The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE and Z3 Tablet Compact were both excellent Android tablets in their time, offering premium features and a sleek design. But with age, how do they stack up against each other? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 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 Z3 Tablet Compact's slightly smaller size and excellent display contrast might appeal to those prioritizing portability and outdoor visibility. Ultimately, the Z4 wins on power, but the Z3 offers a more compact experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20 - SGP621 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - SGP641 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, June | 2014, September. Released 2014, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 254 x 167 x 6.1 mm (10.0 x 6.57 x 0.24 in) | 213.4 x 123.6 x 6.4 mm (8.40 x 4.87 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 393 g (13.86 oz) | 270 g (9.52 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Shatter proof glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~299 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| | 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 2.5 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 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| 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 |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5.1 MP | 2.2 MP, f/2.8 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| 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), OTG, 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, barometer |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | - | Up to 170 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1100 h (2G) / Up to 1300 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 19 h (2G) / Up to 23 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Models | SGP771 | SGP621, SGP611 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -81.4dB / Crosstalk -83.5dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 105h
| - |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1416 (nominal), 1.735 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 65dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 12911 |
Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE
- Exceptional battery life (105h)
- Powerful Snapdragon 810 processor
- Larger 10.1-inch display
- Water and dust resistant
- Older chipset (may lack latest features)
- Larger size and weight
- Potentially slower software updates
Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- More compact and portable (8-inch display)
- Excellent display contrast (1416 nominal)
- Water and dust resistant
- Slightly more affordable (typically)
- Weaker processor (Snapdragon 801)
- Shorter battery life
- Older software support
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature excellent displays with a remarkable contrast ratio of 1416 (nominal) and 1.735 in sunlight. The Z3 Compact has a slightly smaller screen (8-inch vs 10.1-inch), making it more pocketable. The Z4's larger screen is better for media consumption and productivity, but the Z3 Compact's display shines in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is adequate for casual snapshots, but not a primary strength. Both feature Photo/Video capabilities. The Z4 likely has a slightly better sensor, but overall, camera performance is comparable and not a deciding factor.
Performance
The Z4 Tablet LTE's Snapdragon 810 chipset and Octa-core CPU provide a noticeable performance boost over the Z3 Tablet Compact's Snapdragon 801 and Quad-core Krait 400. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Z4. The Z3 Compact is still capable, but it shows its age in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
This is where the Z4 Tablet LTE truly shines. Its endurance rating of 105 hours significantly surpasses the Z3 Tablet Compact's battery life (exact figures are unavailable, but it's considerably lower). The Z4 offers exceptional battery longevity, making it ideal for travel and extended use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE? Users prioritizing long battery life, smooth multitasking, and overall performance will appreciate the Z4. It's ideal for power users and those who need a tablet for extended periods. Who should buy the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact? Those seeking a more portable tablet with a vibrant display and a slightly smaller footprint will find the Z3 Compact appealing. It's a good choice for casual users and those who value portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Z4 Tablet LTE worth buying in 2024?
If you prioritize battery life and performance and can find one at a reasonable price, the Z4 Tablet LTE remains a viable option. However, consider newer tablets with more modern features and software support.
❓ Which tablet is better for watching movies?
The Z4 Tablet LTE's larger screen makes it better for immersive movie watching, but the Z3 Tablet Compact's excellent contrast ratio ensures vibrant colors and good visibility even in bright sunlight.
