Michael Grothaus 28/02/2017 - 2:36pm

MWC’s latest phablet flagships compared – the LG G6 and Sony's Xperia XZ Premium duke it out

As Mobile World Congress continues this week the biggest handset makers are continuing to take the wraps off their flagship Android smartphones for 2017. The latest flagship announcement has been the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, The XZ joins other heavyweight announcements like the LG G6. Both are 5.5in+ beasts and both will be competing for your pocketbook.

But which, in the end, deserves your money? We take a look at both the Sony Xperia XZ Premium and the LG G6 to see how each stacks up. Which one has the better display (hint: there is a clear winner here)? Which has the faster processor and RAM? Which looks cooler? Let’s find out.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium vs LG G6: Specs

Here’s the specs for the Sony Xperia XZ Premium:

  • Display: 5.5in display with a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution at 807ppi
  • Dimensions: 156 x 77 x 7.9 mm
  • Weight: 195 grams
  • Storage: 64GB, plus support for microSD cards up to 256GB
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.4GHz 64-bit Octa-core processor
  • Front camera: 13 MP
  • Rear camera: 19 MP
  • Battery life: 3230 mAh
  • Colors: Luminous Chrome, Deepsea Black

And here’s the specs for the LG G6:

  • Display: 5.7in display with a 2880×1440-pixel resolution at 564ppi
  • Dimensions: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mm
  • Weight: 163 grams
  • Storage: 32 or 64GB, plus support for microSD cards up to 256GB
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
  • Front camera: 5 MP
  • Rear camera: Dual 13 MP
  • Battery life: 3300 mAh
  • Colors: Astro Black, Ice Platinum, Mystic White

Both phones come in 64GB storage options–and only 64GB storage options. While some like their phones to have more built in storage, at least Sony nor LG try to skimp by offering a 32GB device. Besides, if 64GB isn’t enough for you, both phones also supports storage expansion via the microSD card slot up to 256GB in size.

When it comes to RAM, 4GB is what you get with either phone, no matter what storage size. As for processors, the XZ features Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 2.4GHz 64-bit Octa-core processor. As for the G6, you get Qualcomm’s not as fast Snapdragon 821. Which is better? The 835 in the XZ is going to outperform the 821 found in the G6–but not by that much.

When it comes to battery, the G6 technically has a slightly larger battery at 3300 mAh versus the XZ’s 3230 mAh battery. Still, expect virtually the same battery life for each device, since the differences in battery size are minuscule and they both need to power the massive screens of each device.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium vs LG G6: Design & Build

I’m a HUGE fan of the XZ with its premium glass loop surface that creates a mirror effect that reflects the world around you. This is a refreshing design change from the normal aluminum slate designs most phone have nowadays. That’s not to say the G6 doesn’t look beautiful as well, with its aluminum body, it’s just that the XZ wins in the looks department this time because the phone is doing something different from a design perspective.

As for physical size, both phones are the same 7.9mm thickness, whereas the XZ is slightly longer and wider than the G6. That says something of the L6’s designers as they managed to get a larger screen size into a smaller body.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium vs LG G6: Display

But when we get to the display itself, the XZ wins hands down. It’s not even a fight in this department. The Sony Xperia XZ Premium has a gorgeous 5.5in 4K display with a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution at a staggering 807ppi. That’s compared to the G6’s 5.7in beast of a display with 2880×1440-pixels at 564ppi. As you can tell from the specs, the contest is over. The XZ hands down has the better display.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium vs LG G6: Cameras

But the G6 strikes back in a BIG WAY when you get to the camera department. The G6 features a dual-camera lens in its rear camera. That’s right, there are TWO lenses in the back camera, both 13MP, leading to pictures that approach DSLR quality. The XZ still features a single lens 19MP camera. No question about it, you will get MUCH better pics using the G6’s camera.

As for front facing cameras, the XZ beats the G6 with a 13MP selfie camera. The G6’s selfie cam is stuck with a single 5MP lens.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium vs LG G6: Verdict

Yeeesh! This is a very VERY tough call. In many ways the Sony Xperia XZ Premium wins: it’s got the superior display by far. It’s also got the faster processor and the better design. But the LG G6 is incredibly compelling thanks to its superior dual lens camera system.

So which to choose? My advice is if gaming and everyday app-usage is the most important thing to you in a phone, opt for the Sony Xperia XZ Premium over the LG G6. However, if picture taking is something you primarily use your smartphone for, grab the G6. Pics don’t get better than that (without a DSLR).