The Sony Xperia Z series tablets were known for their premium build quality and impressive features. But which one is the better choice? We're pitting the Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE against the Z2 Tablet LTE to see which offers the best performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Z4 Tablet LTE boasts significantly better battery life and a more powerful processor, making it the clear winner for performance and longevity. However, the Z2 Tablet LTE remains a capable device, especially for users prioritizing a more compact form factor and potentially a lower price point on the used market.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - SGP541, SGP521, SGP551 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20 - SGP521 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 - SGP551 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, June | 2014, February. Released 2014, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 254 x 167 x 6.1 mm (10.0 x 6.57 x 0.24 in) | 266 x 172 x 6.4 mm (10.47 x 6.77 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 393 g (13.86 oz) | 439 g (15.49 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP58 dust proof and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Shatter proof glass |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~299 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~64.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| | Triluminos display
X-Reality Engine | Triluminos display
X-Reality Engine |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57) | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 (20 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 430 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.1 (Nougat) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8.1 MP, AF | 8.1 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps, 720p@30fps (HDR), stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5.1 MP | 2.2 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 3D surround sound
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3.0 TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | - | Up to 188 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1240 h (2G) / Up to 1200 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White (SGP521) / Black (SGP541, SGP551) |
| Models | SGP771 | - |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 105h
| - |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE
- Significantly better battery life
- More powerful processor
- Slightly improved display
- LTE connectivity
- Potentially higher price (if new or refurbished)
- Larger size and weight compared to Z2
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE
- More compact and lightweight
- Potentially more affordable on the used market
- Good display quality
- Weaker processor
- Shorter battery life
- Older technology
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature excellent displays, but the Z4 Tablet LTE likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to advancements in display technology. The Z2 Tablet LTE's display is still very good, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. Both have a resolution of 2560 x 1600.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is not a primary strength. The Z4 Tablet LTE likely has a slightly improved camera sensor, but overall, neither tablet excels in photography. Both offer photo and video capabilities, suitable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Z4 Tablet LTE's Snapdragon 810 chipset with its octa-core processor provides a substantial performance boost over the Z2 Tablet LTE's Snapdragon 801 and quad-core processor. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Z4.
Battery Life
This is where the Z4 Tablet LTE truly shines. Its endurance rating of 105 hours significantly surpasses the Z2 Tablet LTE's battery life. The Z4 offers significantly longer usage between charges, making it ideal for travel or extended use.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE is ideal for power users, students, or anyone needing extended battery life and smooth multitasking. The Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE is a good option for casual users, readers, or those seeking a more affordable, compact tablet for basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Z4 Tablet LTE worth the extra cost?
If battery life and performance are your priorities, then yes. The Z4's superior processing power and endurance make it a worthwhile investment. However, if you're on a budget and primarily need a tablet for basic tasks, the Z2 is still a viable option.
❓ Are spare parts readily available for these tablets?
Finding spare parts for both tablets can be challenging as they are older models. However, you may find some parts on online marketplaces or from third-party repair services. Availability will likely be limited.
