Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia XZ1: Which One Should You Buy?

Sony Xperia XZ1 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2015

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6
64/ 100
Launch price$685
Sony · 2017

Sony Xperia XZ1

Sony Xperia XZ1
64/ 100
Launch price$699
Head-to-head

Sony Xperia XZ1 wins 3 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6
1 win
Sony Xperia XZ1
Sony Xperia XZ1
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S6Sony Xperia XZ1
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedSony Xperia XZ1
    60
    64
  • CameraGalaxy S6
    72
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieSony Xperia XZ1
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivitySony Xperia XZ1
    45
    65
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has the bigger battery2,700 mAh vs 2,550 mAh
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has a sharper main camera19 MP vs 16 MP
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has the bigger screen5.2" vs 5.1"
  • Galaxy S6 is lighter138 g vs 156 g
  • Galaxy S6 launched cheaper$685 vs $699
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has a sharper selfie camera13 MP vs 5 MP
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.1
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S6
  • ✓18 g lighter (138 g vs 156 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$14 cheaper at launch ($685 vs $699)
  • ✓16 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XZ1
  • ✓Bigger 2,700 mAh battery (+150 mAh)
  • ✓19 MP main camera
  • ✓5.2" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S6Sony Xperia XZ1
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDIPS LCD TRILUMINOS
Screen Size5.1"5.2"
Resolution & Density2560x1440 (577 ppi)1920x1080 (424 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness784 nits peak600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Sony Xperia XZ1 Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 5.0Android 8.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 64GB / 128GB64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S6 Wins Camera
Primary Camera16 MP, f/1.9, OIS19 MP, f/2, Sony IMX400
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 Lens5 MP, f/1.913 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S6 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm
Weight138 g156 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,550 mAh2,700 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging9W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.15.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$685$699
Our verdict

Sony Xperia XZ1 wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,700 mAh vs 2,550 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (138 g vs 156 g).

Buy Galaxy S6 if you want

Lighter: 138 g vs 156 g (18 g less)

Buy Sony Xperia XZ1 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S6 or Sony Xperia XZ1?

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,700 mAh vs 2,550 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (138 g vs 156 g). BeastScore: Galaxy S6 63.8/100, Sony Xperia XZ1 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia XZ1?

Galaxy S6 has a 5.1-inch display and 2550 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XZ1 has a 5.2-inch display and 2700 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia XZ1 compare for speed?

Galaxy S6 scores 60/100 for performance; Sony Xperia XZ1 scores 64/100.

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