OnePlus One vs Sony Xperia Z: Which One Should You Buy?

OnePlus One edges ahead with a BeastScore of 65.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Oneplus · 2014

OnePlus One

OnePlus One
65/ 100
Launch price$299
Sony · 2013

Sony Xperia Z

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

OnePlus One wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

OnePlus One
OnePlus One
1 win
Sony Xperia Z
Sony Xperia Z
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
OnePlus OneSony 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
  • ConnectivityTie
    45
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueOnePlus One
    90
    68
Key differences
  • OnePlus One has the bigger battery3,100 mAh vs 2,330 mAh
  • OnePlus One charges faster10W vs 7.5W
  • Sony Xperia Z has a sharper main camera13.1 MP vs 13 MP
  • OnePlus One has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5"
  • Sony Xperia Z is lighter146 g vs 162 g
  • OnePlus One launched cheaper$299 vs $700
  • OnePlus One has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 2.2 MP
  • OnePlus One has newer Bluetooth4.1 vs 4
  • OnePlus One has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy OnePlus One
  • ✓$401 cheaper at launch ($299 vs $700)
  • ✓Bigger 3,100 mAh battery (+770 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z
  • ✓16 g lighter (146 g vs 162 g), easier to hold
  • ✓13.1 MP main camera
  • ✓5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationOnePlus OneSony Xperia Z
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLTPS LCDTFT LCD
Screen Size5.5"5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (401 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness480 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 4.4Android 4.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 64GB16GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2, Sony IMX21413.1 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 Lens5 MP, f/22.2 MP, f/2.8
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Sony Xperia Z Lightest Chassis
Dimensions152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm139 x 71 x 7.9 mm
Weight162 g146 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP57
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,100 mAh2,330 mAh
Wired Fast Charging10W 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
Bluetooth4.14.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Micro-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$299$700
Our verdict

OnePlus One wins — BeastScore 65.0/100

The OnePlus One is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (10W 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 OnePlus One if you want

Larger battery: 3,100 mAh vs 2,330 mAh · Larger display: 5.5" vs 5"

Buy Sony Xperia Z if you want

Lighter: 146 g vs 162 g (16 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: OnePlus One or Sony Xperia Z?

The OnePlus One is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (10W 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: OnePlus One 65.0/100, Sony Xperia Z 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between OnePlus One and Sony Xperia Z?

OnePlus One has a 5.5-inch display and 3100 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z has a 5-inch display and 2330 mAh battery.

How do OnePlus One and Sony Xperia Z compare for speed?

OnePlus One scores 60/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z scores 60/100.

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