Samsung Logo
People walk behind a glass window bearing the logo of Samsung Electronics at the company's headquarters in Seoul November 6, 2009. Reuters/Choi Bu-Seok

Samsung’s noteworthy Galaxy S5 successor, the Galaxy S6, has recently been launched at the MWC 2015 event. The stand out aspect of the S6 is the brand new design with a concoction of metal and glass, complemented by the housed cutting-edge configurations. Meanwhile, the well-received Sony Xperia Z3 was released in September 2014. Readers who are interested in purchasing the killer Samsung Galaxy S6 or the Sony Xperia Z3 should check out this comparison of features, specifications and prices.

Galaxy S6 vs. Xperia Z3: Display, Design And Size

The Samsung Galaxy S6 features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, packed with a 2K resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 pixels. This display combination trickles down to an impressive pixel density of 577 ppi. The Sony Xperia Z3, on the other hand, sports a slightly bigger 5.2-inch IPS LCD display and 1,080 x 1,920 pixels resolution. And this translates to a pixel density of an inferior 424 ppi. Readers should note that, the higher the pixel density, the display becomes clearer and sharper to give excellent viewing experience.

When it comes to design, the Galaxy S6 reportedly flaunts a brand new design language in contrast to other Galaxy S series of handsets. The South Korean conglomerate has constantly been criticised for the plastic-looking Galaxy S smartphones. Having taken the feedback and criticism seriously, the tech giant has made sure the 2015 flagship stands out in the design department. Notably, the leather rear panel has been ousted and instead, glass material has reportedly been used. Plus, the phone features a metal frame running through the sides of the device, similar to the Note 4. Overall, the Galaxy S6 looks effortlessly brilliant and it is apparently more durable, reports Tech2.

On the other hand, Sony has reportedly used the TRILUMINOS display technology and X-Reality to provide a crystal-clear and vivid display to the Xperia Z3. Similar to the predecessor Z2, the thick bezels on the top of the smartphone are sustained in the successor as well. But then, the bezels on the sides of the device are almost non-existent and thereby, it gives a sleek look to the smartphone. Plus, the edges of the Xperia Z3 are slightly curved unlike the Z2. In any case, the most-thoughtful aspect, however, is the “nylon coating” plastered on the corners of the Z3. Apparently, Sony believes this nylon coating is capable of minimising the damage to the device from accidental fall, according to Tech Radar.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the Xperia handset are 0.29-inch and 152 g respectively, while the Galaxy handset is 0.27-inch thick and weighs 138 g. Hence, it is clear that, the flagship Galaxy S6 is relatively thin and extremely light when compared to the Xperia Z3.

Galaxy S6 vs. Xperia Z3: Hardware, Software And Memory

The Xperia Z3 is powered by a relatively inferior quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801) processor, while the Galaxy S6 is powered by a superior and latest octa-core (Exynos 7420) SoC. Despite the difference, both the flagships are backed by the same 3 GB of RAM configuration.

From software end, the Galaxy S6 runs on the latest Android v5.0.2 Lollipop OS along with TouchWiz UI, whereas the Xperia Z3 runs on Android v4.4.4 KitKat OS. However, the Sony device is upgradable to Android v5.0 Lollipop.

Moreover, the Sony handset offers 16 GB and 32 GB of storage options with microSD card support for expansion up to 128 GB. The Samsung handset, on the other hand, comes with 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB of in-built storage options. However, this device does not support expandable storage option. But then, the increased built-in storage limit compensates the deficit.

Galaxy S6 vs. Xperia Z3: Camera And Battery

While the Galaxy S6 features a good 16 MP rear-facing camera with LED flash, optical image stabilisation and HDR, the Xperia Z3 trumps the Samsung handset by housing a killer 20.7 MP unit with LED flash, HDR and 4K video support. Additionally, there is a 2.2 MP secondary shooter in the Xperia Z3, whereas the Galaxy S6 comes with a gracious 5 MP shooter unit with HDR support at the front as well.

When it comes to the battery configuration, the Xperia Z3 trumps the Galaxy S6 fair and square. The Galaxy S6 houses a non-removable Li-Ion 2,550 mAh unit, while the Xperia Z3 features a non-removable Li-Ion 3,100 mAh unit.

Galaxy S6 vs. Xperia Z3: Additional Features

1. While the Samsung Galaxy S6 supports wireless charging feature, the Sony Xperia Z3 supports fast charging feature with the help of Quick Charge 2.0 technology. Plus, aside from the standard connectivity options, both the phones support 4G LTE and NFC. Besides, the S6 supports Infrared port as well.

2. The Xperia Z3 comes with water- and dust-proof exterior and therefore, the device is IP 68 certified. However, the Galaxy S6 does not come with the said feature.

3. While the Galaxy S6 houses a Fingerprint scanner, the Sony device doesn’t. Furthermore, the S6 supports the brand new payment system called Samsung Pay, which is analogous to the Apple Pay.

Galaxy S6 vs. Xperia Z3: Price And Release Date

As far as the Samsung Galaxy S6 price goes, Sam Mobile notes that, the 32 GB model will reportedly set the buyers back by 699 euro (i.e. ), whereas the 64 GB variant will be priced at 799 euro and the 128 GB version will cost 899 euro. However, the S6 price specific to the U.S. has not been revealed so far. Also, the Galaxy S6 release date is reportedly pegged for April 10. Meanwhile, the Sony Xperia Z3 will set the buyers back by .

Nonetheless, Sony has not confirmed the Xperia Z4 tablet specifications thus far.