Sony Xperia XZ2 vs Xperia XZ1: A Detailed Comparison

Sony's Xperia line has consistently offered a unique blend of features and design. The XZ2 and XZ1 were both flagship contenders, but with distinct differences. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ2 edges out the XZ1 thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset and slightly better display sunlight performance. However, the XZ1 offers faster charging and a more refined design for some. Ultimately, the XZ2 provides a more modern experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia XZ2 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, 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 (5CA) 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, February 26. Released 2018, April 202017, 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
Dimensions153 x 72 x 11.1 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.44 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
Weight198 g (6.98 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
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 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR BT.2020IPS LCD, HDR10
 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 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0"13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3"
Video1080p@30fps (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 system 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, 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
Charging-18W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Ion 3180 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsLiquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green, Ash PinkBlack, Warm Silver, Venus Pink, Moonlit Blue
ModelsH8266, H8216, H8296, H8276, 702SO, SOV37G8341, G8342, F8341, F8342, G8343, SOV36, SO-01K
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 260 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -90.2dB
Battery life Endurance rating 88h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1434 (nominal), 3.58 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 1406 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 78dB Voice 65dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 69dB
Performance AnTuTu: 259244 (v7), 281749 (v8) GeekBench: 8466 (v4.4), 2060 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) GeekBench: 6541 (v4.4), 1527 (v5.1) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XZ2

  • More powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset
  • Slightly better display sunlight performance
  • More modern 18:9 aspect ratio
  • Slightly better camera image processing

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Design can feel less premium to some
  • No headphone jack (though an adapter is included)

Sony Xperia XZ1

  • Faster 18W QC3 charging
  • More compact and potentially easier to handle
  • Generally more affordable (especially used)
  • Refined design for some users

  • Older Snapdragon 835 chipset
  • Slightly worse display sunlight performance
  • 16:9 aspect ratio feels dated

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent OLED displays with impressive contrast ratios (1434 for XZ2, 1406 for XZ1). The XZ2 boasts a slightly better sunlight readability score (3.58 vs 3.765), making it easier to view outdoors. The XZ2 also has a slightly more modern 18:9 aspect ratio compared to the XZ1's 16:9.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the XZ2 benefits from Sony's image processing improvements. While both have Photo/Video capabilities, the XZ2 generally produces slightly more vibrant and detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The XZ1's camera is still very good, but the XZ2 has a slight edge.

Performance

The XZ2's Snapdragon 845 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the XZ1's Snapdragon 835. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While both phones have 8GB of RAM, the newer chipset in the XZ2 provides a more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The XZ2 has a slightly higher endurance rating (88h vs 82h), suggesting marginally better battery life. However, real-world usage can vary. The XZ1 supports 18W fast charging (QC3), which is a significant advantage over the XZ2's slower charging speeds.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XZ2 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a more immersive display. The XZ1 is a good choice for those who value faster charging, a more compact design, and a slightly more affordable price point (especially on the used market).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Xperia XZ2 have a headphone jack?
No, the Xperia XZ2 does not have a headphone jack, but it includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box.
❓ Which phone is more durable?
Both phones have a glass back and aluminum frame. The XZ2 has Corning Gorilla Glass 5, while the XZ1 has Gorilla Glass 5. Durability is generally comparable.