Samsung Galaxy S5 Versus Sony Xperia Z2
The Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago was a great opportunity for high-end manufacturers like Samsung and Sony to show off with their latest mobile devices like the Galaxy S5 and the Xperia Z2. And since there has been too much talk around the two handsets, we thought of putting them side by side and decide which one is best and which one deserves a higher mark on our behalf. This tutorial will test the devices on “both sides”, “in and out”, detailing each phone systematically, starting with the date of launch and specs on their design, display, their processor and finishing with the price and their availability on the market.
To start with, the two handsets follow their predecessors that really made them becoming real stars. The long-expected Galaxy S5 follows its Galaxy S4`s footstep, to carry on with the legacy of being one of the most famous handsets ever made, while the Galaxy Xperia Z2 is building its success around the Z1`s fame and glory.
Both of them were launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 24 and are considered two of the most highly valued and appreciated high-end smartphones on the market. Before we proceed, I wish each of them good luck and may the best one win. Each of them will receive one point for each feature or spec that has higher value than the other one.
Desing
The design of a handset is meant to give that look that would differentiate one smartphone from another, adding great value at the same time. To start with, both devices are considered smartphones with dimensions starting from 5.59 x 2.85 x 0.32 inches (142 x 72,5 x 8,1), with a weight of 145g for the Galaxy S5, while the Xperia Z2 comes with 5.78 x 2.89 x 0.32 inches (146,8 x 73,3 x 8,2), weighing a bit more 163g. Concerning the keys that the two smartphones enhance, we might be talking about a left one for Volume Control, as Samsung has already accustomed us, with the right Lock/Unlock key function also present at the previously versions. The Xperia Z2 instead, has an additional Camera Shutter key displayed on the right, along with the same Volume Control and Lock/Unlock key.
While the Galaxy S5 is made entirely out of plastic, with a dimple effect back panel, the Xperia Z2 enjoys a slim and comfortable feel due to its glass panel, encased in a solid-aluminum frame with edges to be smoother. As for the color that the two smartphones come with, we might be talking about the Korean flagship coming in for colours like Black, Yellow, Blue and Marine, while the Z2 is enhancing a shorter range of Black, Purple and White. Also very important, both devices are water and dust resistant. If we take an overall look at the designs that the two smartphones are coming with, we might say that both basically share the same features, apart from a slight advantage for the Xperia Z2, with its glass panel enhanced in aluminum frame. We should give Sony a plus for that.
Display
The battle seems to get more serious starting with the display that the two smartphones is launching. While the Galaxy S5 brags with a 5.1-inch display, its combatant shows off with slightly bigger 5.2-inch display. The good news is that both smartphones come with 1080 x 1920 resolution, but with a pixel density of 432 ppi from the Galaxy S5 than the Zperia Z2 that enhances a closer 424 ppi. The display resolution comes with Super AMOLED for the almighty S5 while the Xperia Z2 throws a rather advanced IPS LCD technology with 16K. As for other display features, the S5 is equal with the Xperia Z2 when it comes to Capacitive and Multi-touch screen and other features like Proximity sensor or Light sensor. Unfortunately for the almighty S5, it`s one point down due to a more advanced IPS LCD screen and bigger display with 16K.
Operating System
When talking about OS, things here are a little bit simple, since both devices are running on the latest Android 4.4 KitKat which come with features like screen recording, Hangouts integration, new emoji keyboard, Bluetooth and TV compatibility, cloud printing and much more. No points are awarded for this part of the OS section.
Hardware
This section is perhaps the most important one and might give us a hint of the future winner here. But let`s not rush things yet. Each one gets its choice of “expressing” itself. In terms of processor, the Samsung Galaxy S5 comes with a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, Adreno 330 while its competitor enhances a poorer 2.3GHz quad-core with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, Adreno 330. So far, things are pretty clear. The Galaxy receives a plus and stands just a meter behind the Xperia Z2. On the other hand, things aren’t the same when referring to the handsets` system memory. The S5 receives a juicy 2GB of RAM while the Z2 goes even higher, with a 3GB of RAM. Even if both get a built-in storage of 16 GB with expendable options, the Z2 seems to outrun the S5 one more time. Two points awarded for the Xperia Z2 and just a plus for the S5.
Camera
Both Galaxy S5 as well as Xperia Z2 were announced to sport high-performance cameras with high-end features. Let`s have a closer look at each device. The Samsung Galaxy S5 made a real good impression with its back 16-megapixel camera and front 2.1-megapixel perfect suitable for video conferences as well as for 4K and 30 fps recording options, being able to produce a great video resolution of 3840 x 2160. Other than these outstanding performances, the Galaxy S5`s camera is also enhanced with LED Flash, autofocus, Phase detection, Autofocus, Touch to focus, Manual focus or High Dynamic Range mode (HDR).
