Introduction

For this comparison, we have two devices that are not only equally matched in many specifications, but also with their arrival.  The latest word on the street is that the OnePlus One should be here by the end of May, not June as once thought, and the Sony Xperia Z2 still looks to be available “this summer” and may or may not be on Verizon’s network…it could be that you will only be able to purchase it through the Sony online store.  So these two devices are evenly matched when it comes to availability, or lack there of.

The LCD displays are similar, their processors are only slightly different, they both pack 3GB of RAM and both have a base model of 16GB of internal storage – the OnePlus One also offers a 64GB model, with no room for expansion, whereas the Sony Xperia Z2 offers no additional model, but it does offer a microSD card slot for up to 128GB of expansion.  The batteries are too close to call any real difference – 3100mAH on the One to 3200mAh on the Z2. Even the dimensions and weight are close enough not to cause a problem in carrying or using one over the other. Both devices have dual stereo speakers – the One’s are mounted on the bottom of the device and the Z2’s are mounted at each end on the front of the device.  Please take a look at the full specifications below and then we will look at each device individually and point out a few differences before we pick a winner.

 

Specifications

 

OnePlus One

The OnePlus One is a new contender from the Chinese upstart, OnePlus – started by an Oppo deserter, although it is also said to be wholly owned by Oppo…whatever the situation, their first offering called, One, is definitely turning some heads.  It offers high-end components at a mid-range price and many people, including ourselves, are interested in getting the One in hand for a real test run.  The One has a slightly larger display – 5.5-inches versus the 5.2-inch on the Sony Xperia Z2.  The processor also uses the true Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 clocked at 2.5GHz, not the Snapdragon 800 that is slightly ‘geeked’ up and clocked at 2.3GHz.  The One does not have a microSD card slot to expand its internal memory, but at $349 for a 64GB model, you cannot beat the price.  Both devices differ in the camera department – the One actually uses a 13MP Sony Exmor IMX214 six lens main camera with f/2.0 aperture and an amazing 5MP wide-angle front-facing camera so you can fit more image into you video chats or selfies, not to mention a dual flash.  One big difference will be in the user experience with the Android 4.4 KitKat – the One uses a CyanogenMod design that is supposed to be very much like pure vanilla Android, but with a few extra features to make it even more user-friendly, while the Z2 uses Xperia UI…Sony’s ‘skin’ on top of pure Android.

 

Sony Xperia Z2

The Sony Xperia Z2 is a beautiful device made from a glass front and back and metal strip around the entire device to hold it together.  But when that beauty will find its way over to the U.S., or other places, remains to be seen.  It is available for pre-order in Canada and they expect to have it in stock within a few days.  It sports a better 20.7 Exmor RS for mobile main camera and a 2.2MP front-facing camera for video chats and selfies.  Sony takes it photography very seriously and the Z2 is no different – it offers a dedicated camera button on the side of the smartphone.  The Z2 is certified water and dustproof – nice for taking pictures or videos under water at the next pool party.  The Z2 uses Sony’s Xperia UI, which is as close to pure Android as one can get to the Nexus 5, however, many reviewers have reported lagging and couple other known issues – 4K recording issues and some overheating.  Sony’s big drawback lies in its availability and high pricing – about $600 – $700 off-contract.

 

…and the Winner is…

Summary

This was a tough decision, however with slightly better everything but maybe the camera and the lack of a microSD card slot, I have to award this comparison to the OnePlus One.  Besides the slightly better specs in some areas, in the other areas – battery and speakers, for instance, they are equal.  The design is sexy, the specs are top-notch, with a dual LED flash, and now that we have an update that it should be shipping this month, along with half the price of the Sony – this comparison goes to the OnePlus One over the Sony Xperia Z2.

Please hook up with us on our Google+ Page and let us know what you think about these two devices…as always, we would love to hear from you.