Sony Xperia Z1 vs LG G2: First look

posted by Ray S. / Sep 04, 2013, 3:02 PM

Now that's a clash that's going to make the ground tremble. In the left corner we have the newly-announced Sony Xperia Z1 and in the right corner awaits the LG G2 smartphone. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with these two devices knows that they are among the best of their kind. Which one of the two is better, however? Well, here we have them, side by side, and we'd gladly share with you our opinion on the matter.

Design

In terms of design, it isn't easy to say which of these two smartphones has the upper hand. There are actually two sides to this story. On one hand, we have the Sony Xperia Z1 and its classy exterior, which many not be the most comfortable one to hold, but it sure looks and feels premium with its tempered glass and aluminum frame. On the other, there's the LG G2 with its generic-looking plastic casing that doesn't stand out in any particular way. Still, we have to admit that the G2 is the more comfortable device to hold, thanks to its slightly more compact dimensions and curved back panel.

If you're OK with having a device that feels a bit bulky and hard to operate with one hand only, then we guess the Xperia Z1 should be named a winner in the desgn department. Not that the LG is bad, but it simply doesn't offer anything to make its owner proud, apart from the large screen and ultra-thin bezels.

Display

Sony Xperia Z1 vs LG G2

While both the Xperia Z1 and the LG G2 feature IPS LCD screens, there are some significant differences that should be mentioned. For example, the Xperia Z1 features a sizable 5" display, but the G2 one-ups that with a 5.2" screen. What's really spectacular is that the G2 actually fits this bigger display in a body that's just as big, if not even smaller than that of the Xperia Z1. Both display panels sport 1080x1920 resolutions, so clarity of details is the last thing you should worry about with these two smartphones.

What you'll find in the Xperia Z1 is Sony's new Triluminios screen (also found on the Xperia Z Ultra), which marks a significant upgrade over Sony's previous displays for mobile devices. Image quality seems to be very good, though we wouldn't necessarily say that it can go toe to toe with the best LCD screens currently available. In this case, the contender is the LG G2's IPS LCD display, and while it isn't really perfect, especially considering its overly high color temperature, it looks like it can easily compete with the Xperia Z1's panel and even beat it. We won't make any concluisons yet, seeing that we haven't had enough time to test the devices properly, but by the looks of it, there is still room for improvement for Sony, as far as screen technology goes.

Processor

With both smartphones featuring the latest and greatest Snapdragon 800 chipset, it's perfectly clear that both will do extremely well when it comes to performance. Their user interfaces run in a fluid matter, without a hint of lag, and we're absolutely sure that the Xperia Z1 and G2 will be able to execute each and every app or game with ease. Add their spectacular GPU, the Adreno 330, and it's gets certain that these two bad boys are absolutely future-proof.

Interface

Sony Xperia Z1 vs LG G2

Sony and LG have decided to use their custom UIs for their new flagships, but the results are very different. For example, the Xperia Z1 has a cleaner, less cluttered experience that has the basic Android functionality along with some additional features and services by Sony. Meanwhile, the LG G2 has a more "kitchen sink" approach, as it sports all kinds of software features, such as Text Link, Slide Aside, Guest Mode and so on. Of course, those aren't features that you'll be using each and every day, but they may come in handy. Still, all those settings and buttons sure make LG's UI feel a bit cluttered, and that's why we also appreciate Sony's more simplistic approach. Be sure to let us know which software experience you like best in the comments!

Camera

Now that's going to be an interesting clash. While the LG G2 has already proven itself as one of the very best camera phones around, the Xperia Z1 is pretty ambitious in this respect, since it packs the new G Lens camera with a 20.7 MP Exmor RS sensor. We are sure that the Xperia Z1 will be taking great photos, but we'll obviously have to wait before we can say which one will be better.

The LG G2 features a bunch of interesting camera modes, such as Tracking Zoom and Time Catch Shot, but the Xperia Z1 isn't falling behind, as it sports a series of useful shooting modes of its own. It depends on your needs which set you'd prefer, but our early impressions lead us to believe that Sony has come up with the better selection. There are fewer choices in the Xperia Z1, but they do look like the more polished choices.

