Pixel vs Sony Xperia Z3: 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 · 2014

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony Xperia Z3
63/ 100
Launch price$750
Head-to-head

Pixel wins 2 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
Sony Xperia Z3
Sony Xperia Z3
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
PixelSony Xperia Z3
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
  • SecuritySony Xperia Z3
    34
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia Z3 has the bigger battery3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 10W
  • Sony Xperia Z3 has a sharper main camera20.7 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Sony Xperia Z3 has the bigger screen5.2" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 152 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $750
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2.2 MP
  • Pixel has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • Sony Xperia Z3 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓9 g lighter (143 g vs 152 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$101 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $750)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z3
  • ✓Bigger 3,100 mAh battery (+330 mAh)
  • ✓20.7 MP main camera
  • ✓5.2" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixelSony Xperia Z3
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🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 7.1Android 4.4
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 128GB16GB / 32GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12.3 MP, f/220.7 MP, f/2, 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 mm146 x 72 x 7.3 mm
Weight143 g152 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP53IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,770 mAh3,100 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging10W 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$750
Our verdict

Pixel wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 10W) and lighter body (143 g vs 152 g). The Sony Xperia Z3 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh).

Buy Pixel if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 152 g (9 g less) · Lower launch price: $649 vs $750

Buy Sony Xperia Z3 if you want

Larger battery: 3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel or Sony Xperia Z3?

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 10W) and lighter body (143 g vs 152 g). The Sony Xperia Z3 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh). BeastScore: Pixel 63.8/100, Sony Xperia Z3 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel and Sony Xperia Z3?

Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z3 has a 5.2-inch display and 3100 mAh battery.

How do Pixel and Sony Xperia Z3 compare for speed?

Pixel scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z3 scores 60/100.

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