 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS/ BDS (region dependent)
RadioNoNo
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
Charging-18W wired, QC3
Stand-by-Up to 600 h (2G) / Up to 610 h (3G)
Talk time-Up to 11 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 3180 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 2900 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsLiquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green, Ash PinkMineral black, Platinum, Forest blue, Deep pink
ModelsH8266, H8216, H8296, H8276, 702SO, SOV37F8331, F8332, SO-01J, SOV34, 601SO
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)     0.35 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.85 W/kg (head)     1.20 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -93.6dB
Battery life Endurance rating 88h Endurance rating 72h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1434 (nominal), 3.58 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 1349 (nominal), 3.795 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 78dB Voice 61dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 67dB
Performance AnTuTu: 259244 (v7), 281749 (v8) GeekBench: 8466 (v4.4), 2060 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) Basemark OS II 2.0: 2151Basemark X: 29548

Sony Xperia XZ2

  • Significantly better battery life
  • More powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset
  • Slightly better display sunlight visibility
  • Modern design

  • Potentially higher price (depending on availability)
  • No wireless charging

Sony Xperia XZ

  • QC3 fast charging support
  • More compact size
  • Generally more affordable (if available)

  • Shorter battery life
  • Older Snapdragon 820 chipset
  • Less powerful performance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The XZ2 boasts a slightly higher nominal contrast ratio (1434 vs 1349), though both are excellent. The XZ2's sunlight visibility is marginally better (3.58 vs 3.795), making it easier to see outdoors. The XZ2 also has a slightly more modern design with smaller bezels.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable cameras, but the XZ2 generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Both offer excellent video recording capabilities. The XZ2's image processing algorithms are more refined, resulting in more natural-looking photos. Both phones have a dedicated shutter button, a signature Sony feature.

Performance

The XZ2's Snapdragon 845 chipset is a significant upgrade over the XZ's Snapdragon 820. The 845 offers noticeably faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming experiences. The XZ2's octa-core CPU also provides a performance advantage over the XZ's quad-core processor.

Battery Life

This is where the XZ2 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 88h significantly surpasses the XZ's 72h. This translates to considerably longer battery life for the XZ2, allowing for more usage between charges. While the XZ supports 18W wired charging (QC3), the XZ2's larger battery capacity compensates for any charging speed differences.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XZ2 is ideal for users who demand strong performance, excellent battery life, and appreciate a modern design. It's a good choice for those who frequently use demanding apps or games. The Xperia XZ remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable Android phone with a good camera, but be prepared for shorter battery life and slightly slower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the XZ2 worth the upgrade from the XZ?
Yes, if battery life and performance are important to you. The XZ2 offers a substantial improvement in both areas.
❓ Does the XZ2 have wireless charging?
No, neither the XZ nor the XZ2 support wireless charging.
❓ Which phone has the better design?
The XZ2 has a more modern and streamlined design with smaller bezels, but the XZ is more compact.