Your smartphone really is a personal companion. In this first "companion comparison", we're going to have a look at the similarities and differences between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and the Sony Xperia Z in hopes to help you find the right companion (you can thank Reddit user hhabib92 for this comparison).
I haven't held the Xperia Z personally. That being said, I've herd it's quite the phone (from numerous sources - not just one).
They are 2 very different phones, and the Note 2 certainly looks a bit 'last year', but still holds up quite well. Both have quad core processors (the Note 2 using Samsung's own Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz, but the Xperia Z's quad core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon PRO should beat the Exynos in most performance tests (software can modify performance slightly, and the Z isn't being sold quite yet).
The screens are what you look at every day, and there is a big difference. The Z packs 1080p full HD resolution into a 5" screen, whereas the Note spreads 720p over a larger 5.5". The Z has a ridiculous pixel density of 441PPI, while the Note has a much more modest 267PPI. To put this into perspective, the iPhone has 326PPI, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 (international model) has 217PPI, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 Americain variants have a PPI of 207, the HTC One S, and Motorola Razr line (non-HD) all have around 250PPI...so the Note 2 has a resolution roughly consistent with mid-range phones. Then again, you won't be holding it quite as close to your face in regular use...so you won't notice as much pixelation. The Z's screen is super crisp...the Note 2's resolution is very usable, but becoming outdated. Both also have different screen technologies, so if you like Amoled's over saturated colours, the Note 2 has that. Otherwise, generally the Xperia Z give off more natural colours.
The screen is only worth looking at while the phone has enough juice to power the screen though...and both phones should have quite decent battery life, although there is no doubt the Note 2's massive battery will help it last longer.
In the design department, the Xperia looks better (at least to my eye). It just looks like a sleep slab of superb awesomeness, made out of glass. The Note 2 doesn't look bad either, but plastic doesn't feel like glass. It also doesn't shatter as easily...in short, the Xperia Z looks nicer, but the Note 2 is likely more durable. Again, I haven't held the Z personally, so this is all going by what I've herd. Don't forget that the Xperia Z is dust proof, shatter proof, scratch resistant, and most importantly water resistant (1 meter for 30 minutes).
Software can never be underestimated on your phone. Sure, you can install custom ROMs on your phone, but you shouldn't have to (and 95% of android users don't anyways). I haven't yet really played around with a Sony phone (I've tried demos in stores numerous times), and it feels alright...nothing more. The UI almost looks cartoony (especially the home button icon). Personally, I prefer Samsung's TouchWiz UI. Yes, it is hated by some, but it does add a whole lot of added features and functionality. Also to be noted (see what I did there?), is that the Note 2 comes with the S-pen, a stylus built specifically for the Note. I mention this, because it actually does add to the phone in certain situations. Taking notes is much better with the S-Pen than with any other stylus, and it has a button that will allow you to do certain things faster (or better) than with any other stylus, or just your finger.
Let's wrap this sucker up. The Note 2 has better battery life, and generally better software (very important). Sony's Xperia Z has a slight edge on processing power, a better screen, and is more durable. Depending on what you value in a phone, either could be better...but for Mr. Average Joe, Sony's Xperia Z takes the cake.
Send your own Comparison requests to QandAndroid@gmail.com. Or, tweet me (@QandAndroid)
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