If you are considering Samsung Galaxy Alpha or the Z3 Compact as your next phone, you are among those who don’t drool over extra large phablets and perhaps prefer something more portable with easy single handed operations. If you are looking for something top of the line that fits this criterion in Android world, there are two options that you will definitely come across. Let’s stack them against one another based on their hardware specifications.
Display and Processor
The Sony Xperia Z3 has a 4.6 Inch IPS LCD display with a shatter proof glass on top. The display is marginally smaller than 4.7 Inch display in Galaxy Alpha but both have 720P HD resolution well suited to the display size. Overall footprint of Xperia Z3 Compact is smaller (127.3 x 64.9 x 8.6 mm) than Galaxy Alpha (132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm), but Galaxy Alpha is slimmer which gives it a very nice feel.
The choice will depend on what kind of display technology you are comfortable with. The AMOLED display will give excellent blacks, contrasts and colors but the IPS LCD panel will give you better and pure whites. In case you read more than you watch videos, IPS LCD panel will suit you better.
The Xperia Z3 compact is powered by 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801, the best in its class aided by 2 GB RAM while the Galaxy Alpha has an equally interesting latest 20nm Process based Exynos 5430 with Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 paired with Mali-T628 MP6. Both processors won’t leave much to complain about, although Xperia Z3 Compact has an edge.
Camera and Internal Storage
The Xperia Z3 Compact features a 20.7 MP rear camera with a large 1/ 2.3 Inch sensor while Galaxy Alpha features a 12 MP rear shooter at the back. Both smartphones can record 4K videos if you would want them to. MegaPixel count isn’t the best judge for camera quality and both Camera’s have good enough pixel count to satiate photography enthusiasts.
Internal Storage is where Xperia Z3 Compact has a clear cut advantage. The Xperia Z3 Compact has 16 GB onboard storage and option for 128 GB of MicroSD storage expansion. With Galaxy Alpha, you will have to remain content with 32 GB internal storage (which isn’t scanty). Depending on your usage pattern, this could be an Xperia Z3 Compact advantage or perhaps something which won’t matter.
Battery and Other Features
The Xperia Z3 compact uses a 2600 mAh battery which is expected to last tad bit longer than 1860 mAh unit employed in Galaxy Alpha. The Galaxy Alpha has a 20nm Process SoC (vs 28 nm) and power efficient AMOLED display to power and thus the difference in backup won’t be as pronounced as might appear from Raw numbers. Xperia Z3 Compact has an advantage in this regards.
The Xperia Z3 Compact also benefits from IP58 dust and water resist certification and MHL for viewing content on your HDTV. These can be the deciding fators based on your individual usage. Both Phones run on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and have similar set of connectivity options.
Key Specs
| Model | Samsung Galaxy Alpha | Sony Xperia Z3 Compact |
| Display | 4.7 Inch , HD, Super AMOLED | 4.6 Inch , HD, IPS LCD |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz Quad Core + 1.3 GHz Quad Core, Exynos 530 | 2.5 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 801 |
| RAM | 2GB | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 16 GB, Expandable by 128 GB |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 Kitkat | Android 4.4.4 Kitkat |
| Camera | 12 MP/ 2.1 MP | 20.7 MP/ 2.1 MP |
| Battery | 1860 mAh | 2600 mAh |
| Price | 39,990 INR | 44,990 INR |
Conclusion
The Xperia Z3 Compact will appeal more to the spec junkies and will cost you 5K INR more. The Galaxy Alpha doesn’t make any grave compromises and is capable of delivering the same user experience for general usage scenario. The choice between the two should primarily depend on the type of display technology (AMOLED vs IPS LCD) that you prefer.
