Xiaomi Mi4 vs. Sony Xperia Z2 – Specifications, Features, Release Date and Price Showdown

The Sony Xperia Z2 was released in the first quarter of 2014, whereas the Xiaomi Mi4 has recently been launched in July. The Xiaomi Mi4 handset is now available for purchase in selected regions across the globe, this includes the U.S. markets. However, global release can be expected in the third quarter of 2014. The Sony Xperia Z2 and the Xiaomi Mi4 come packed with killer specifications that can give all the other top-sellers a run for their money. Readers who are interested in the Sony Xperia Z2 or the latest Xiaomi Mi4 should check out this specifications, features and price comparison.

Display, Exterior and Size

The Sony Xperia Z2 features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, whereas the Xiaomi Mi4 features a relatively smaller 5.0-inch Sharp/JDI OGS full lamination display. In addition, the Xperia Z2 comes bundled with a good screen resolution of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels and 424 ppi pixel density. The Xiaomi Mi4, on the other hand, features the same screen resolution, but the pixel strength stands at 441 ppi.

These killer screen resolutions in combination with impressive pixel strength provide stunning viewing experience in the humongous screens of Xperia Z2 and Xiaomi Mi4. However, the unique selling point of the Sony Xperia Z2 handset is the fusion of both Triluminos display technology and Sony's proprietary X-Reality engine from BRAVIA TV line tailor-made for mobiles. This combination provides the Xperia Z2 with better colour and image reproduction.

When it comes to appearance of the device, the Xiaomi has earned the reputation for quality build of Mi line of devices. However, there is no information available at this point on the exterior of the Xiaomi Mi4. In the meantime, the predecessor Xiaomi Mi3's exterior is made of plastic. In spite of plastic usage, the phone gives premium look with its metal-like body accompanying the glass display. Xiaomi's attention to detail and quality construction make the handset a good choice, according to CNet.

In addition, the Xperia Z2 features water and dust resistant (IP67 certified) exterior, while the Xiaomi Mi4 doesn't. The thickness and the weight of Xiaomi Mi4 are 0.35-inch and 149 g respectively, whereas the Sony Xperia Z2 is 0.32-inch thick and weighs 163 g.

Hardware, Software and Memory

Interestingly, both the phones are powered by the same quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801) Krait 400 processor and 3 GB of RAM. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi device is clocked at 2.5 GHz, whereas the Sony device is clocked at 2.3 GHz.

Sony Xperia Z2 runs on Android v4.4.2 KitKat OS, while the Xiaomi Mi4 runs on Android v4.4.3 KitKat OS with MIUI 6 UI. When it comes to memory, the Xiaomi Mi4 offers 16 GB and 64 GB of internal storage with no microSD card support. The Xperia Z2, meanwhile, comes with 16 GB of in-built storage and microSD card support for expansion up to 128 GB.

Camera and Battery

The Xiaomi Mi4 sports 13 MP rear-facing camera with dual-LED flash, whereas the Xperia Z2 comes with a whopping 20.7 MP primary camera with LED flash. When it comes to secondary camera, the Xiaomi trumps the Sony device with a surprisingly good 8 MP camera, while the Xperia Z2 houses a 2.2 MP front-facing shooter. In addition, both the handsets can shoot 4K (3,840 x 2,160) videos.

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Mi4 houses a solid Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery unit, whereas the Sony Xperia Z2 comes with a slightly better Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery unit. However, both the batteries are not user-replaceable.

Connectivity, SIM and Colour

Both the phones come equipped with Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot, microUSB port and NFC support. Besides, both the phones house micro-SIM. It is worth noting that Xiaomi supports WCDMA at this point, but a new variant is expected to hit the markets later this year with LTE support. While the Xiaomi handset supports Infrared port, the Sony handset doesn't. Also, the Xperia Z2 comes in black, white and purple hues, whereas the Xiaomi Mi4 comes in the standard black and white shades.

Price and Release Date

The Sony Xperia Z2 is priced at AU$659.95 in Australia. Notably, this is a reduction from the original price of AU$849.95. The Xiaomi Mi4, on the other hand, is priced at US$499 (roughly translates to AU$535) at this point. The handset is now available for purchase in Oppomart. In addition, Oppomart says the ordered handsets will start shipping between Aug. 5 and Aug. 10.

Interested readers can also buy the Xiaomi handset from Xiaomi World for US$459.99. However, the Xiaomi Mi4's release date in Australia is still not known.

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