Pixel 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 ⇄
Google · 2016

Pixel

Pixel
64/ 100
Launch price$649
Sony · 2017

Sony Xperia XZ1

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

Sony Xperia XZ1 wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel
Pixel
0 wins
Sony Xperia XZ1
Sony Xperia XZ1
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
PixelSony Xperia XZ1
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieSony Xperia XZ1
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivitySony Xperia XZ1
    57
    65
  • SecuritySony Xperia XZ1
    34
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel has the bigger battery2,770 mAh vs 2,700 mAh
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has a sharper main camera19 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has the bigger screen5.2" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 156 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $699
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has a sharper selfie camera13 MP vs 8 MP
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓13 g lighter (143 g vs 156 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$50 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $699)
  • ✓Bigger 2,770 mAh battery (+70 mAh)
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XZ1
  • ✓19 MP main camera
  • ✓5.2" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixelSony Xperia XZ1
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDIPS LCD TRILUMINOS
Screen Size5"5.2"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (441 ppi)1920x1080 (424 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness400 nits peak600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 7.1Android 8.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 128GB64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12.3 MP, f/219 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 Lens8 MP, f/2.413 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm
Weight143 g156 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP53IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,770 mAh2,700 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging18W 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
Bluetooth4.25.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1USB-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$649$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 sharper main camera (19 MP vs 12.3 MP) and bigger screen (5.2" vs 5"). The Pixel is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,700 mAh).

Buy Pixel if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 156 g (13 g less)

Buy Sony Xperia XZ1 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel or Sony Xperia XZ1?

The Sony Xperia XZ1 is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper main camera (19 MP vs 12.3 MP) and bigger screen (5.2" vs 5"). The Pixel is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,700 mAh). BeastScore: Pixel 63.8/100, Sony Xperia XZ1 63.8/100.

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

Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XZ1 has a 5.2-inch display and 2700 mAh battery.

How do Pixel and Sony Xperia XZ1 compare for speed?

Pixel scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia XZ1 scores 64/100.

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