Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia XZ2: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Google · 2018

Pixel 3

Pixel 3
65/ 100
Launch price$799
Sony · 2018

Sony Xperia XZ2

Sony Xperia XZ2
65/ 100
Launch price$800
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel 3
Pixel 3
0 wins
Sony Xperia XZ2
Sony Xperia XZ2
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Pixel 3Sony Xperia XZ2
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    65
    65
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 has the bigger battery3,180 mAh vs 2,915 mAh
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 has a sharper main camera19 MP vs 12.2 MP
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 has the bigger screen5.7" vs 5.5"
  • Pixel 3 is lighter148 g vs 198 g
  • Pixel 3 launched cheaper$799 vs $800
  • Pixel 3 has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 5 MP
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel 3
  • ✓50 g lighter (148 g vs 198 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$1 cheaper at launch ($799 vs $800)
  • ✓12.2 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XZ2
  • ✓Bigger 3,180 mAh battery (+265 mAh)
  • ✓19 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixel 3Sony Xperia XZ2
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeOLEDIPS LCD TRILUMINOS HDR
Screen Size5.5"5.7"
Resolution & Density2160x1080 (443 ppi)2160x1080 (424 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness424 nits peak660 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 9Android 8.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS19 MP, f/2, OIS, 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/1.85 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel 3 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm153 x 72 x 11.1 mm
Weight148 g198 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,915 mAh3,180 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless charging9W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.0
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$799$800
Our verdict

Pixel 3 and Sony Xperia XZ2 are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 3 for its lighter body (148 g vs 198 g) and lower launch price ($799 vs $800), or the Sony Xperia XZ2 for its bigger battery (3,180 mAh vs 2,915 mAh) and sharper main camera (19 MP vs 12.2 MP).

Buy Pixel 3 if you want

Lighter: 148 g vs 198 g (50 g less)

Buy Sony Xperia XZ2 if you want

Larger battery: 3,180 mAh vs 2,915 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel 3 or Sony Xperia XZ2?

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 3 for its lighter body (148 g vs 198 g) and lower launch price ($799 vs $800), or the Sony Xperia XZ2 for its bigger battery (3,180 mAh vs 2,915 mAh) and sharper main camera (19 MP vs 12.2 MP). BeastScore: Pixel 3 64.8/100, Sony Xperia XZ2 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel 3 and Sony Xperia XZ2?

Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch display and 2915 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XZ2 has a 5.7-inch display and 3180 mAh battery.

How do Pixel 3 and Sony Xperia XZ2 compare for speed?

Pixel 3 scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia XZ2 scores 64/100.

Similar Smartphones

Gear for the Pixel 3

All Amazon Finds →

Related articles

All articles →
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Honor Magic V3 vs. OnePlus Open: The Definitive Flagship Foldable Architecture, Hinge Engineering, Crease-Free Displays, and Camera Benchmark Showdown (2026)Flagship Showdown
14 min read

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Honor Magic V3 vs. OnePlus Open: The Definitive Flagship Foldable Architecture, Hinge Engineering, Crease-Free Displays, and Camera Benchmark Showdown (2026)

An exhaustive microarchitectural breakdown, hinge mechanism durability, crease analysis, dual-screen multitasking benchmarks, and periscope camera shootout across the 4 premier book-style foldables of 2026.

Read →
Pixel 10a Now $599 vs Galaxy A57 & iPhone 17e: Still Worth It?Tech News
6 min read

Pixel 10a Now $599 vs Galaxy A57 & iPhone 17e: Still Worth It?

Google quietly raised the Pixel 10a from $499 to $599 in early October, and Samsung pushed the Galaxy A57 up to $599.99 the same week. That puts three "budget" phones at the same $599 starting price as the iPhone 17e. Here is what changed, how the three compare, and which one makes sense now.

Read →
Elgato Facecam Pro vs. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra vs. Insta360 Link 2 vs. Logitech MX Brio: The Definitive Flagship 4K60 & AI Streaming Webcam Architecture, 1/1.2" Sony STARVIS 2 vs. 1/1.8" STARVIS Sensors, Uncompressed 4K60 YUY2 Pipelines, 2-Axis AI Gimbal PTZ, Hardware HDR, and Real-World Optical Studio Shootout (2026)FLAGSHIP 4K WEBCAM BENCHMARK
16 min read

Elgato Facecam Pro vs. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra vs. Insta360 Link 2 vs. Logitech MX Brio: The Definitive Flagship 4K60 & AI Streaming Webcam Architecture, 1/1.2" Sony STARVIS 2 vs. 1/1.8" STARVIS Sensors, Uncompressed 4K60 YUY2 Pipelines, 2-Axis AI Gimbal PTZ, Hardware HDR, and Real-World Optical Studio Shootout (2026)

An exhaustive hardware, optical sensor, and ISP deep dive comparing the four titans of desktop streaming: Elgato Facecam Pro's uncompressed 4K60 pipeline, Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra's massive 1/1.2-inch STARVIS 2 sensor, Insta360 Link 2's AI motorized 2-axis gimbal, and Logitech MX Brio's workstation ergonomics.

Read →