Sony Xperia XZ3 vs Xperia 1: A Head-to-Head Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia 1 boasts a superior Snapdragon 855 chipset, a brighter display, and a more cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio. While the XZ3 holds a slight edge in battery endurance, the Xperia 1's overall performance and unique features make it the stronger contender for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sony Xperia XZ3 | Sony Xperia 1 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H8416, H9436, H9493 | 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 - H8416, H9436, H9493 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05 | 2019, February 25. Released 2019, May 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in) | 167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 178 g (6.28 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 6 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) | 1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED, HDR BT.2020 | OLED, HDR BT.2020 |
| Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality Engine | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| 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 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking |
| Single | 19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, predictive PDAF, 2x optical zoom, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR | 4K@24/25/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (5-axis 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 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 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 Wireless (Qi) | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3330 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red | Black, Gray, Purple, White |
| Models | H9436, H8416, H9493 | J8110, J8170, J9110, J9150, SOV40, SO-03L |
| Price | About 510 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB | Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 90h | Endurance rating 79h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB | -26.7 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 356734 (v7), 418206 (v8) GeekBench: 10985 (v4.4), 2753 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia XZ3
- Excellent battery life
- Compact and comfortable to hold
- Solid performance
- Good value (potentially)
- Older chipset
- Less impressive display
- Single-lens camera system
Sony Xperia 1
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 855)
- Stunning 21:9 display
- Versatile triple-lens camera
- Cinematic video recording
- Slightly shorter battery life (in some scenarios)
- Larger size may not suit everyone
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Xperia 1’s 6.5-inch OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio is a standout feature, offering a truly immersive viewing experience, especially for movies and games. Its measured 665 nits brightness is significantly higher than the XZ3, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. While both boast 'infinite' contrast ratios (a nominal term), the Xperia 1’s superior brightness and aspect ratio give it a clear advantage. The XZ3's display is still good, but lacks the wow factor of the Xperia 1.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer excellent camera capabilities, but with different strengths. The Xperia 1 features a triple-lens setup (12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide) offering greater versatility. The XZ3 relies on a single 12MP lens, but utilizes computational photography to enhance image quality. Low-light performance is generally better on the Xperia 1 due to its larger sensors and more advanced processing. Video recording is excellent on both, but the Xperia 1's cinematic aspect ratio adds a unique creative option.
Performance
The Xperia 1’s Snapdragon 855 chipset is noticeably faster and more efficient than the XZ3’s Snapdragon 845. The 7nm process allows for better power management and improved performance. While both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, the Xperia 1 excels in demanding games and multitasking. The CPU architecture differences also contribute to the Xperia 1's smoother operation.
Battery Life
The XZ3 initially held a slight advantage with a reported 90h endurance rating, while the Xperia 1 scored 79h. However, real-world usage and the Xperia 1's more power-efficient chipset often result in comparable battery life. Both phones support 18W wired charging and Qi wireless charging.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia XZ3 is a great choice for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a more compact form factor. It's a solid all-around performer at a potentially lower price point. The Sony Xperia 1 is ideal for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and those who appreciate a larger, cinematic display and cutting-edge performance.