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Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the LG G5 goes up against the Sony Xperia XZ. Two all-metal devices with the LG G5 having its own new look and the Sony looking like a typical Sony smartphone with that rectangle shape and large top and bottom bezels. The LG G5 actually costs a little less, yet you can add modules to it to enhance or perform other functions. When it comes to specifications just how do these two stand up to one another? Let’s take a look and see just what these two smartphones have in common and then we will look at each device in greater detail.
The LG G5 and the Sony Xperia XZ do have a few things in common starting with the physical size and weight. They both use the IPS LCD display technology but use a different resolution. They both use a Snapdragon 820 processor and an Adreno 530 GPU for terrific graphics. They both have excellent camera areas but go about it very differently. Both have Hi-Res audio, but only the Xperia XZ has dual front-facing speakers. They have the usual suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, NFC, and a Type-C reversible port for charging via Quick Charge 3.0 and data transfer.
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
LG G5
Some manufacturers like LG and Moto decided that we needed smartphones that can take on a module to enhance its abilities. LG started on their LG G5 with little success and after less than a year are going to drop them. The new Moto Z line of phones includes Moto Mods, but they snap on the back via magnets and do not intrude into the device like the LG G5 modules. People are slow to adopt new changes, and there seem to be more doubters than adopters. LG also made a move from a plastic back that was disguised to look like metal to an all-metal design that they painted to hide the antenna lines. Let’s take a closer look at the new LG G5 and see just how the specs and design hold up to the Sony Xperia XZ.
The LG G5 sports a 5.3-inch IPS LCD QHD display and includes the ‘always on’ feature and a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels with 554 pixels-per-inch (PPI.) LG went with the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with dual cores clocked at 1.6GHz and another dual-core clocked at 2.15GHz. Qualcomm uses an Adreno 530 GPU that will handle the most demanding graphics you can throw its way. The G5 packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal memory that is expandable to 2TB via a microUSB card.
LG decided to go with two primary cameras on the G5 that operate independently from one another. One is the same single 16MP sensor like that on the LG G4 and then added an extra 8MP wide-angle sensor. The device will use the 16MP to take a regular picture, but if the user needs to capture a wider shot for a group photo or landscape, the 8MP wide-angle can be used. LG retained the large 8MP FFC from the G4, allowing the user to take high-quality selfies and video chatting as well. LG decreased the battery size to 2800mAh in the G5, but with the modular design you can remove/replace the battery. For regular charging, the LG G5 uses Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 capabilities.
LG’s new design of the modular G5 took away the possibility of a fingerprint sensor at the bottom front of the phone, so LG positioned it on the back of the phone where the on/off and volume control resided on the LG G4. The fingerprint sensor still acts as an on/off switch, but the volume controls are relegated to the side of the LG G5. The LG G5 retained its IR Blaster and FM radio and has Hi-Res sound for listening through earphones. It will be interesting to see just how LG will design the LG G6 once they remove the module feature. The LG G5 measures 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm, weighs in at 159 grams and comes in Silver, Titan, Gold, and Pink. The device is available on all the leading carriers for $625.
Sony Xperia XZ
Sony is still trying to figure out how to market a smartphone in the US. The Xperia XZ did find its way to the US quicker than usual, but it is missing the fingerprint firmware that enables it to work. The device will only work on GSM networks – AT&T or T-Mobile – so that means no Verizon or Sprint networks. If you are brave enough to flash the UK firmware to the US Xperia XZ, you can use the fingerprint sensor. Why does Sony make it so difficult for the US to use their devices? The Xperia XZ retains the new all-metal backing theme, the rectangle shape, and large top and bottom bezels. At a price of $699, it should have all of the bells and whistles – including a fingerprint sensor and the ability to work on all US networks.
The Sony Xperia XZ sports a 5.2-inch IPS FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 424 PPI. Sony still wants to use an FHD rather than QHD display but charges as if it is the higher resolution. Sony did use the 64-bit Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with dual cores clocked at 1.6GHz and dual cores clocked at 2.15GHz but packing only 3GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB or 64GB of expandable internal memory.
For its primary camera area, the Xperia XZ incorporated a new 23MP Sony lens with an aperture of f/2.0, 24mm, phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus, and LED flash. Sony included a large 13MP FFC with a f/2.0, 22mm to give you great selfies or video chats. The Xperia XZ uses a 2900mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0 to provide a rapid charge.
The Xperia XZ is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance. The Xperia XZ can produce some good sounds with its Hi-Res audio, and it utilizes that sound with its dual front-facing stereo speakers. It measures 146 x 72 x 8.1MM and weighs in at 161 grams. It comes in Mineral Black, Platinum, Forest Blue, or Deep Pink. It will cost you a sizable $699 for this Sony flagship.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
This decision was an easy victory for the LG G5. It has a slightly larger, higher-res display, the ‘always-on’ display, the same Snapdragon 820/Adreno 530 set up as the Xperia, and it packs more RAM, has the dual cameras for wide-angle shots, a removable battery, and modules you can use to enhance your device.
The Sony Xperia XZ is a fine device if you do not mind going without having a fingerprint sensor, and have to stay on GMS networks – no Verizon or Sprint. It does have dual, front-facing, stereo speakers, and is IP68 water and dust certified, but those are not enough reasons to purchase this smartphone. It has a smaller display, only an FHD resolution, 3GB of RAM and a fingerprint sensor that would need to be flashed with the UK firmware to work in the US. To top it all off, you hit with a $700 price tag.
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