Info: The Samsung Galaxy Note II vs the Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Sony’s latest release is the Sony Xperia Z Ultra and boy is it big. They seem to have learnt from their mistakes with the Sony Xperia Z and have probably announced this phone to try and grab the Samsung Galaxy Note II’s market. But considering the Samsung Galaxy Note III’s announcement is drawing nearer, does Sony really have to compete with the Galaxy Note II? Here we are going to compare the Xperia Z Ultra with the Galaxy Note II. Let’s see what Sony’s got...

Phone	Samsung Galaxy Note II	Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Image
Operating System	Android 4.1.2 TouchWiz 4.0 UI	Android 4.2.2 (JellyBean)
Processor	Quad Core, 1600 MHz, ARM Cortex-A9	Quad Core, 2200 MHz, Krait 400
System Chip	Samsung Exynos 4 (4412)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974
System Memory	2 GB	2 GB
Graphics Processor	ARM Mali-400 MP4 (Quad-Core)	Adreno 330
Display	5.5" Super AMOLED	6.4” TFT
Screen Resolution	1,280 x 720	1,920 x 1,080
Pixel Density	265 ppi	342 ppi
Storage	16 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)	16 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)
Primary Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Flash	LED	None
Secondary Camera	1.9 MP	2.0 MP
WiFi	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / n 5GHz	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac
Bluetooth	4.0	4.0
Battery	3,100 mAh	3,000 mAh
Weight	182 g	212 g
Dimensions	151 x 80.5 x 9.40 mm	179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5 mm
Announced	29th August 2012	24th June 2013

Size and weight

We need to remember that the main selling point of these ‘phablets’ is their size. They are supposed to be offering larger screens and a lot more space to work with. Keeping that in mind the Xperia Z Ultra measures 179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5 mm while the Galaxy Note II measures 151 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm. So, while the Xperia Z Ultra is longer and wider, it is thinner too. I must commend Sony on this. But in terms of weight, the Xperia Z Ultra is 30 g heavier than the Galaxy Note II at 212 g.

Since the Xperia Z Ultra is easier to hold, it wins this point even though it is heavier.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - Zero / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - One)


Display

In terms of display, the Xperia Z Ultra has a huge 6.4” TFT screen while the Galaxy Note II has just a 5.5” Super AMOLED screen. While many may argue the benefits of AMOLED over TFT it is only fitting to note that the Xperia Z Ultra has a pixel density of 342 ppi in comparison to the 265 ppi in the Galaxy Note II. This means that the Xperia Z Ultra offers a far better image and video viewing experience than the Galaxy Note II. And the screen is much bigger too.

One more point for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - Zero / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Two)


Memory & Storage

In terms of memory and storage, both these phones are pretty similar. They both run of 2 GB of RAM and provide similar performance. They both also come with 16 GB of inbuilt memory and offer memory expansion up to 64 GB. Considering the Galaxy Note II was released in September 2012, I have to say I am disappointed that Sony hasn’t been able to do better in the memory and storage department. But that doesn’t make it worse either.

Since both cell phones are pretty much the same, this point has to be a draw.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - Zero / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Two)


Camera

Again, after the 13 MP beauty Sony put on the Xperia Z, I am disappointed with the 8 MP camera on the Xperia Z Ultra. There is absolutely no reason Sony could give me for not adding a 13 MP camera. I mean even the Galaxy Note II has an 8 MP camera. And the Xperia Z Ultra doesn’t even have a flash? I can’t believe Sony thought they could get away with that. Unbelievable. The cell phone does offer tons of features though and has a handy 2 MP camera on the front for video calling.

Still, this point will go to the Galaxy Note II, simply because it has an LED flash.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - One / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Two)


OS & Performance

It really is unfortunate that the Galaxy Note II can’t be updated to the latest Android operating system, 4.2.2. (JellyBean). The Xperia Z Ultra runs on this operating system though and while it is a lot better than Android 4.1.2 (JellyBean) we can’t really hold that against the Galaxy Note II. But if we look at performance, the Xperia Z Ultra comes with a 2200 MHz, Krait 400, Quad-Core processor and Adreno 330 graphics processor. This is the latest hardware in cell phones and it is safe to say it offers a much better performance than the 1600 MHz, ARM Cortex-A9, Quad-Core processor and ARM Mali-400 MP4 graphics processor on the Galaxy Note II.

The point goes to Sony.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - One / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Three)


Battery

I’m glad Sony has made some effort to try and improve their battery performance by adding a 3,000 mAh battery to the Xperia Z Ultra. The only bad thing about this is that Samsung managed to add a larger battery (3,100 mAh) to the Galaxy Note II and still ensure it wasn’t that heavy. Even in terms of standby time, the Galaxy Note II offers almost 41 days while the Xperia Z Ultra offers around 23 days. Still a lot more work to do for Sony.

The point goes to Samsung.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - Two / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Three)


Price

So it looks like the price of both these ‘phablets’ is going to help decide whether we have a winner or if it’s a draw. We don’t really know how much the Xperia Z Ultra is going to sell for in the US yet, but if we take a hint from Europe, it will be in the region of $ 900. The Galaxy Note II can be purchased for $ 550 though and a difference of $ 350 is definitely a lot. What more is Sony offering for that extra $ 350? Not a lot. But, the Galaxy Note II is only available on back order so you might have to wait a little before you can pick one up.

Still, the point goes to the much cheaper, Galaxy Note II.

(Samsung Galaxy Note II - Three / Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Three)


Conclusion

So, even though Sony did manage to get some aspects right, they forgot to focus on the basics. Yes, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is an amazing ‘phablet’ and probably one of the largest water proof phones out there but that isn’t worth all the extra money they are asking for. The Samsung Galaxy Note II, has the S-Pen as well which allows accuracy you can even imagine to achieve with your finger. Considering both cell phones are tied are 3 a piece, the bigger picture is that the Galaxy Note II deserves to be declared the better ‘phablet.’ Why? Simply because it has so much going for it not to mention it has an LED Flash.

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