Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy Note 3 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 62.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2013

Galaxy Note 3

Galaxy Note 3
63/ 100
Launch price$700
Sony · 2013

Sony Xperia Z

Sony Xperia Z
63/ 100
Launch price$700
Head-to-head

Galaxy Note 3 wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note 3
Galaxy Note 3
1 win
Sony Xperia Z
Sony Xperia Z
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note 3Sony Xperia Z
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy Note 3
    57
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger battery3,200 mAh vs 2,330 mAh
  • Galaxy Note 3 charges faster9W vs 7.5W
  • Sony Xperia Z has a sharper main camera13.1 MP vs 13 MP
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger screen5.7" vs 5"
  • Sony Xperia Z is lighter146 g vs 168 g
  • Sony Xperia Z has a sharper selfie camera2.2 MP vs 2 MP
  • Galaxy Note 3 has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note 3
  • ✓Bigger 3,200 mAh battery (+870 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z
  • ✓22 g lighter (146 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓13.1 MP main camera
  • ✓5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note 3Sony Xperia Z
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDTFT LCD
Screen Size5.7"5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (386 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness460 nits peak450 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.3Android 4.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.213.1 MP, f/2.4, Sony Exmor RS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.42.2 MP, f/2.8
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Sony Xperia Z Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm139 x 71 x 7.9 mm
Weight168 g146 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP57
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,200 mAh2,330 mAh
Wired Fast Charging9W wired fast charging7.5W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Micro-USB 2.0
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$700$700
Our verdict

Galaxy Note 3 wins — BeastScore 62.8/100

The Galaxy Note 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13.1 MP vs 13 MP).

Buy Galaxy Note 3 if you want

Larger battery: 3,200 mAh vs 2,330 mAh · Larger display: 5.7" vs 5"

Buy Sony Xperia Z if you want

Lighter: 146 g vs 168 g (22 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note 3 or Sony Xperia Z?

The Galaxy Note 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13.1 MP vs 13 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 3 62.8/100, Sony Xperia Z 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note 3 and Sony Xperia Z?

Galaxy Note 3 has a 5.7-inch display and 3200 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z has a 5-inch display and 2330 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note 3 and Sony Xperia Z compare for speed?

Galaxy Note 3 scores 60/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z scores 60/100.

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