Sony Xperia X vs Sony Xperia Z5
posted by Chris P.
/ Jun 10, 2016, 8:11 AM
Introduction
Not even a day has gone by this past year without someone, somewhere, pondering over the unfortunate fate of esteemed manufacturers of old. Nokia, BlackBerry, even HTC, all are having trouble staying relevant in an increasingly murderous smartphone market. Worse yet, Sony has also been having quite some trouble as of late.
In a highly visible attempt to swing its fortunes for the better, Sony recently made the decision to discontinue its flagship Xperia Z-series and transition to a bit less-exclusive Xperia X branding for its higher-ends. The eponymous Xperia X was our first handshake with this new lineup, but keep in mind that the upcoming Xperia X Performance is the higher-end device that is likely meant to supersede the Z5.
That said, let's see if the more mainstream Xperia X, with its lighter specs sheet, can fill the Xperia Z5's shoes.
Design
There's no denying, we're fond of Sony design, at least as far as aesthetics go. Even more so lately, with phone makers the world over adopting round form factors when designing their gadgets. Elegantly rounded, the Xperia X and Xperia Z5 are among the few standing rectangular phones of the day, and that means something if you value differentiation.
Of the two, it's hard to pick a favorite, for both have their advantages and downsides. The newer X is decidedly more minimalist, with four counts of branding insignia forgone, and with a cleaner frame. It also features a curved glass for the display that seeps into said frame, unlike the Z5 which looks a bit more ordinary from the front.
The frame of the Z5 sticks out ever so slightly at the back, cutting into our hand when operating the phone—an issue taken care of with the X. Unfortunately, both remain very slippery devices in general, though this is compounded by the aforementioned issue with the Z5.
The Xperia Z5 is also a just a bit wider and taller than the X due to its larger screen, though it is slightly thinner overall. Not too bad considering the screen gains and the fact that the former is dust-proof and water-resistant, while the X isn't.
To see the phones in real size or compare them with other models, visit our Visual Phone Size Comparison page
Display
We ought to start with a simple fact: the 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution displays on the two phones are very different from each other. And not just in terms of size, with the Xperia Z5's 5.2-incher to the Xperia X's 5-incher, but also in terms of display properties.
Starting with color temperature, both the Xperia X and Z5 have rather bluish screens, with the X's deviation from the reference colors being more extreme. The Z5 does win out on overall color accuracy, with a better—but not much better—representation. The Z5's 5.2-inch panel also offers higher brightness, so it's better suited for the upcoming summer months.
Going back to color, it's worth noting that both devices let you manually tweak (apart from choosing between two pre-made profiles) color temperature. If you know what you're doing, you can set these so that you get a more realistic image. Most people won't.
More content with (Xperia X and Xperia Z5)
16 Comments
3. BobLawblaw unregistered
"Nokia, BlackBerry, even HTC, all are having trouble staying relevant in an increasingly murderous smartphone market."
At least HTC have the 10 which is an amazing phone. The Xperia X lineup is a mess and this X being tested is an overpriced mid spec'd boring slab. I'd take my old z3 over this any day..
posted on Jun 10, 2016, 8:39 AM 1
4. SYSTEM_LORD
Posts: 1168; Member since: Oct 05, 2015
The Z3 series, with the exception of the camera which goes to the 5th generation, was the pinnacle of Sony design and relative performance. What we know and love about Sony was embodied in the 3rd Gen devices.
I have a Z3C, but I'll likely go basic Zenfone 3 or Axon 7 (both, pending reviews). No more Sony for me.
posted on Jun 10, 2016, 9:14 AM 2
5. xperiaZlover
Posts: 202; Member since: Nov 15, 2015
I think Xperia X display better than z5 .
posted on Jun 10, 2016, 9:25 AM 1
6. kevintangi
Posts: 6; Member since: Oct 31, 2012
Both dont come close to Z3C :(
posted on Jun 10, 2016, 11:43 AM 0
7. XperiaG
Posts: 178; Member since: Jun 06, 2016
Well thanks for the review...
Now I convinced that the Z5 is better... is terrible that Sony wont be making any other device on the Z series... cause this new X series looks like mid-range phone with a high-end price... did not like that...
I'll go for the Z5 now.. thanks PA.
posted on Jun 10, 2016, 5:29 PM 0
8. PhoneFixer unregistered
That guy holding phones like ; bleee both phone crap . where is my beloved ippphonee aah here come to papa..
posted on Jun 11, 2016, 3:24 AM 0
9. Alkomb
Posts: 2; Member since: Jun 11, 2016
So, literally everything that the Xperia X has is just a little bit worse than the Xperia Z5? Besides the front-camera, of course. An upgraded front-camera, & a little bit worse everything isn't worth $550, when the Xperia Z5 $100 less/cheaper than the Xperia X?
I hope that Sony stops taking the Apple way, & starting to make overpriced, & under-powered cellphones, every, single, year.
posted on Jun 11, 2016, 5:23 AM 0
13. toka8
Posts: 1; Member since: Jun 13, 2016
Having used Z1 Compact, Z3, Z4/Z3+, Z5 Compact and the totally unnecessary Z5 Premium, it is clear to me that Sony has lost its way. The Z3 was fabulous, but now the design is now becoming old, the specs stay behind (3GB for a 2016 flagship?), the extras are now widespread (IP 68) and the prices have a very thin grasp to reality. I'm moving on.
posted on Jun 13, 2016, 12:30 AM 0
14. Misa_01
Posts: 2; Member since: Jun 13, 2016
Someone needs to do more research. Xperia Z5 is not $600 usd. You can get it for $450 usd on Amazon and Expansys. Spend a $100 more and you can get the Z5 Premium for $550 on Amazon and Expansys. Article does not have pricing content verified.
posted on Jun 13, 2016, 6:49 AM 0
15. elephone
Posts: 4; Member since: Jun 13, 2016
Appreciated to your professional and practical review about Sony Xperia X vs Sony Xperia Z5,we really learn a lot and do know how to distinguish the Xpria version of Sony.
We are a brand cell phone supplier located in China,you could find tons of fashionable cell phone ranging from Andriod 3G to Andriod 5.0 5.1 6.0 4G sold at significantly discounts at elephone.cc
posted on Jun 13, 2016, 9:54 PM 0
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