Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. Sony Xperia Z : Clash of the Titans

Sony Xperia Z over Samsung Galaxy S4

• IP57 dust and water protection
• Glass-covered body looks way superior
• FM radio
• HDR video
• Already available, slightly cheaper
• TV-out via MHL link works with most of the available MHL HDMI cables

 

 

Samsung Galaxy S4 over Sony Xperia Z

• Screen has superior color reproduction, contrast and viewing angles, works with gloves and air gestures
• Newer chipset with higher clock speed
• Dual-video recording, can shoot 9.6MP stills while recording video, 60MP panoramas
• Infra-red blaster
• Android 4.2.2 out of box
• Multi-window multitasking
• Additional sensors (barometer, thermometer, hygroscope)
• Air gestures; Smart stay, Smart pause, Smart scroll

The Xperia Z is clearly a smartphone made to not just compete, but to win. The Galaxy S4 builds on a generations known for amazing screen quality, standard-setting performance, the latest version of the OS available and features unseen before.


The Samsung Galaxy S4 easily comes across as the superior smartphone, but does it mean that the Xperia Z should start packing? Is there really nothing that the best of Sony in a smartphone can offer against the best Samsung smartphone? Of course there is.
The Sony Xperia Z is still an impressively capable package and one of the coolest pieces of smartphone design. The IP57 certification will appeal to the outdoorsy type who need a smartphone with better than average protection against the elements. And we wouldn't say that water resistance is its best bet at staying relevant. The Xperia Z is better than that.

With all the tests we did and numbers thrown around it's easy to forget that the Sony Xperia Z offers impressive smartphone experience and comes in a beautiful glass-clad body. And mind you, it wasn't Samsung's goal to make the Galaxy S4 the best kept secret by giving it a finish that just doesn't look premium. Anyway, if you don't need all the extra goodies of the Galaxy S4, why not give your eyes a treat. Of course, in that case you should also give the HTC One a serious consideration, but that's the topic for a yet another shootout. And you can bet it's coming up.
So, if you chose the Sony Xperia Z for the looks and the water resistance, you don't need us telling you it's money well spent. By the way, we are certain that many bought the Xperia Z because there was nothing better on the market at the time. This will be the reasoning of future Galaxy S4 owners too. To be fair though, that's easier said about the Xperia Z then, than it is for the Galaxy S4 now. Oh well, it's a compliment that goes both ways. And rightfully so.