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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 VS Sony Xperia Z1 Comparison Review

The Sony Xperia Z1 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 have been the biggest releases of the year, as far as we’re concerned. While the Galaxy Note 3 reinvents the term ‘phablet’ with its powerful internals and a whole new UI which allows for true multitasking, the Xperia Z1, on the other hand, is a device which has been designed keeping the shutterbug in you in mind.

xperia z1

As you would’ve expected, both these devices sell for over 40k INR, making them two of the most premium devices in the market. Need a 5 or 5+ inch device, and confused between the two? Keep reading while we try and clear your doubts.

Display and Processor

Both these devices feature 5 or 5+ inch screens. While the Sony Xperia Z1 comes with the same 5 inch panel seen on the Xperia Z, the Note 3 features a bigger 5.7 inch display. This 5.7 inch display is 0.2 inches bigger (diagonally) when compared to the previous Note device, the Note 2, which came with a 5.5 inch screen.

The Z1 as well as the Note 3 feature a full HD resolution on their respective screens. While the Note 3 has a pixel density of 386 ppi while the Z1 features a rather impressive 441 ppi. This means that images and video will be much sharper on the Z1, albeit on a smaller screen. However it is worth noting that not every eye will be able to notice the difference in pixel densities, so we recommend you to not base your judgement on the ppi count.


The Indian version of the Note 3 will adopt Samsung’s own Exynos 5 chipset which combines 2 CPUs, 4 core each. These two processing units are based on the Cortex A15 and the Cortex A7 platforms, clocked at 1.9 GHz and 1.6 GHz respectively. This is the same processor used in the Samsung Galaxy S4. On the other hand, the Sony Xperia Z1 comes with a 2.26 GHz quad core processor, the Snapdragon 800. The Snapdragon 800 is regarded as the world’s most powerful mobile processor, so you can expect the Z1 to be ahead in terms of performance.

The Xperia Z1 features 2GB of RAM, like the Xperia Z. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with 3GB of RAM, making it one of the best devices for multitasking.

Camera and Memory

The Note 3 comes in two variants, i.e., 32GB and 64GB. Samsung, very wisely, have given a 16GB variant a miss this time. The Xperia Z1, however, comes only in the 16GB variant which is pretty much a departure from Samsung tactics. The good thing here is that both devices come with SD card slots which will allow you to expand storage by up to 64GB.

On the imaging front, the Xperia Z1 takes the onus on itself. The phone features a 20.7MP camera, along with the latest technology which will let you click amazing pictures. The device uses a 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor for the 20.7 megapixels of picture.

The Note 3 puts emphasis on the multitasking aspect of the phone more than anything else, and features a 13MP camera unit which probably is the same unit which we saw earlier this year on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Both devices feature 2MP front cameras, which should suffice for most users out there.

Battery and Features

Just like the Note 2, you can expect the Note 3 to be an amazing performer as far as the battery is concerned. The phone comes with a 3200mAh unit, which is an upgrade from the 3100mAh unit which the Note 2 featured. You can expect about 4 hours of screen on time from this unit on one charge cycle, which will probably translate to 1.5-2 days of battery backup, which is something impressive.

The Xperia Z1 too doesn’t fall behind, and comes with a 3000mAh unit. Keeping in mind that the Xperia Z1 has a much smaller screen, you can expect the device to give you a few more hours of usage when compared to the Note 3. 2 days of runtime on a single charge will be more achievable than ever.

Key Specs

Model Sony Xperia Z1 Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Display 5 inches full HD 5.7 inches full HD
Processor 2.26 GHz quad core Snapdragon 800 1.9 GHz quad core + 1.6 GHz quad core
RAM 2GB 3GB
Internal storage 16GB expandable by up to 64GB 32/64GB
OS Android v4.2.2 Android v4.2.2
Cameras 20.7MP rear, 2MP front 13MP rear, 2MP front
Battery 3000mAh 3200mAh
Price 44,900 INR 49,990 INR

Conclusion

Both these devices have something in unique to offer. You just cannot choose 1 out of the two; your pattern of usage will demand either one of the device which will make it easier for you. While the Note 3 is for professionals who like to use their device for productivity and nothing else, the Xperia Z1 is more of an all-rounder, but with a soft spot for shutterbugs.

If your usage demands many applications running at once, you should go for the Note 3, and the Xperia Z1 if otherwise.

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Abhishek Bhatnagar

Abhishek Bhatnagar, a known technology blogger & YouTuber from India. A Software Engineer by qualification, now he works as the editor-In-Chief, Webmaster, & Managing Director at Gadgets To Use. He runs a number of other technology websites as well.