Pixel XL 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 XL

Pixel XL
64/ 100
Launch price$769
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 XL
Pixel XL
0 wins
Sony Xperia XZ1
Sony Xperia XZ1
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Pixel XLSony 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 XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 2,700 mAh
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 has a sharper main camera19 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Pixel XL has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5.2"
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 is lighter156 g vs 168 g
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 launched cheaper$699 vs $769
  • 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 XL
  • ✓Bigger 3,450 mAh battery (+750 mAh)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XZ1
  • ✓12 g lighter (156 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$70 cheaper at launch ($699 vs $769)
  • ✓19 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixel XLSony Xperia XZ1
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDIPS LCD TRILUMINOS
Screen Size5.5"5.2"
Resolution & Density2560x1440 (534 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🏆 Sony Xperia XZ1 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm148 x 73.4 x 7.4 mm
Weight168 g156 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP53IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,450 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$769$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 lighter body (156 g vs 168 g). The Pixel XL is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,700 mAh).

Buy Pixel XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 2,700 mAh

Buy Sony Xperia XZ1 if you want

Lighter: 156 g vs 168 g (12 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel XL 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 lighter body (156 g vs 168 g). The Pixel XL is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,700 mAh). BeastScore: Pixel XL 63.8/100, Sony Xperia XZ1 63.8/100.

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

Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XZ1 has a 5.2-inch display and 2700 mAh battery.

How do Pixel XL and Sony Xperia XZ1 compare for speed?

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

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