Both cameras can record 1080p video, with the LG G2 being spectacular in this regard (with the exception of night-time video, which is disastrous), so it'll be interesting to see if the Xperia Z1 will be able to deliver a similar or even better performance.

Expectations

Without a doubt, these are the flagship phones of the season, and while they both sport phenomenal specs and capabilities, they are still very different, due to the design approaches of their manufacturers, both hardware- and software-wise. The Xperia Z sports the fancier, more premium design, while the G2 is more comfortable to use and has a bunch of unique features for some added value. Anyway, the bottom line is that whichever handset you decide to side with, you'll be treated to a wonderful Android experience.

Sony Xperia Z1 vs LG G2 - first look

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PhoneArena Rating:

9.2

Read Full Review

User Rating:

9.4

Based on 59 Reviews

Display 5.0" 1080 x 1920 pixels

Camera 20.7 MP / 2 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, Quad-core, 2200 MHz

Storage 16 GB + microSDXC

Battery 3000 mAh(15h 3G talk time)

View Full specs

PhoneArena Rating:

9.4

Read Full Review

User Rating:

9.2

Based on 101 Reviews

Display 5.2" 1080 x 1920 pixels

Camera 13 MP / 2.1 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, Quad-core, 2260 MHz

Storage 32 GB

Battery 3000 mAh(21.3h 3G talk time)

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32 Comments

1. emadshiny

Posts: 1144; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

The only thing i hate about Sony is how they choose their wallpapers!

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:10 PM 3

13. eli577

Posts: 142; Member since: Jun 29, 2010

There's another thing, those giant bezels in all directions with no physical buttons (nor touch). From the pictures I can already tell that the Z1 is bigger than the G2, how come Ray can't notice it? :D Oh, and one more thing: watch when Ray holds the Z1 in an angle and see how the quality of the screen changes....therefore it's obviuos this trilominuous"

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:00 PM 8

14. eli577

Posts: 142; Member since: Jun 29, 2010

so....: therefore it's obviuos this "trilominuous" thing is just another empty phrase like Bravia engine and Exmor...LOL

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:05 PM 6

15. Commentator

Posts: 3723; Member since: Aug 16, 2011

Or you could read the reviews that state that Sony's new screen competes very well with the screens on the G2 and One?

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:08 PM 5

16. eli577

Posts: 142; Member since: Jun 29, 2010

Sorry, but I'm looking at a display, not reading about it.... And there was a reason for not mentioning G2's display, cause I think all of the flagship devices have better displays than this trilominous one.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:12 PM 7

19. sum182

Posts: 229; Member since: Nov 19, 2011

looking at a picture/video of a display? boy is that and acurate way to judge /s. I'll be waiting to compare it to my DNAs 440ppi LCD to draw a conclusion....The side bezels arnt giant, or weren't untill recently we decided we'd take loss of integrity over looks. And they help with the waterproofing (i believe), so they dont bother me. but thats all opinion i suppose. I doubt i'll even get a chance to test run this beast, being in the US and all... The other benefit to this...well Sony in general, is their support for AOSP.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:28 PM 2

22. eli577

Posts: 142; Member since: Jun 29, 2010

That's why I wrote "giant bezels in all directions", not just the side bezels, the upper and the lower bezels' size are more annoying, considering the fact that it has no physical buttons.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 5:07 PM 5

20. emadshiny

Posts: 1144; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

At first i recommend you check your eyes! Then tell me, wont you complain if the bezels were thin but the phone had a weak battery, weak camera and weak speaker?? (not mentioning water proof) Fanboys like you always search for something to cry about. Now go and enjoy trolling around.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:41 PM 5

30. DONUT

Posts: 436; Member since: Jun 27, 2013

but the G2 has thin bezels, without a weak battery, camera and possibly even without a weak speaker

posted on Sep 05, 2013, 3:55 AM 1

2. wrm2013

Posts: 237; Member since: Mar 28, 2013

Dude where is the z1 mini. When this mini sells like hot cakes others will start making top end spec 4.5 and under phones...... So says my crystal ball.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:12 PM 1

