Introduction

This is another great comparison – the new Google Nexus 6 versus the new Sony Xperia Z3 – neither device has actually made it to the U.S. market yet and both were highly anticipated.  It is also interesting to note that while the Nexus line has always been in the U.S. that the Xperia Z3 is finally making its timely appearance on T-Mobile…I hate exclusivity, but at least users will have a chance to finally purchase one.

These two devices are going after the same high-end market, and while they have a few similarities, they are more different than alike.  Both devices score high in the looks department – the Nexus 6 has the smooth curve of its smaller brother, the Moto X, but larger in all directions.  Both devices have a beautiful metal frame that wraps around the edges – the Nexus 6 has a plastic back and the Xperia Z3 has a glass back, but both devices feel like a fine Stradivarius in your hand.

Both have 3GB of RAM and both offer a 32GB of storage option – the Nexus 6 also offers a 64GB option with no expansion and the Xperia Z3 also offers a smaller, 16GB version, but does have a microSD card slot to add an additional 128GB of memory.  The front facing cameras (FFC) are about the same – 2MP for the Nexus 6 versus 2.2MP for the Xperia Z3.  The batteries are also close with the Nexus 6 sporting a huge 3220mAh and the Xperia Z3 coming in at 3100mAh…both batteries should give you a full day or more of service.

The Nexus 6 is larger all around and weighs in at 184 grams versus 152 grams for the Xperia Z3.  They both have the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Nexus 6 has 4.1 and the Xperia Z3 has 4.0), NFC capable, and both have a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.  Both offer front-facing stereo speakers and, surprisingly, both are about the same pricing for the 32GB model.

Please take a look at the detailed specifications below and then we will explore each device on their own and try and pick out the pros and cons to determine a winner in this comparison.

Specifications

Nexus 6

The new Nexus 6 is turning a lot heads – some in a good way and others in a bad way – there are people, like myself, that are excited that the Nexus line is finally competing head-to-head with the best smartphones on the market.  But then you have the loyal Nexus buyers that are disappointed that Google has chosen to make it so big and so expensive…and I feel for them.  The Nexus line has always offered a solid value and that pure Android experience…but at a reasonable price.  It was never cutting edge – it couldn’t be for the price – but it was still a great value and there is such a loyal Nexus following that this new Nexus 6 may just turn off, and that is a shame…like a slap in their face.

The display not only jumps from 5-inches to 6-inches, but it jumps from Full HD to QHD and also from the LCD to AMOLED technology with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 with 493 pixels-per inch (PPI) – that is a lot of change and an expensive one, but it certainly trumps the 5.2-inch Full HD display found on the Xperia Z3.  Both devices use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, however, the Nexus 6 uses the latest quad-core 805 clocked at 2.7GHz versus the 801 model in the Xperia Z3.  The 13MP camera with auto focus, OIS and a dual-LED Flash Ring that encompasses the lens in the Nexus 6 is a huge improvement over the 8MP in the Nexus 6 – but in this area the Sony should still trump it.

The new Nexus 6 also offers the Nexus Wireless Charging, the Motorola Turbo Charger – which can give up to 8 hours of use from a 15-minute charge – dual front-facing stereo speakers, is available not only in the Play Store, but also on all major U.S. networks as well as U.S. Cellular.  It will run you $649 off contract (ouch) for the 32GB model…but if you are willing to go with a two-year contract, you can probably get it at a great price, although it will be intersting how much carrier bloat is put on the Nexus 6 – usually free from such rubbish.

Last, but certainly not least – far from it – you will get the newest Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system with a whole slew of improvements, including 64-bit.  The Nexus 6 also comes with some great software benefits brought over from the Moto X.

Sony Xperia Z3

The new Sony Xperia Z3 is a six-month makeover of the Xperia Z2, which never really reached the U.S.  The Xperia Z3 is very much in staying with the same glass and metal construction that made the Xperia line a hit – and with the Z3, Sony rounded the metal edges, making it much more comfortable to hold…and to look at.  It has a real premium look and feel.

The Sony Xperia Z3 has a ‘smaller’ 5.2-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 424 PPI and uses the IPS LCD technology – a beautiful display, but not in the same ‘pixel park’ as the Nexus 6.  The Xperia Z3 does use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, but a lower model, the quad-core 801 clocked at 2.5GHz.  The Xperia does offer the expandable internal storage of up to 128GB via a microSD card, while the most you can get in the Nexus 6 is 64GB.  The Xperia Z3 is a little smaller all around, so if you want a premium device that may be a little easier to hold and carry than the Nexus 6, the Z3 may help in those regards.

The camera area, always important in buying a smartphone, is where the Sony Xperia Z3 shines – 20.7MP with LED Flash and auto focus…but they went a step further and made it a 25mm wide-angle lens.  This means that you can capture a wider shot and get in more landscape or more people in a group picture.

As far as extra features, the Z3 does have the DLNA option and is Wi-Fi calling ready.  It too offers stereo speakers in the front (under one grill), an FM Radio, and with an option holder that allows you to turn your Z3 into a PS4 Remote Player.  While the Nexus 6 does have a nano-coating to repel water, the Xperia Z3 is fully IP65 and IP68 certified for dust and water resistance.  This means that the Nexus 6 is fine in a rain shower, but the Xperia can go under water and take pictures or a video.

The Xperia Z3 is running Android 4.4.4 KitKat with its Xperia UI – a light overlay.  It can be purchased soon from T-Mobile with an estimated off contract price of $530 – $630.

...And the Winner Is…

Summary

The win here has to go to the new Nexus 6 – with a better display, a more up-to-date processor, greatly improved camera, slightly larger battery, dual front-facing stereo speakers, the wireless charging option, the Motorola Turbo Charger, complete network availability, and excellent Moto/Google software and the final trump card – Android 5.0 Lollipop, we have the winner.

The Sony Xperia Z3 may have a better camera, be waterproofed and have the PS4 option (which will excite just a few), but that is not enough to overtake the new Nexus 6, and that is why it is crowned the winner of this comparison.

Please hook up with us on our Google+ Page and let us know which one of these awesome devices you would have picked as the winner…AND why!  As always, we would love to hear from you.