Phone Comparison
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Samsung Galaxy S6 Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right phone.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
Xperia Z1 Compact
+
What's good
+
Excellent processing speed and power
+
Accurate and deep colors
+
Long battery life
+
Easy to use one-handed
−
What's not
−
Thicker and heavier than larger smartphones
−
White balance is a little off
−
Back cover scratches easily
Galaxy S6
+
What's good
+
Performance
+
Display quality
+
Camera
+
Design
+
Wireless charging
+
Android 5.0 Lollipop
−
What's not
−
No microSD support
−
Non-removable battery
−
Price
Xperia Z1 Compact
+
Good
+
Excellent processing speed and power
+
Accurate and deep colors
+
Long battery life
+
Easy to use one-handed
−
Not
−
Thicker and heavier than larger smartphones
−
White balance is a little off
−
Back cover scratches easily
Galaxy S6
+
Good
+
Performance
+
Display quality
+
Camera
+
Design
+
Wireless charging
+
Android 5.0 Lollipop
−
Not
−
No microSD support
−
Non-removable battery
−
Price
Spec data
How they compare
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Price (MSRP)
$530
$685
OS
Android
Android
Processor
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
Camera zoom
—
—
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
137g (4.8 oz)
138g (4.9 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Yes
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Price (MSRP)
$530
Price (MSRP)
$685
OS
Android
OS
Android
Processor
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Processor
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
137g (4.8 oz)
Weight
138g (4.9 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
Yes
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Released
Jan 2014
Apr 2015
Announced
—
—
Price tier
Mid-range
Mid-range
Also Known As
Sony D5503
—
Processor
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
CPU Speed
2200MHz
2100MHz
RAM
2GB
3GB
Storage
16 GB
32/64/128 GB
Price (USD)
$530
$685
Regions
USA, Canada
USA, Canada
Regional Variants
—
—
Warranty
1 Year
2 Years
Accessories
AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
AC Charger, Manual
OS
Android
Android
OS at Launch
4.3 Jelly Bean
5.0 Lollipop
Current Version
—
7.0 Nougat
OS Updates
—
—
Security Updates
—
—
Custom UI
—
—
Type
Color
Color
Technology
LCD (TFT)
Super AMOLED
Size
4.3"
5.1"
Resolution
720 × 1280
1440 × 2560
Pixel Density
342 ppi
577 ppi
Colors
16.7 million
16.7 million
Refresh Rate
—
—
Touch Sampling Rate
—
—
Peak Brightness
—
—
Always On Display
DC Dimming
DisplayMate Grade
—
—
Multi-touch
Fingerprint Resistant
Sensors
Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Additional Features
Capacitive touch screen
Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Secondary Display
Type
—
—
Size
—
—
Resolution
—
—
Main Camera
20MP
16MP
Flash
Yes (LED)
Yes (LED)
Sensor Name
—
—
Sensor Size
—
—
Focal Length (Main)
—
—
Focal Length (Ultrawide)
—
—
Focal Length (Telephoto)
—
—
Optical Zoom
—
—
Digital Zoom
8
—
Video Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Unknown
Video FPS
—
—
Video Length
—
—
Video Formats
MPEG-4, 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, XviD, AVI
MPEG-4, WMV, FLV, 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, ASF, AVI
Features
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Multi-shot, Image stabilization, ISO
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, ISO
Additional Info
HDR, Scene recognition
HDR
Front Camera
Video Recording
Resolution
2MP
5MP
Video Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
—
Video FPS
—
—
Zoom
Optical Zoom
—
—
Digital Zoom
—
—
Features
Self-timer, Self-portrait
—
Additional Info
-
-
DxOMark Overall
—
—
DxOMark Photo
—
—
DxOMark Video
—
—
DxOMark Zoom
—
—
DxOMark Bokeh
—
—
DxOMark Selfie
—
—
DxOMark Rank
—
—
Chip
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
Process Node
—
—
GPU
—
—
RAM
2GB
3GB
Storage
16 GB
32/64/128 GB
AnTuTu v11
—
—
Geekbench 6 Single
—
—
Geekbench 6 Multi
—
—
Geekbench 5 Single
—
—
Geekbench 5 Multi
—
—
Capacity
2,300 mAh
2,550 mAh
Type
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Removable
Fast Charging
—
—
Wireless Charging
—
—
Comes with Charger
—
—
Talk Time
18h 00m
23h 00m
Video Playback
12h 00m
13h 00m
Internet (WiFi)
12h 37m
12h 00m
Internet (Cellular)
—
12h 00m
Standby
21h 54m
13h 00m
Mixed Usage
—
—
Charge Time 0–100%
—
—
Charged in 30 Min
—
—
GSMArena Score
—
—
Battery Life (Call)
—
—
Battery Life (Video)
—
—
Battery Life (Web)
—
—
Battery Life (Gaming)
—
—
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
WiFi Version
—
—
Bluetooth
4.0
4.1
Bluetooth Profiles
A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, aptX
SBC, aptX
USB Type
Micro-USB 2.0
Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG
USB Speed
—
—
NFC
Infrared
Headset Jack
3.5mm
3.5mm
Mobile Hotspot
GPS
GPS Type
A-GPS
A-GPS
UWB
Satellite
—
—
Memory Expansion
Expansion Type
MicroSD, MicroSDHC
—
Expansion Capacity
64MB
—
Networks
—
—
Data
4G/LTE
4G/LTE
VoLTE
Unknown
WiFi Calling
Unknown
Physical SIM
Micro-SIM
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM
eSIM
Push to Talk
Data Tethering
Form Factor
Bar
Bar
Material
Plastic
Aluminium
Frame Material
—
—
Rear Material
—
—
Colors
Black, White, Pink, Lime
White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Blue Topaz
Dimensions
12.7 × 6.5 × 0.9 cm (5 × 2.56 × 0.35 in)
14.3 × 7 × 0.7 cm (5.63 × 2.76 × 0.28 in)
Weight
137g
138g
IP Rating
IP58
—
Water Resistance
Water Resistant
Unknown
Fingerprint Sensor
No
Yes
Rugged Design
iFixit Score
—
—
Parts Availability
—
—
External Speakers
Stereo
Yes
Noise Cancellation
Dolby Atmos
Hi-Res Audio
FM Radio
GSMArena Loudness
—
—
Speaker Loudness
—
—
Touchscreen
Navigation Type
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Keyboard Type
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Home Key
Sleep/Wake Key
External Volume
SAR Head
1.43 W/kg
1.58 W/kg
SAR Body
1 W/kg
1.45 W/kg
Hearing Aid Compatible
TTY/TDD
Additional Information
—
—
Additional Comments
ANT+ support
Also available in a dual-SIM model.
