Featuring a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a wicked camera, the Sony Xperia Z1 is one impressive device, perhaps one of the best devices we’ve seen in years. But just how well does it fare against the recently released LG G2?
The Xperia Z1 and LG G2 are actually very similar in hardware, both featuring the Snapdragon 800 processing package. Beyond that, though, they’re two very different devices.
Let’s take a closer look, shall we? If you’re in a rush, jump straight to the video, otherwise, stick with us as we dig deeper into these two wicked performers.
Design and build quality
Keeping with it’s tried and true design language, Sony made the Xperia Z1 out of solid aluminum, and then took it a step further by covering it in a layer of glass. It goes without saying, it’s a sturdy and well built device, but it’s also really stylish. However, it’s important to keep in mind that glass breaks easily, so drops could potentially be fatal.
In the other hand, we have the LG G2, sporting the traditional polycarbonate unibody. Of course, that’s not to say that this device isn’t well built. On the contrary, it feels really durable, and it’s probably not going to break at first fall.
The G2 is 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm and 140 grams. The Xperia Z1 is 144 x 74 x 8.5mm and 170 grams.
Verdict: Both phones are very well built, and they both look very stylish, but we’ve got to hand it to Sony; it’s hard to beat the sheer quality of the Xperia Z1.
Display
The Sony Xperia Z1 in all its colorful glory.
Sony’s Xperia Z1 features an impressive 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with Triluminos and X-Reality technology. The screen is capable of 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, rated at a whopping 440 ppi. The Xperia Z1 has great viewing angles, and the colors really pop out. The brightness levels is also really impressive in this handset.
The LG G2 has a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD display capable of 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, rated at an impressive 424ppi. The G2′s viewing angles are decent, and thanks to the IPS display, brightness levels are above average. Colors don’t pop as much as they do in the Z1, but they’re still enjoyable.
Verdict: On paper, the Xperia Z1 and LG G2′s display’s are fairly similar, but the Xperia Z1 pulls out the trump card with the TRILUMINOS and X-Reality technology.
Camera
Sony’s Xperia Z1 sports a 20.7-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with G Lens (27mm wide angle and F2.0 aperture). Sony is well known for producing great cameras, but the optics in this smartphone are wicked sweet. There’s also a huge selection of modes to assist you in getting that perfect shot, and taking full advantage of the great sensor.
At the time of this writing, it isn’t likely that you’ll find a better smartphone camera in the Android world. We weren’t able to do a whole lot of testing, but from what we can tell, picture quality if fantastic, color reproduction is amazing, and the sensor is able to capture a great amount of detail.
Looking at the LG G2, we have 13-megapixel camera optics with OIS functionality (Optical image stabilization). The G2′s camera is one of the most impressive smartphone camera’s we’ve seen in a long time. You can hear about it in our full review of the device, but in short, picture quality is fantastic, and OIS functionality helps take the G2′s optics above the average smartphone camera.
Verdict: The LG G2 has an impressive camera — it’s no slouch, that’s for sure, but it certainly is hard to beat Sony’s 20.7-megapixel optics with the G Lens. The Xperia Z1 wins this round.
Battery
The Sony Xperia Z1 features an impressive non-removable 3,000 mAh battery. It’ll easily get you through the work day and probably beyond. If you find that it’s just not enough juice to get you through the day, Sony has a bevy of power saving functions to help you eek out that last little bit of juice until you can reach a charger.
In the other corner, we have the LG G2 with its non-removable 3,000 mAh battery. The G2′s battery should last longer than the Xperia Z1′s, mainly because the LG G2 isn’t running TRILUMINOS and X-Reality technology. Either way, if you’re running out of juice, LG does have some power saving features in there for you.
Verdict: Given the fact that the Xperia Z1 and LG G2 both sport a 3,000 mAh unit, it’s a tie.
Specs
Under the hood of the Xperia Z1 is a Snapdragon 800 processor clocked in at 2.2GHz, backed by the Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM. It comes with 16GB of onboard storage, but there is a microSD card slot in the case that you need more storage. Beyond that, it has IP55 and IP58 certifications for water and dust resistance.
As for the LG G2, it’s also running a Snapdragon 800 processor, only it’s clocked at 2.26GHz. Similarly, it features an Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM. It comes in 16 and 32GB variations, but what really makes this a disappointment is its lack of a microSD card slot.
Verdict: The Sony Xperia Z1 has microSD card slot, allowing for a lot more storage than what the G2 offers. It also one ups the LG G2 with Sony’s iconic water and dust resistance ratings. The Xperia Z1 wins.
Software
On the software side of things, Sony really doesn’t go all out here. In fact, the Xperia Z1′s UI is reminiscent of stock Android, taking on the theme of Ice Cream Sandwich. Beyond that, you have a few useful preloaded apps, it’s running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and you also have Small Apps, which are basically app overlays for things like calculator or calendar.
The LG G2 sports useful features like KnockOn, Answer Me, Plug & Pop, and Guest Mode, which can be pretty handy if you want to show off your new device to your buddies, but you don’t want them going through all of your stuff. Similar to the Z1, the LG G2 is running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Verdict: The Sony Xperia Z1 and LG G2 are probably on the same level in terms of software. Both have beautiful UI’s and sport useful features. It’s a tie.
Hands-on Video
Wrap Up
It goes without saying, the Sony Xperia Z1 is a wicked device — perhaps one of the best devices we’ve seen in the Android realm in years. With a Snapdragon 800 processor and a stunning 20.7-megapixel sensor, it’s going to be really hard to pass this one up.
However, the LG G2 is no slouch either. It also features a Snapdragon 800 processor, and a great OIS enabled 13-megapixel camera. It may not have the wicked optics in the Xperia Z1, but it still takes some really nice pictures.
Which one is for you?
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