Introduction

Here we have the battle of the ‘3s’ – the newest LG G3 and the new Sony Xperia Z3.  Both devices are updated versions of their popular predecessors, especially the LG G2, as the Xperia Z2 was slightly missing in action on the sales front.

There are a few similarities between these two devices, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz, so both devices will fly through their tasks.  Although the LG G3 comes in two variations, the most common one is 3GB of RAM with 32GB of internal storage and that matches up with the Xperia Z3.  Both devices have a microSD slot to add up to 128GB of additional storage.  The batteries are also very close – the Z3 is 3,100mAh versus a 3,000mAh in the G3.  They are actually very close to the same size, all the way to the weight: 152 grams for the Z3 and 149 grams for the G3.

Please look over the detailed specifications below and you can see where these two devices are the same and where they differ.  We will then look at each individual device and discuss its pros and cons.  Using all of that information, we will try and pick a winner for this comparison.

Specifications

LG G3

The LG G3 has a new smooth and sexy look – rounded sides that roll into a curved back that combines the beautiful look of brushed metal and the practicality of plastic.  The G3 has a stunning 5.5-inch QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and an amazing 538 Pixels-Per Inch (PPI) – some would say it is overkill, you be the judge.  Most models include the 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage with a microSD slot that will allow you to add another 128GB to store all of your pictures and music library directly on the device (who needs that cloud).  The camera is a terrific 13MP shooter with dual-LED flash, OIS+ and a new laser auto focus for quick and precise focusing and picture taking.  It has a removable 3000mAh battery to provide the power.

The LG G3 has a newer and cleaner UI that employs the new ‘flatter’ look and makes Android 4.4 KitKat look great.  LG has also included some great software – Smart Notice, KnockON, Knock Code, Quick Memo, Side Aside and Clip Tray – all designed to help enhance the user experience.

The LG G3 is widely available wherever you live and competitive pricing will allow you to grab a G3 for a great price, generally much lower than the normal $200 on a two-year contract.  Good looks, good specs and a good price make for a great device.

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony rushed to get the Z3 out to compete against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8, and the LG G3, so it is very similar to the Xperia Z2 that came out about six months prior.  That is not to say that the Z3 is not a great smartphone, because it is, but with the huge gap in price, the Xperia Z2 might be something to consider.  Sony never did land a U.S. carrier for the Z2, but T-Mobile will be the Z3’s exclusive carrier this time around.

The Xperia Z3 has a metal frame and a glass back, giving it a real feel of quality, but its squared-off edges can be a little hard on the hand if held for long periods of time.  The Z3’s Full HD IPS LCD display is gorgeous, but still falls way below, spec wise, of the QHD display of the G3.  It does have a great Sony camera coming in at 20.7MP and Sony added a 25mm wide angle to it allowing the user to capture more in the viewfinder and photo.  It does lack the razor sharp OIS+ and laser auto focus of the G3, as well as the dual-LED flash.  The Z3 does sport a slightly larger 3,100mAh versus 3,000mAh battery than the G3, but is of the non-removable variety.

The Xperia Z3 has a few extras that the LG G3 lacks – stereo front-facing speakers, and it is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance, so you do not have to be afraid to get the Z3 wet.  It also has an optional PS4 controller that will allow you to snap in your Z3 and remotely play your PS4 games on your Z3.

Sony promises a timely release on T-Mobile, but it still will not be for a while, and pricing has not yet been set, although Sony devices are generally pretty expensive and rumors place it as high as $885 off-contract.

…And the Winner is…

Summary

I have to give this one to the LG G3 – while the Xperia Z3 is a beautiful device, the smooth, curved lines of the LG G3 makes it so much comfortable to hold in your hands for long periods of time.  Then there is the QHD display – as long as the brightness is up, it will dazzle you and draw you in, making you a believer in the ‘numbers’ game.  Sony makes a great camera, heck, they make most of the lenses the other flagship devices use, but the G3’s dual-LED flash, OIS+ and Laser auto focus are added bonuses.  The removable battery, the IR Blaster and built-in wireless charging are more of those extras.

When both devices have a great build, the same processor, RAM and storage capabilities, it has to come down to the little extras, and the LG G3 just has more of those little extras of the Xperia Z3 provides and a killer display.

Please hit us up on our Google+ Page and let us know which one of these devices gets your vote and why…as always, we would love to hear from you.