• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Galaxy S4 Guides

  • Home
  • About
    • About this community
    • Register
    • Contact
    • Privacy
  • S4 Features
    • Galaxy S4 features explained
    • Air Gesture
    • Air View
    • Adapt Display
    • Adapt Sound
    • Animated Photo
    • Business card reader (Optical Reader)
    • ChatON
    • Dual Shot
    • Drama Shot
    • Easy Mode
    • Eraser Shot
    • Group play
    • HomeSync
    • S Health
    • S Translator
    • Samsung Hub
    • Smart pause
    • Smart scroll
    • Sound and Shot
    • Story Album
    • WatchON
  • Manual
    • Updated to Lollipop: Samsung Galaxy S4 Lollipop User Manual (PDF)
    • Galaxy S4 online user manual (HTML)
    • Galaxy S4 user manual (PDF)
      • AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 Manual
      • Galaxy S4 Manual for Verizon
      • Galaxy S4 Manual for T-Mobile
      • English
      • Arabic (العربية al-ʻarabīyah)
      • Bulgarian (български език, bălgarski ezik)
      • Croatian (hrvatski)
      • Czech (čeština)
      • Danish (Dansk)
      • Dutch (Nederlands)
      • Finnish (Suomen kieli)
      • French (français)
      • Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
      • Italian (Italiano)
      • Japanese (日本語)
      • Korean (한국어)
      • Norwegian (Norsk)
      • Persian (Farsi)
      • Polish (język polski, polszczyzna)
      • Portuguese (português, Brazil)
      • Romanian (limba română)
      • Russian (ру́сский язы́к)
      • Spanish (español)
      • Swedish (Svensk)
      • Thai (Siamese, ภาษาไทย)
      • Traditional Chinese (繁体中文)
    • Galaxy S4 Customer Consultant Guide
  • S4 Tips
    • How to install Flash on Galaxy S4 (and make it work!)?
    • How to take screenshot on Galaxy S4 without using any apps?
    • Top 5 problems after Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S4, and the solutions
    • Air Gesture
    • Easy Mode
    • S Health
    • Story Album
    • Smart scroll
    • Sound and Shot
    • The ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring
  • Buyer Guide
    • S4 Case/Cover
  • Forums

Sony Xperia Z vs Samsung Galaxy S4, which one is for you?

by simon Leave a Comment

xperia-z-vs-galaxy-s4Sony Xperia Z was announced in January this year. In most regions, it is already available. So, it is possible to put your hands on it in local handphone shops.

Sony Xperia Z is the flagship smartphone from Sony in 2013, and it surely is Samsung Galaxy S4‘s close competitor. Many buyers are facing a difficult choice: S4 or Xperia Z? In this buyer’s guide, I will compare Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z. Similar to the comparison between Galaxy S4 and HTC One, The comparison will be focused on 1).design and build quality; 2).battery; 3). software; 4). camera and video; and 5). display.

You may noticed, I seldom compare specifications, because most of flagship Android phones are overpowered. In other words, the hardware has more than sufficient power already, and therefore, it does not make sense to compare the specifications among such top-level phones.

 Round One: Design and build quality

No words needed. When you put your hands on them, you will immediately know Xperia Z wins. The design and build quality of Xperia Z is second to none. It looks beautiful and sleek. When you put it in your hands, it is well balanced and all buttons feel perfect. Apparently, all details are well considered in the design.

The material used for the back is high gloss glass, similar to that in  Nexus 4. It does give you premium feeling. But if you are going to use a case or cover, this may be not of your interest.

Another nice design feature of Xperia Z is water and dust resistant. Spilling of coffee is not an issue for Xperia Z. You can even use the phone when shower. You can even wash it  with water or soak it in water! Of course, you need make sure the water-tight protectors for ports are on.

Samsung Galaxy S4 simply has no words in front of Xperia Z when talking about design and build quality is talked.

Round 2: Battery

Galaxy S4 is packed with a 2600mAh battery; while Xperia Z with a 2330mAh one. The battery life should have no big difference. For most users, this is sufficient for 9-to-5 usage..

However, the battery in Galaxy S4  is removable; while the one in Xperia Z  is non-removable. Clearly, removable battery gives at least three advantages: 1). you may prepare and  a spare battery in a long trip; 2). you may replace your battery at reasonable price after one or two years when the battery lose its capacity significantly; and 3). you may use a third party battery with higher capacity if you are a heavy users (sometimes you may have to change the back cover).

So, Galaxy S4 wins this round due to its removable battery.

Round 3: Software (OS and skin)

Xperia Z comes with Jelly Bean 4.1 (Sony will update this phone to 4.2); while Galaxy S4 comes with Jelly Bean 4.2.  If you check the track record of OS update for Samsung and Sony, you will notice Samsung updates faster and gives more major update. Very likely, Galaxy S4 will get Android 5.0 ( Key Lime Pie), which will be announced in Google I/O 2013 this May. Xperia Z may be not.

For the Android skin, Samsung’s TouchWiz is over-bloated. A lot of changes (to Android stock ones) are just for the sake of change. Xperia Z’s Android UI is quite clean and simple. Most of the changes do improve the stock ones.

So, Samsung wins on Android update, while Sony wins in skin.

Round 4: Camera and video

Both Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z are packed with similar camera (13MP rear, 2/2.2MP front). Xperia Z has HDR (high dynamic range) for video to boost video quality. But based on my hands-on experience, this is not as awesome as advertised.

Galaxy S4 packs a very cool feature: dual camera. You can use both cameras fora  photo or a video. Most users will find this is more useful than HDR.

