Pixel XL vs Sony Xperia Z1: Which One Should You Buy?
Pixel XL edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.
Pixel XL
Sony Xperia Z1
Pixel XL wins 2 of 8 categories
Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.
Bigger shape = better phone.
Scores out of 100. How we score
- SpeedPixel XL6460
- CameraTie6868
- VideoNot enough data
- SelfieTie4040
- BatteryTie5858
- DisplayTie6262
- ConnectivityPixel XL5745
- SecurityTie3434
- ValueTie6868
- Pixel XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 3,000 mAh
- Pixel XL charges faster18W vs 7.5W
- Sony Xperia Z1 has a sharper main camera20.7 MP vs 12.3 MP
- Pixel XL has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5"
- Pixel XL is lighter168 g vs 169 g
- Sony Xperia Z1 launched cheaper$700 vs $769
- Pixel XL has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2 MP
- Pixel XL has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
- Pixel XL has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
- Sony Xperia Z1 is better protected from water and dustIP58 vs IP53
Why buy each phone
Swipe ⇄Pixel XL wins — BeastScore 63.8/100
The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 3,000 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z1 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (20.7 MP vs 12.3 MP).
Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 3,000 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 7.5W
Reliable all-round performance.
Common questions
Which is better: Pixel XL or Sony Xperia Z1?
The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 3,000 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 7.5W). The Sony Xperia Z1 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (20.7 MP vs 12.3 MP). BeastScore: Pixel XL 63.8/100, Sony Xperia Z1 62.8/100.
What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel XL and Sony Xperia Z1?
Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery. Sony Xperia Z1 has a 5-inch display and 3000 mAh battery.
How do Pixel XL and Sony Xperia Z1 compare for speed?
Pixel XL scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia Z1 scores 60/100.
Similar Smartphones
Galaxy S6
iPhone 11 Pro
Pixel
OnePlus One
Xiaomi Redmi A3x 4G Standard Edition Global Dual SIM TD-LTE 64GB 24048RN6CG (Xiaomi Klein)
BBK Vivo Y01 2022 Standard Edition Dual SIM TD-LTE V3 NP BD KH VN 32GB
Oppo A55s 2022 5G TD-LTE JP 64GB A102OP (BBK 2309)
Motorola Razr (2019)
More Smartphones comparisons
Gear for the Pixel XL
All Amazon Finds →Related articles
All articles →
Flagship ShowdownSamsung 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 →
Tech NewsPixel 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 →
FLAGSHIP 4K WEBCAM BENCHMARKElgato 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 →