Info: The Samsung Galaxy S4 vs the Sony Xperia Z

I don’t know how this one slipped under the radar. The Sony Xperia Z has got to be one of the most under rated cell phones in the market today. And I don’t even know why. I mean Sony is a pretty reliable cell phone manufacturer, what reason would anyone have for not trusting them? So here we are going to compare the Sony Xperia Z with the Samsung Galaxy S4. Will Samsung still be number one after this comparison? Let’s find out.

Phone	Samsung Galaxy S4	Sony Xperia Z
Image
Operating System	Android 4.2.2 (JellyBean)	Android 4.2.2 (JellyBean)
Processor	Quad Core, 1900 MHz, Krait 300	Quad Core, 1500 MHz, Krait
System Chip	Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 APQ8064T	Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064
System Memory	2 GB	2 GB
Graphics Processor	Adreno 320	Adreno 320
Display	5.0” Super AMOLED	5.0” TFT
Screen Resolution	1,920 x 1,080	1,920 x 1,080
Pixel Density	441 ppi	443 ppi
Storage	16 / 32 / 64 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)	16 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC slot (up to 32 GB)
Primary Camera	13 MP	13.1 MP
Flash	LED	LED
Secondary Camera	2.0 MP	2.2 MP
WiFi	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / n 5GHz	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / n 5GHz
Bluetooth	4.0	4.0
Battery	2,600 mAh	2,330 mAh
Weight	130 g	146 g
Dimensions	136.6 x 69.8 x 7.90 mm	139 x 71 x 7.90 mm
Announced	14th March 2013	07th January 2013

Size and weight

When it comes to size and weight there is hardly anything to separate both of these cell phones. The Sony Xperia Z measures 139 x 71 x 7.9 mm while the Samsung Galaxy S4 measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm. I’m sure no one will mind that the Xperia Z is marginally longer and wider than the Galaxy S4. The difference is a lot more noticeable when it comes to weight though. The Galaxy S4 weighs just 130 g while the Xperia Z weighs 146 g. It is still lighter than most smart phones out there today, but when it comes to flagship cell phones, a 16 g difference is a lot.

It’s really close, but the Galaxy S4 just about manages to pick up this point.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - One / Sony Xperia Z - Zero)


Display

Once again, Sony has managed to match up to Samsung as far as the display on these cell phones are concerned. Both phones have a 5” screen but while the Xperia Z has a TFT screen the Galaxy S4 has a Super AMOLED screen. On the other hand, the Xperia Z has an even larger pixel density than that the Galaxy S4 at 443 ppi. I didn’t think Samsung would be threatened by any other manufacturer in terms of pixel density anytime soon.

The Xperia Z has a higher pixel density and the Galaxy S4 has a Super AMOLED screen. Therefore, this one is draw.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - One / Sony Xperia Z - Zero)


Memory & Storage

Again, Sony has managed to stand head to head with Samsung. Both cell phones have 2 GB of RAM and are lightning fast. You can run multiple applications at the same time with ease. When it comes to storage options both cell phones have a 16 GB variant while the Galaxy S4 also has a 32 and 64 GB version as well. In terms of expandable memory the Galaxy S4 allows for expansion up to 64 GB while the Xperia Z offers expansion up to 32 GB.

I don’t think it would be fair to give this point to Samsung just because it offers more storage. Again one more draw.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - One / Sony Xperia Z - Zero)


Camera

This is one point which the Galaxy S4 has been winning with ease against other smart phones simply because it has a 13 MP camera. But that won’t work here since the Xperia Z also has a 13.1 MP camera. Both phones have an LED flash as well. And while the Galaxy S4 has a 2 MP camera on the front the Xperia Z has a 2.2 MP camera. Both cameras are equally exceptional but the Galaxy S4 manages to pull in front marginally when it comes to features and functionality.

The point goes to the Galaxy S4.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Sony Xperia Z - Zero)


OS & Performance

Both cell phones are running on the latest Android operating system, 4.2.2 JellyBean. In terms of performance as well, both cell phones have a Quad-Core processor. Both cell phones even share the same graphics processor, Adreno 320. Yet another point where Sony has managed to match Samsung pound for pound.

It wouldn’t be right to award this point to anyone. Another draw.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Sony Xperia Z - Zero)


Battery

The Galaxy S4 has a 2,600 mAh battery which offers a standby time of around 15 days. On the other hand, the Xperia Z has a 2,330 mAh battery with a standby time of more than 22 days. That really is amazing. With a smaller battery, the Xperia Z will still be able to last a whole extra week on standby than the Galaxy S4.

That’s definitely one point for Sony.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Sony Xperia Z - One)


Price

The Galaxy S4 is priced around $ 690 while the Xperia Z is priced around $ 630. That’s a whopping $ 60 difference between both the cell phones. And there definitely isn’t anything extra on the Galaxy S4 worth an extra $ 60. Then again, this is the first real top-end cell phone from Sony and I’m guessing they just wanted to play it a little safe with the pricing. I’m guessing that works for the customers though.

The point goes to the Xperia Z.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Sony Xperia Z - Two)


Conclusion

Well what do you know? Both the cell phones are tied are 2 points apiece. What you should take note of though is that the two points which Sony won (battery and price) were unanimous while Samsung’s two points (size and camera) were picked up on technicalities more than anything else. What you need to understand though is that it’s easier to live with fewer features on your camera and a 16 g heavier smart phone than it is to live with a smart phone than offers lesser stand by time and is more expensive. I would definitely choose the Sony Xperia Z over the Samsung Galaxy S4. What would you choose?

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