Introduction
This is a comparison of two flagships from very different companies – The Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Sony Xperia Z2. Both companies are in the business of making more than just smartphones as they also compete in the fields of HDTVs and other electronics. Sony would like to be more like Samsung, but apparently cannot figure out what they are doing wrong, when it seems so obvious to the rest of us. The Sony Xperia Z2 smartphone is another perfect example – they make a tremendous product, at a hefty price, and then they cannot market the device. Without good marketing – and I am not talking advertising – I talking about supply channels and getting the product into the users’ hands. That is why this comparison is so difficult…you can have the greatest device in the world, but if the masses of people never get to use it, is it the better device?
Both devices are very similar with almost identical screen sizes, although the Galaxy S5 uses the Super AMOLED technology while the Xperia Z2 uses the LCD technology. Both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor, although the S5 uses the newest 801 clocked at 2.5GHz and the Z2 uses the overclocked 800 at 2.3GHz. Both devices offer a base 16GB of internal storage and both offer expansion with a microSD Card. Both devices offer water and dust resistance and both use the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system – the Galaxy S5 uses TouchWiz on top of that and the Xperia Z2 uses their own Xperia UI. Even the size of the two devices is similar, with the Sony weighing more because of its glass and metal construction. Please take a look at the specifications listing below and then we will talk a little about what makes these devices different from one another before we choose a winner in this comparison.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S5
The newest Samsung flagship has arrived at the ‘docks’ about the only way it could – new and improved, but not spectacularly different, after all, there was only so much Samsung could offer, specification wise. This is the first time in recent memory that ALL flagships pretty much have the same processor and 2GB of RAM, although the Xperia Z2 does carry 3GB. The Galaxy S5 is lighter by almost 20 grams, but most of that extra savings is because of a smaller battery – 2800mAh vs the Z2’s 3200mAh – and materials…the S5 has a polycarbonate body vs the glass and metal body of the Z2. The camera in the Galaxy S4 was a great shooter, and Samsung added additional megapixels for an increase from 13MP to 16MB and added their new ISOCELL technology for better low-light pictures. Sony smartphones have a tradition of a great camera and the Z2’s is larger at 20.7MP. We mentioned that the battery is smaller than the Z2’s 3200mAh, at 2800mAh, but Samsung was really able to increase the battery life in the new Galaxy S5 with its new power management chip and the device even offers a couple of modes to help extend it even further – especially the Ultra Power Saving Mode. The Galaxy S5 also includes USB 3.0 technology and is now water/dust resistant and throws in a fingerprint scanner and Heart Rate Monitor as well. Pricing is great on a two-year contract at $199.99 and Verizon is offering a BOGO offer – two for $199.99…not bad at all!
Sony Xperia Z2
The Sony Xperia Z2 is an upgrade from the Z1, which was not really much of an upgrade – although we may never fully know how good the Xperia Z2 device really is if Sony cannot get them into the hands of its customers. The build of the Xperia Z2 is solid and beautiful with its glass and metal construction…much like the iPhone. It carries 3GB of RAM vs the 2GB in the Galaxy S5 – not that a smartphone of this nature really needs it at this point, but it is always good to have extra RAM. The Xperia UI on the Z2 is pretty close to pure Android, so there should be no lag and quicker upgrades…keyword there is ‘should,’ but that is not always the case with Sony. The camera is another advantage that would have to go to the Z2 – 16MP vs 20.7MP – and while the megapixels is not the full story on how a camera performs, Sony has proven itself to provide awesome photos – they simply take photography seriously and even added a dedicated camera button on the side of the phone. The battery is larger – 3200mAh vs the 2800mAh in the Galaxy S5, but with Samsungs new power management chip and the options that it provides, I doubt the S5 will have any trouble keeping up with the Z2. The biggest drawbacks on the Xperia Z2 are availability and pricing – just the other day it was announced that there would be even more delays due to parts availability. Even in the UK, where Sony is a very popular model, the Z2 went back to “pre-order’ status and it is looking at May for availability – who knows when it will make it to the U.S. It is selling in the UK for approximately $1000 off contract!
…and the Winner is…a tie???
Summary
Okay, I really deemed this comparison a tie, but only put up the Xperia Z2 because it is a beautiful device and much better looking than the Galaxy S5. The Z2 has the looks, the extra RAM, and a better camera with a dedicated camera button, but on the other hand, the S5 has a slightly better and faster processor, better screen technology (and I am not talking AMOLED vs LCD – the S5’s display is simply beautiful), the extra fingerprint scanner and Heart Rate Monitor, the best multitasking software out there, the newer USB 3.0 technology, and a good price and AVAILABILITY – in 150 countries. While the Galaxy S5 maybe a little more technology/software advanced in many instances, I think if the Xperia Z2 was widely available for $200 on a two-year contract, it would be the clear winner – if for nothing else its design and camera.
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