Meanwhile, its opponent enhances a huge 20,7-megapixel camera at the back, with a 2.2-megapixel front camera and video capture – a feature that the Galaxy S5 doesn’t sport – of 1920 x 1080 (1080p HD). The Xperia Z2 also comes with perfect 4K for video conferences and the same 3840 x 2160 video resolution. But in terms of features, I am afraid that the Xperia Z2 is also way above the Galasy S5. Don’t get me wrong I am a Galaxy geek myself, but facts are facts.
The Xperia Z2`s camera has a lot more features to offer than the Galaxy S5 like CMOS image sensor, Autofocus, Touch to focus, Digital image stabilization, Face detection, Smile detection, White balance presets, Burst mode, Digital zoom, Geo tagging, the same High Dynamic Range Mode (HDR), Panorama, Effects and so on. Apart from that, the recording format that the Xperia Z2 supports is MPEG4, 3GPP, while the Galaxy S5 brings the same MPEG4, H.263, H.264 or WMV.
For this part, Samsung receives another plus which makes one point against the other point won by the Xperia Z2 with its 20.7-megapixel camera. So, the score so far is three points to one point over the S5. Well, those Galaxy geeks shouldn’t give up faith, there is still chance for Galaxy S5, the war isn’t over yet.
Battery
The battery of a smartphone nowadays is a particularly important device that keeps things running for your handsets. It makes sure that you web-browse safely for hours, play unlimited skill levels for your favorite game or listen to dozens of hours of music while working or doing your housework. Here we are ladies and gets, the battery segment that keeps the drums running.
Both smartphones come equipped with different types of battery, meaning that we would have to choose between one found on the Galaxy S5 like a 2,800mAh with a stand-by time of 16.2 days and 21.00 hours of talking time, or that one equipping the Xperia Z2 with 3,200mAh that can hold up to a lot more of heavy usage.
Talking about heavy usage, we might refer to the Xperia`s standing time of 28.8 days and 15.00 hours of talking time, plus a number of other important features that the S5 doesn’t sport, like 19.00 hours of talking time in 3G, 120.00 of music playback as well as video playback up to 10.00 hours. As for the points awarded, we will let you decide who gets the most points for this category.
Connectivity
Connectivity is also an important part with the new high-tech smartphones today. Both Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 come ready for some heavy internet connection, both devices using a Bluetooth 4.0 feature with WI-FI 802.11 with Dual antennas and MIMO for the S5. In terms of USB, the two devices come with USB 3.0 for the S5 and USB 2.0 for the Xperia Z2, with the two of them getting the same microUSB connector. Other features for the connectivity section include for both devices are
- NFC,
- Tethering,
- Computer sync,
- OTA sync,
- Infrared,
With a plus for Xperia Z2 being:
- DLNA,
- Miracast,
- MHL
- SyncML.
Prices and availability
No matter which device will win this face-to-face competition, let`s not forget that both Samsung Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 are tough adversaries worthy of our respect, and that the prices associated with them may be both subjective or objective, as it may be influenced by the brand`s name or full specifications. If the prices are justifiable, it is up to you to decide that. We only wanted to show you the two handsets as they really are.
In terms of availability first, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is due to be launched in 150 countries, starting with April 11. In the US, the smartphone will arrive under carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile or MetroPCS with a retail price for $199-$240 on a monthly contract or a price of $550-$650 off contract. Yet, the prices aren’t official 100%. In Europe, the smartphone is expected to come in May, with prices starting from $1,000 (€730) in countries like the UK, Germany or Spain.
On the other hand, the Xperia Z2 is also expected in the US in April, but only under one official carrier, like T-Mobile with no prices yet to be confirmed. But the device is available on pre-order on Sony`s site, for the price of, the smartphone will have a price of £600. In Europe, the Clove has listed the Xperia Z2 for April, with price of £565.
Conclusion
Well guys, here we are, reaching the bottom of our “love story” between two strong competitors like Samsung Galaxy S5 and the fresh Xperia Z2. Both smartphones have put their best specs and features into the war, but only one will get to be the winner. Just for now, at least. We have seen the two devices getting round up through a series of characteristics that have been proven decisive at a certain point. Overall, the faith has favored the Xperia Z2, since the device was clearly on the big horses with its higher 3GB of RAM and stronger 20.7-megapixel rear camera and 2.2-megapixel front camera. Other than that, the characteristics that its camera has, was a clear indication that the Xperia Z2 deserves to win this vs. competition.
More than that, the much evolved IPS LCD display with 16K colors and glass panel with solid-aluminum frame, was also to favor the Sony device. This should be a clear indication that Samsung has still a lot to change at its flagship in terms of a stronger back case or improved display technology. But as you could see, nobody is perfect and perhaps the Korean smartphone manufacturer hasn’t pulled the ace out of its sleeve, as the all-metallic S5 is already predicted to be unveiled.
Overall, both Samsung Galaxy S5 as well as the Xperia Z2 are extraordinary devices with high-end features and specs, which will have a great future way up ahead. What do you thing guys? Which do you think is best? Was this article objective enough to show which is which? Don’t forget to share your opinions on that! Cheers!
