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

Pixel 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 · 2013

Sony Xperia Z

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

Pixel wins 2 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
Sony Xperia Z
Sony Xperia Z
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
PixelSony Xperia Z
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel
    64
    60
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    57
    45
  • SecurityTie
    34
    34
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel has the bigger battery2,770 mAh vs 2,330 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 7.5W
  • Sony Xperia Z has a sharper main camera13.1 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 146 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $700
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2.2 MP
  • Pixel has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
  • Sony Xperia Z is better protected from water and dustIP57 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓3 g lighter (143 g vs 146 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$51 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $700)
  • ✓Bigger 2,770 mAh battery (+440 mAh)
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z
  • ✓13.1 MP main camera
  • ✓5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixelSony Xperia Z
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDTFT LCD
Screen Size5"5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (441 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness400 nits peak450 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 7.1Android 4.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 128GB16GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12.3 MP, f/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 Lens8 MP, f/2.42.2 MP, f/2.8
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm139 x 71 x 7.9 mm
Weight143 g146 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP53IP57
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,770 mAh2,330 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W 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
Bluetooth4.24.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1Micro-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$649$700
Our verdict

Pixel wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13.1 MP vs 12.3 MP).

Buy Pixel if you want

Larger battery: 2,770 mAh vs 2,330 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 7.5W

Buy Sony Xperia Z if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel or Sony Xperia Z?

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,330 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13.1 MP vs 12.3 MP). BeastScore: Pixel 63.8/100, Sony Xperia Z 62.8/100.

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

Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z has a 5-inch display and 2330 mAh battery.

How do Pixel and Sony Xperia Z compare for speed?

Pixel scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z scores 60/100.

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