Sony Xperia XZ3 vs Xperia XZ2: A Detailed Comparison

Sony's Xperia line has consistently delivered premium Android experiences. The XZ3 and XZ2 are both excellent phones, but they have subtle differences that could sway your decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you determine which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ3 edges out the XZ2 thanks to its slightly better battery life and superior display contrast, especially in sunlight. Both offer flagship performance and a solid camera, but the XZ3's refinements make it the marginally better choice, assuming you can find it at a competitive price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Xperia XZ3	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 - 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, 66
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) 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, August 30. Released 2018, October 05	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 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 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	193 g (6.81 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	1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)	5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~76.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	P-OLED, HDR BT.2020	IPS LCD, HDR BT.2020
	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 9.0 (Pie), 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 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.1

Main Camera
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	19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (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	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, PD2.0 Wireless (Qi)	-
Type	Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3180 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red	Liquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green, Ash Pink
Models	H9436, H8416, H9493	H8266, H8216, H8296, H8276, 702SO, SOV37
Price	About 510 EUR	About 360 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB	Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 90h	Endurance rating 88h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1434 (nominal), 3.58 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB	Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 78dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 259244 (v7), 281749 (v8) GeekBench: 8466 (v4.4), 2060 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XZ3

Superior display contrast, especially in sunlight
Slightly better battery life
Modern design
Wireless charging (Qi)

Potentially harder to find new
Larger size compared to XZ2
Price may be higher if found

Sony Xperia XZ2

More compact and easier to handle
Potentially lower price
Reliable flagship performance
Familiar design

Lower display contrast
Slightly shorter battery life
Older design

Display Comparison

The XZ3 boasts a significantly better contrast ratio, particularly in direct sunlight (4.502 vs 3.58). While both utilize OLED technology, the XZ3's display appears more vibrant and easier to view outdoors. The XZ2's display is still good, but the XZ3 takes the lead here.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature excellent camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. The XZ3 may have slightly improved image processing due to software updates, but the differences are subtle. Both offer features like 4K video recording and optical image stabilization.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset and Octa-core CPU, meaning performance will be very similar in everyday tasks and gaming. Expect smooth multitasking and responsive app loading on both devices. There's minimal difference in real-world performance.

Battery Life

The XZ3 holds a slight advantage in battery life, with an endurance rating of 90h compared to the XZ2's 88h. While the difference isn't massive, it could be noticeable for heavy users.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ3? Users prioritizing a vibrant display, slightly longer battery life, and a more modern design. Who should buy the Sony Xperia XZ2? Those seeking a reliable flagship experience at a potentially lower price point, appreciating its more compact form factor and familiar design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the XZ3 worth the extra cost over the XZ2?

If you prioritize display quality and slightly longer battery life, the XZ3 is worth considering. However, the XZ2 remains a capable phone and offers excellent value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.

❓ Which phone is more durable?

Both phones feature Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. The XZ3 has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, identical to the XZ2, so durability is comparable.