If you are looking for a dedicated camera button in Xperia Z (a few other Xperia models do have), you will be disappointed. No hardware button for camera. Of course, Samsung never provides hardware button for camera in all Galaxy  phones.

Surprising, Xperia Z loses this round in camera and video, although Sony’s camera is better than Samsung’s in almost all aspects. Ironically, the Galaxy S4’s camera/image sensor is soured from Sony.

Round 5: Display

Both Xperia Z and Galaxy S4 have a full HD (1920*1080) display with similar size (5″). The pixel density is similar (441ppi), so the display in both phones are sharp enough for our eyes.

But there are some difference in the panel. XperiaZ still uses the TFT panel, just like other Sony mobile phones, not the IPS. This means the viewing angle, and color re-production is not so good, although Sony has some own technologies for such displays. So, the view angle and colorfulness are inferior to AMOLED panel in Galaxy S4. For the display technology comparison, you may check this post on AMOLED, TFT and IPS.

So, Galaxy S4 wins this round in display.

In five rounds, Galaxy S4 wins three  in battery, display, and camera and video; Xperia Z wins one in design and build quality. For the software, it is a tie: Xperia Z wins in skin (UI), and Galaxy S4 wins in Android update.

What’s your choice?

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Filed Under: Galaxy S4 Buyer Guide, Galaxy S4 News, Galaxy S4 review Tagged With: AMOLED, Android, battery, camera, display, dual camera, dual recording, Dual shot, dust, Galaxy S4, HDR, HTC One, IPS, jelly bean, Key Lime Pie, samsung, software, Sony Xperia Z, TFT, TouchWiz, UI, video, waterproof

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply here Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us!

Follow Us on TwitterFollow Us on YouTubeFollow Us on RSSFollow Us on Facebook

RSS Galaxy S22 Guides

  • How to use Maintenance Mode on Galaxy S23, S22, S21, and S20 with Android 13 (One UI 5)?
  • How to extract text from photos and images on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • A complete list of the new features of One UI 5.1 update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings

RSS Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?

RSS Galaxy S20 Guides

  • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
  • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
  • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
  • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?

RSS Galxy S10 Guides

  • Top 10 new features in Android 10 update for Galaxy S10
  • Top 5 new features added in Galaxy S10 September Update
  • How to move apps to the micro SD card to free phone storage on Galaxy S10 ?
  • Galaxy S10 wireless charging guide

RSS Galaxy S9 Guides

  • How to use Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update?
  • How to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • How to update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?

RSS Galaxy S8 Guides

  • How to use the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • How to use app shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Home screen in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • Use notification dots/notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update
  • How to Install Galaxy S8 Android Oreo Update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

RSS Galaxy S7 guides

  • How to clear number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge with Android Nougat update?
  • How to show brightness control above notification panel in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?
  • How to avoid mirrored photos in Galaxy S7 selfie (front camera)?
  • How to find out the app pushing pop up ads in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

RSS Google Home Guides

  • How to Use Quick Gestures on Nest Hub 2nd Gen and Nest Hub Max?
  • How to Factory Data Reset Nest Hub (Google Home Hub and Nest Hub 2nd Gen)?
  • Understand the layout of Nest Hub (including Nest Hub 2nd Gen, Google Home Hub)
  • How to connect Google Home to a Bluetooth speaker?

RSS Android Guides

  • Android 13 Guides
  • Top 10 New Features of Android 13
  • Extra Dim in Android 12: The Definite Guide
  • How to update to Android 12?
  • How to quickly snooze notifications in Android 12?

RSS Headhone Guides

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3

RSS Moto X Owners Community

  • Official Moto X4 User manual (User guide for Moto X 4th Gen , Moto X 2017)
  • What’s new in Android Marshmallow update for Moto X (Moto X 2015, Moto X 2014, Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition)?
  • Top 5 new features in Moto X 2015 (Moto X Style, Moto X Pure edition and Moto X Play) vs Moto X 2014
  • Moto X 2015 user manual: Moto X Pure edition, Moto X Style and Moto X Play

RSS Galaxy Note Tips & Tricks

  • Top 11 disappointments of Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
  • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
  • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10

RSS Moto G Phone

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual

RSS Chromecast Guide

  • Master the Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV
  • Site Search
  • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
  • What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?

RSS Kindle Fire Guide

  • How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?
  • How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?
  • How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?

RSS Galaxy S6 Guide

  • Official user manual for Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ with Android Nougat update
  • Official Galaxy S6 user manual with Android Nougat update
  • Changes on using fingerprint to unlock Galaxy S6 in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+
  • Galaxy S6 edge+ layout

RSS Drive in Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore

Footer

Recent Posts

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Lollipop User Manual (PDF)
  • Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update guide
  • Galaxy S4 KitKat update: top 12 new features and improvements
  • The ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring
  • Top 5 problems after Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S4, and the solutions

RSS Chinese Music

  • How to Cast Chinese Music Radio to Chromecast or Google Home?
  • 十面埋伏 (Ambushed,Pipa,琵琶曲,Shi Mian Mai Fu)
  • 高山流水(High Mountain and Running River, Gao Shan Liu Shui, Guzheng, 古筝曲)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Hulusi,葫芦丝)

Recently Updated

  • Air Gesture
  • Easy Mode
  • Adapt Sound
  • Contact us
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 user manual

© 2013–2023 · All About Galaxy S4 is an online community for Galaxy S4 owners! · · Hosted by PTRHosting · Powered by Genesis framework for WordPress
Samsung Galaxy S4 guide, user manual and tutorials! Everything about how to use Samsung Galaxy S4.
Disclaimer: Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S4 are trademarks of Samsung. Android is a trademark of Google. This website is NOT affiliated with Samsung or Google in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.

pixel