Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Has Anything Changed At All?

Sony is still loyal to announce a new flagship every 6 months, although the difference between the new flagship and its predecessor is almost nothing. Sony used the IFA2014 to unveil the Xperia Z3, and in this AW Center article we compare Xperia Z3 with Xperia Z2 to see whether it is worth updating from Xperia Z2 to Xperia Z3 or not?

For those who just want us to get to the final conclusion, we should say if you are one of those who already own an Xperia Z2 (or even Xperia Z1), then the Xperia Z3 is not really a phone worth updating, but if you are going to buy a high-end Android phone, then we should admit that Xperia Z3 could be on the top 3 list at the moment. The other 2 candidates at the moment are HTC One M8 and LG G3. We haven’t forgotten about Samsung Note 4, but this new Samsung’s 5.7-inch smart device is more a phablet than a phone and we don’t believe in comparing it with 5.0 to 5.2-inch phones.

Now, for those who prefer a detailed comparison, let’s start with genera specification comparison:

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: General Specifications:

	Xperia Z3	Xperia Z2
Dimension	146 x 72 x 7.3 mm 152 Grams	146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm 163 Grams
Display	5.2", 1080x1920, 424ppi	5.2", 1080x1920, 424ppi
Memory	16/32 GB, 3GB RAM, SD Card	16 GB, 3GB RAM, SD Card
Water-Proof	IP68 certified	IP58 certified
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPU	Adreno 330	Adreno 330
OS	Android 4.4.4 KitKat	Android 4.4.4 KitKat
Camera	20.7MP / 2.2MP [email protected], [email protected]	20.7MP / 2.2MP [email protected], [email protected]
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery	Li-Ion 3100 mAh	Li-Ion 3200 mAh

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Design

This is where you can find the most changes as Sony has kept the OmniBalance" design language but reduced both Xperia Z3’s weight and thickness so the device is considered more user friendly, ergonomic wise.

In overall Xperia Z3 is much easier to hold with hands and we believe it is the only solid reasons for Xperia Z2 users to upgrade to Xperia Z3.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Display

Sony is using the same display panel for both Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3, and the Japanese mentioned they didn’t want to sacrifice the battery life to using a 4K display as the 1080p screen is just doing fine!

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Performance

On the performance side, you cannot find much difference either, as both devices are using the Snapdragon 801 chipset, Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB of RAM. The only difference is about the speed of processor where Xperia Z3 is clocked at 2.5GHz while the Xperia Z2 is powered by a Quad-core 2.3 GHz CPU.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Camera

Short answer: nothing noticeable changed.

Long answer: While both devices are equipped with a 20.7-megapixel Sony Exmor RS sensor, Xperia Z3 is able to take wider shots thanks to the 25mm wide-angle lens. Sony has also added some new camera applications like Multi Camera and Sound Photo on the Xperia Z3 which Xperia Z2 is expected to receive them via an update.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Sofwtare

Xperia Z3 comes with the latest Android version, 4.4.4 KitKat, and other than the KitKat features you also get to take advantage of the kind-of-boring Sony Xperia UI on your Z3 which compare to the Xperia Z2 has not received much update and tweaks. A new app drawer icon and larger icons are almost all the changes.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Battery

In order to keep the Xperia Z3 lighter and more ergonomic, Sony has reduced the battery power to 3100mAh, but some software improvements can compensate for the 100mAh less power compared to the 3200mAh Xperia Z2 battery.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Price

Since the price and availability vary from market to market and carrier to carrier, we suggest you to check your local Xperia Z3 price and availability options.

Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z2: Conclusion

As we mentioned in the beginning, if you already own an Xperia Z2, we suggest you to wait for the Xperia Z4, but if you want to buy an Android flagship then consider the Xperia Z3 as one of the best available options.