5. dancorcal

Posts: 39; Member since: Jan 23, 2013

I think so too. Nexus 5 is my next phone no matter what because I can't get contract pricing until next fall. Hopefully by then LG will have stuff the g2 proc and camera into a small one hand unit while still having 4.5 or 4.6 display. Looking at the bezel on the G2 I think the could use the same ratio of screen to bezel and fit a 4.5 into a phone the size of the S4 mini.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:44 PM 0

3. TheLolGuy

Posts: 483; Member since: Mar 05, 2013

I think LG should've kept the front free of logos for a sexy clean black front like the Nexus 4 and Moto X. Also the crystal reflection design on the original G was good looking too IMO. I wonder why they dropped it :( I guess the logo thing wouldnt really matter if it looked uniform and classy. Sony's logo is simple and pleasant. LG's looks bulky and industrial-ish?

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:15 PM 1

4. theruleslawyer

Posts: 108; Member since: Apr 23, 2012

Doesn't help that I associate LG with low end appliances.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:34 PM 0

6. TheLolGuy

Posts: 483; Member since: Mar 05, 2013

Well thats a shame, because their appliances aren't really low end. There are plenty of no-name brands that make them so LG doesn't have to. I suspect rather that you associate any company that makes home appliances like washers and refrigerators to be low end themselves. Kind of like how I bet you see sewer workers or garbage clean-up as the dirty scum humans of the earth, right? Even though they carry a critical role. ...Whatever.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:50 PM 3

9. Commentator

Posts: 3723; Member since: Aug 16, 2011

...Or he's had bad experiences with LG products and you shouldn't jump to conclusions about his views on other things anyways because that's no better than what he's doing, right? ...Whatever.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:53 PM 0

7. Commentator

Posts: 3723; Member since: Aug 16, 2011

I'm not sure why they went with both the LG letters and the LG symbol. One or the other would be fine, but not both.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:51 PM 0

10. yasir-921

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 02, 2012

In that way, SAMSUNG logo starts and doesn't want to end?

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:54 PM 0

8. yasir-921

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 02, 2012

How can Z1's screen be great? Its TFT afterall! Plus the "G" brand for its camera is nothing exciting! The XZ has bioniz cmos backlight camera, something like that but the Z's camera is the worst camera to date! Same is going to be for the Z1. Sony is trying to create excitement about all the G stuff and all, but again, Z1 will fail in camera department, screen quality.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:52 PM 5

11. Commentator

Posts: 3723; Member since: Aug 16, 2011

If you say so...

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:55 PM 3

12. emadshiny

Posts: 1144; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

WOW, you look so angry! I think your salary is delayed. LOL

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 3:57 PM 3

18. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

jeeze man you don't have too be so mad bout TFT screen. don't like it then don't buy it. every screen have pros and cons.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:21 PM 1

25. yasir-921

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 02, 2012

LoL at your comments. but that will be the fact!

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 5:44 PM 0

27. pyradark

Posts: 895; Member since: Jun 10, 2012

all screen are TFT!!!

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 9:30 PM 0

17. PhoneArenaUser

Posts: 5498; Member since: Aug 05, 2011

I choose Sony Xperia Z1. :)

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:19 PM 9

21. hitman346

Posts: 1; Member since: Sep 04, 2013

" The LG G2's IPS display looks like it can easily compete with the Xperia Z1's panel and even beat it." Really ? Think again. w ww.youtube.com/watch?v=7VXFuMXu-SQ

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 4:54 PM 1

23. Hughey2k2

Posts: 15; Member since: Jul 26, 2012

The Z1 definitely looked better in that video then the LG G2 the S4 wasn't even in the same league.

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 5:23 PM 1

24. xperiaz1case

Posts: 1; Member since: Sep 04, 2013

Yes I'm definitely like more on z1...

posted on Sep 04, 2013, 5:38 PM 0

26. SonyCraperiaSucks

Posts: 25; Member since: Aug 30, 2013

Lol obviously the G2 has the better screen, Trilumicrap still isnt as good, watch that large contrast loss (not as much as XZ) but still horrible compared to AMOLED or even IPS.