We compare Sony’s new Xperia XZ flagship phone with the Xperia X, launched earlier in 2016, to see how they stack up in terms of specs, features, camera tech, performance and more. Which is best for you, the Sony Xperia XZ or Xperia X?
The new Xperia XZ flagship mobile from Sony boasts even better specs and improved camera tech compared with the Xperia X, which Sony released earlier in 2016. However, the Xperia XZ will also come packing a bigger price tag, so which Xperia phone is best for you? Check out our full Xperia XZ hands-on review and here’s our XZ vs X comparison.
Xperia XZ vs Xperia X: Specs comparison
| Phone | Sony Xperia XZ | Sony Xperia X |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.2-inches | 5-inches |
| Screen resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Weight | 161g | 153g |
| Water resistant? | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint sensor? | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | Snapdragon 820 | Snapdragon 650 |
| Memory | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 32/64GB | 32/64GB |
| MicroSD | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 2900mAh | 2620mAh |
| Rear camera | 23-megapixel | 23-megapixel |
| Front camera | 13-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
Xperia XZ vs Xperia X: Design, screen and media
The Xperia XZ and Xperia X are obvious siblings, sporting a very similar design to one another. You get sharper corners on the Xperia XZ, but the edges are still pleasingly rounded so it’s comfortable to clutch. Plus Sony’s new handset is fully water-resistant, while the Xperia X will drown if dunked.
There isn’t much difference in the overall size or weight of these phones, although the Xperia X has a slightly smaller 5-inch screen compared with the Xperia XZ’s 5.2-inch display.
Read next: Xperia XZ vs Xperia X Performance, which is better?
Both smartphone screens pack a Full HD resolution, so you can expect sharp visuals – boosted artificially by Sony’s own X-Reality software engine. You also get the Super Vivid mode on the Xperia XZ as well as the Xperia X, which produces punchy, stand-out colours.
Either phone will also please anyone who wishes to carry around a massive media collection. You get a choice of 32 or 64GB of storage space, which can be expanded in both cases using a microSD memory card.
Xperia XZ vs Xperia X: Performance and battery life
When it comes to performance, the Xperia XZ is the more capable mobile here. That more powerful Snapdragon 820 processor means the XZ can run the latest apps and games without trouble, and should do for some time to come. The Xperia XZ can also handle background tasks efficiently, killing anything that’s not being used to free up memory.
That said, the Xperia X still offers a smooth user experience. Apps load quickly and a stutter is rare, for now at least. Only time will tell how well the Xperia X handles everyday life.
Read next: Xperia XZ vs Galaxy S7, which is best for me?
As for battery life, the Xperia XZ crams in a bigger 2900mAh battery, compared with the Xperia X’s 2620mAh cell. We’re hoping that it boasts better than the 24-36 hours of battery life we manage with the Xperia X, but our full testing isn’t yet complete.
Sony has also added some new smart battery features into the Xperia XZ, which should help to prevent a dip in battery performance over time. By preventing the battery from overcharging when left plugged in overnight, we’re hopeful that the Xperia XZ will deliver the same battery performance even a year or two from now.
Xperia XZ vs Xperia X: Cameras
Although both Xperia phones boast a 23-megapixel rear camera and 13-megapixel selfie snapper, they aren’t the exact same shooters.
The Xperia XZ boasts Sony’s new 5-axis image stabilisation feature, which helps to cut down on judder when shooting video, snapping up-close macro shots and so on. You also get a new laser-guided autofocus, which should hopefully make for sharper photos in the evenings.
On top of that, the Xperia XZ can also shoot 4K video, something not possible on the Xperia X, which maxes out at Full HD.
Video: Xperia XZ vs Xperia X hands-on review
You can grab the Sony Xperia X from O2 right now from just £32 per month.
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