iPhone X vs Sony Xperia Z1: Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone X edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.2/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2017

iPhone X

iPhone X
63/ 100
Launch price$999
Sony · 2013

Sony Xperia Z1

Sony Xperia Z1
63/ 100
Launch price$700
Head-to-head

iPhone X wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone X
iPhone X
3 wins
Sony Xperia Z1
Sony Xperia Z1
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XSony Xperia Z1
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraiPhone X
    75
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityiPhone X
    53
    45
  • SecurityiPhone X
    86
    34
  • ValueSony Xperia Z1
    55
    68
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia Z1 has the bigger battery3,000 mAh vs 2,716 mAh
  • iPhone X charges faster18W vs 7.5W
  • Sony Xperia Z1 has a sharper main camera20.7 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone X has the bigger screen5.85" vs 5"
  • Sony Xperia Z1 is lighter169 g vs 174 g
  • Sony Xperia Z1 launched cheaper$700 vs $999
  • iPhone X has a sharper selfie camera7 MP vs 2 MP
  • iPhone X has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4
  • iPhone X has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
  • iPhone X is better protected from water and dustIP67 vs IP58
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone X
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.85" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z1
  • ✓5 g lighter (169 g vs 174 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$299 cheaper at launch ($700 vs $999)
  • ✓Bigger 3,000 mAh battery (+284 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XSony Xperia Z1
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeOLED Super Retina HDTFT LCD TRILUMINOS
Screen Size5.85"5"
Resolution & Density2436x1125 (458 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness625 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 11Android 4.2
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 256GB16GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone X Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.8, OIS20.7 MP, f/2, Sony Exmor RS
Telephoto Zoom12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (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 Lens7 MP, f/2.22 MP, f/2.8
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Sony Xperia Z1 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm144 x 74 x 8.5 mm
Weight174 g169 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP58
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,716 mAh3,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging7.5W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging7W 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
Bluetooth5.04.0
USB Port & SpeedLightningMicro-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$999$700
Our verdict

iPhone X wins — BeastScore 63.2/100

The iPhone X is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 7.5W) and bigger screen (5.85" vs 5"). The Sony Xperia Z1 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,716 mAh).

Buy iPhone X if you want

Faster wired charging: 18W vs 7.5W · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Buy Sony Xperia Z1 if you want

Larger battery: 3,000 mAh vs 2,716 mAh · Lower launch price: $700 vs $999

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone X or Sony Xperia Z1?

The iPhone X is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 7.5W) and bigger screen (5.85" vs 5"). The Sony Xperia Z1 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,716 mAh). BeastScore: iPhone X 63.2/100, Sony Xperia Z1 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone X and Sony Xperia Z1?

iPhone X has a 5.85-inch display and 2716 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z1 has a 5-inch display and 3000 mAh battery.

How do iPhone X and Sony Xperia Z1 compare for speed?

iPhone X scores 60/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z1 scores 60/100.

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