Sony Xperia XZ3 vs Xperia XZ2 Compact: A Detailed Showdown

Sony's Xperia line offers a blend of premium features and compact designs. The XZ3 and XZ2 Compact both boast the Snapdragon 845, but cater to slightly different users. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The XZ3 edges out the XZ2 Compact with its superior display brightness and slightly better battery endurance. However, the XZ2 Compact's smaller size and potentially lower price make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing portability. Ultimately, the XZ3 offers a more premium experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Xperia XZ3	Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

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 (4CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05	2018, February. Released 2018, April
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in)	135 x 65 x 12.1 mm (5.31 x 2.56 x 0.48 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	193 g (6.81 oz)	168 g (5.93 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
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 (~483 ppi density)
Size	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)	5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~73.5% 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
	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, 23mm (wide), 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

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)	18W wired, QC3
Type	Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 2870 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red	Black, White Silver, Moss Green, Coral Pink
Models	H9436, H8416, H9493	H8324, H8314, SO-05K
Price	About 510 EUR	About 430 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB	Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 90h	Endurance rating 88h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1315:1 (nominal), 3.765 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB	Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 83dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 265326 (v7), 308651 (v8) GeekBench: 8487 (v4.4), 2174 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia XZ3

Larger, brighter OLED display
Slightly better battery life
Potentially better camera image processing
PD2.0 fast charging

Larger size, less pocketable
Potentially higher price

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Compact and pocketable design
Excellent one-handed usability
Potentially lower price
QC3 fast charging

Smaller display
Lower peak brightness
Slightly shorter battery life
LCD display

Display Comparison

The XZ3 features a 6.0-inch OLED display with a significantly higher peak brightness in sunlight (4.502 nits) compared to the XZ2 Compact's 5.0-inch LCD (3.765 nits). While both offer excellent contrast ratios (XZ3's 'infinite' nominal ratio is largely symbolic), the XZ3's OLED technology provides richer colors and deeper blacks. The XZ2 Compact's smaller size is a plus for one-handed use.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the XZ3 generally receives slightly better reviews for its image processing and low-light performance. Both feature similar camera hardware, but Sony's software optimizations often differ. Expect consistent results from both, with the XZ3 potentially delivering slightly more vibrant and detailed photos.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset and Octa-core CPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding games. Real-world performance differences will be minimal, with both handling apps and multitasking with ease. The XZ3 might have a slight edge due to potentially better thermal management.

Battery Life

The XZ3 boasts a slightly better endurance rating (90h) compared to the XZ2 Compact (88h). While the difference is marginal, the XZ3's larger battery capacity contributes to this advantage. Both support 18W fast charging, but the XZ3 also includes PD2.0, offering potentially faster charging speeds with compatible chargers.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is ideal for users who want a larger, brighter display, a more immersive experience, and slightly longer battery life. The Xperia XZ2 Compact is perfect for those who prioritize a compact form factor, one-handed usability, and potentially a more budget-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you prioritize a larger, brighter display and slightly better battery life, the XZ3 is worth the investment. However, if portability and budget are your main concerns, the XZ2 Compact remains a strong contender.

❓ Which phone has better software support?

Sony's software support has improved, but historically, updates have been slower than some competitors. Both phones have received Android updates, but check Sony's current support page for the latest information.