Introduction
Do we have a good one or you today – the Sony Xperia X Performance goes up against the new LG V20. Both devices are surrounded in metal with a solid build and use the best processor available. The big difference here is in the size and resolution of the display and the physical dimensions, with the LG V20 coming in larger all around. Let’s look at just what these two devices have in common, if anything, and then we will take a closer look at each one in hopes that we can determine a winner of this comparison.
The Xperia X Performance and the LG V20 have quite a few things in common. With the differences in display size, the LG V20 is certainly the larger device, but weighs less than 10 grams more – most likely due to the all-metal bodies they possess. While their display size differs, they both use the IPS LCD technology, although they do have different resolutions. Both devices use the 64-bit Snapdragon 820 processor and Adreno 530 GPU for graphics. The two devices allow for internal memory expansion via a microSD card. Both devices have excellent camera areas, but each manufacturer goes about theirs differently. Both have Hi-Res audio, although the LG V20 takes it to new heights – LG just forgot one thing – dual stereo speakers. Both have fast charging batteries via Quick Charge – v2.0 on the Sony and v3.0 on the LG V20. They have most of the usual suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, NFC, and a UBS port – microUSB v2.0 in the Sony and the newer Type-C reversible in the LG – for charging and data transfer. Just a note about the fingerprint sensor – the LG V20 has one, and the Xperia X Performance includes one on the international model and none on the US model.
Please take a careful look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each device in greater depth and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
Sony Xperia X Performance
From a distance, the new Xperia X line of smartphones do look very much like the Xperia Z line they are replacing even though they went from metal and glass to an all-metal design. However, Sony’s basic rectangle design is there, as are the large bezels, and Sony’s obligatory FHD display. While it does have a good feel in your hand, the metal they used looks and felt like plastic but retains a solid build. Let’s see just how the Xperia X Performance model stands up to the LG V20.
The Xperia X Performance sports a small 5.0-inch IPS LCD FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 441 pixels-per-inch (PPI.) Sony went with the best processor available, the 64-bit Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with dual cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and dual cores clocked at 2.15 GHz along with the Adreno 530 GPU to handle the most demanding graphics. It is also packing 3GB of DDR4 RAM, comes with 32GB of internal memory, which is expandable to 200GB via a microSD card.
For its primary shooter, Sony uses its 23MP camera sensor and then added an aperture of f/2.0, 24mm lens, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF,) and LED flash – but still, refuses to use OIS. Sony increased the front-facing camera (FFC) from a mere 5.1MP to a large 13MP and then gave it an aperture of f/2.0 and 22mm lens for great selfies and video chats. A 2700mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities supplies the power.
The Sony Xperia X Performance does have a few features that the LG V20 does not offer – it retained its IP68 certification rating against dust and water, and it also keeps its excellent dual stereo front-facing speakers. Although there is no fingerprint sensor in the US version, the international version should work on limited US networks – check with your carrier. The Xperia X Performance measures 143.7 x 70.4 x 8.7 mm and weighs in at 164.4 grams. The colors are White, Graphite Black, Lime Gold, and Rose Gold and the Xperia X will cost you about $600.
LG V20
LG was determined to keep the metal body of the LG V20, but they switched up from the heavier stainless steel to the lighter aircraft grade aluminum giving it a much smoother and more refined look. The only place you will notice the silicone is now at the top and bottom of the LG V20 as ‘bumpers’ for added safety if dropped – a practical design move. The V20 still uses a 5.7-inch primary display and smaller secondary display over the top – only much brighter this time around. The LG V20 is looking for those individuals that are interested in experimenting with photos or that want a device with a large sound through earphones.
The LG V20 has a primary IPS Quantum QHD display that measures 5.7-inches with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 513 PPI as well as a secondary display, near the top of the device and is a 1040 x 160-pixel display that is also 513 PPI. The purpose of the secondary display is to function while the main display is locked. This year LG seriously brightened the secondary display making it easier to see your notifications. The LG V20 uses the same processor used in the X Performance – a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with dual cores running at 1.6GHz and dual cores running at 2.15GHz. The LG V20 packs 4GB of faster DDR4 RAM and 64GB of faster UFS 2.0 internal storage with room to expand.
LG took the camera area and completely redesigned it, although kept the primary 16MP sensor. Then LG added another 8MP wide-angle lens that operates independently for those times when you would like a wider shot. LG included laser and phase detection autofocus (PDAF,) added a large f/1.8 aperture (f/2.4 for the 8MP sensor), OIS and a dual-tone LED flash. LG decided to go back to a single 5MP FFC with a f/1.9 aperture for selfies or video chatting. The LG V20 packs a 3200mAh removable battery that should last through the day, and Quick Charge 3.0 makes charging faster or just replace it with a new battery.
The LG V20 includes a first for a smartphone – four DACs (Digital-to-Analog Convertors). They improve the sound quality and then provided an excellent EQ with left/right balance controls that are B&O Play certified. What is really a shame is that LG did not add dual front-facing speakers like those found on the Sony. The LG V20 is built so soundly that it has achieved the MIL-STD-810G certification. The V20 measures 159.7 x 78.1 x 7.6mm and weighs in at 174 grams – cost should be around $800, but rumors have them coming with a pair of B&O earbuds ($249) to help ease the cost. The LG V20 is available in the colors Titan, Silver, and Pink. Last, but certainly not least, the LG V20 will be running Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
This was an easy decision – the LG V20 wins this comparison. Sony gives us a metal body, but it looks and feels like plastic. Sony used the right processor but skimps on the RAM. Sony uses a small display that still uses an FHD resolution. Sony does give us an excellent camera, IP68 certification, and dual front-facing speakers.
The LG V20 looks and feels like a real metal phone with a larger QHD display along with a secondary display for notifications. It uses the same processor/GPU and adds 4GB of RAM, 64GB of UFS internal memory, a larger, removable battery, four DAC Hi-Fi, a great camera area that offers wide-angle shots, a fingerprint sensor for opening the device or authorizing mobile payments. It is also MIL-STD-810G certified and running Android 7.0 Nougat.
The Sony Xperia X Performance is cheaper, though not by much, but just cannot stand up to the standards of the LG V20. The LG V20 is the winner for sure.
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