Additional Sensors
- Barometer
Additional Features
- Ultra Power Saving Mode
- Download Booster
- S Health 4.0
- Quick Connect
- Private Mode
Quick Start Guide
—
—
Specifications are sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases and may contain errors. Suggest a correction →
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Released
Jan 2014
Released
Apr 2015
Announced
—
Announced
—
Price tier
Mid-range
Price tier
Mid-range
Also Known As
Sony D5503
Also Known As
—
Processor
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Processor
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
CPU Speed
2200MHz
CPU Speed
2100MHz
RAM
2GB
RAM
3GB
Storage
16 GB
Storage
32/64/128 GB
Price (USD)
$530
Price (USD)
$685
Regions
USA, Canada
Regions
USA, Canada
Regional Variants
—
Regional Variants
—
Warranty
1 Year
Warranty
2 Years
Accessories
AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Accessories
AC Charger, Manual
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
OS
Android
OS
Android
OS at Launch
4.3 Jelly Bean
OS at Launch
5.0 Lollipop
Current Version
—
Current Version
7.0 Nougat
OS Updates
—
OS Updates
—
Security Updates
—
Security Updates
—
Custom UI
—
Custom UI
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Type
Color
Type
Color
Technology
LCD (TFT)
Technology
Super AMOLED
Size
4.3"
Size
5.1"
Resolution
720 × 1280
Resolution
1440 × 2560
Pixel Density
342 ppi
Pixel Density
577 ppi
Colors
16.7 million
Colors
16.7 million
Refresh Rate
—
Refresh Rate
—
Touch Sampling Rate
—
Touch Sampling Rate
—
Peak Brightness
—
Peak Brightness
—
Always On Display
Always On Display
DC Dimming
DC Dimming
DisplayMate Grade
—
DisplayMate Grade
—
Multi-touch
Multi-touch
Fingerprint Resistant
Fingerprint Resistant
Sensors
Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Sensors
Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Additional Features
Capacitive touch screen
Additional Features
Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Secondary Display
Secondary Display
Type
—
Type
—
Size
—
Size
—
Resolution
—
Resolution
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Main Camera
20MP
Main Camera
16MP
Flash
Yes (LED)
Flash
Yes (LED)
Sensor Name
—
Sensor Name
—
Sensor Size
—
Sensor Size
—
Focal Length (Main)
—
Focal Length (Main)
—
Focal Length (Ultrawide)
—
Focal Length (Ultrawide)
—
Focal Length (Telephoto)
—
Focal Length (Telephoto)
—
Optical Zoom
—
Optical Zoom
—
Digital Zoom
8
Digital Zoom
—
Video Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Video Resolution
Unknown
Video FPS
—
Video FPS
—
Video Length
—
Video Length
—
Video Formats
MPEG-4, 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, XviD, AVI
Video Formats
MPEG-4, WMV, FLV, 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, ASF, AVI
Features
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Multi-shot, Image stabilization, ISO
Features
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer, Multi-shot, Effects, ISO
Additional Info
HDR, Scene recognition
Additional Info
HDR
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Front Camera
Front Camera
Video Recording
Video Recording
Resolution
2MP
Resolution
5MP
Video Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Video Resolution
—
Video FPS
—
Video FPS
—
Zoom
Zoom
Optical Zoom
—
Optical Zoom
—
Digital Zoom
—
Digital Zoom
—
Features
Self-timer, Self-portrait
Features
—
Additional Info
-
Additional Info
-
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
DxOMark Overall
—
DxOMark Overall
—
DxOMark Photo
—
DxOMark Photo
—
DxOMark Video
—
DxOMark Video
—
DxOMark Zoom
—
DxOMark Zoom
—
DxOMark Bokeh
—
DxOMark Bokeh
—
DxOMark Selfie
—
DxOMark Selfie
—
DxOMark Rank
—
DxOMark Rank
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Chip
Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core
Chip
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa core
Process Node
—
Process Node
—
GPU
—
GPU
—
RAM
2GB
RAM
3GB
Storage
16 GB
Storage
32/64/128 GB
AnTuTu v11
—
AnTuTu v11
—
Geekbench 6 Single
—
Geekbench 6 Single
—
Geekbench 6 Multi
—
Geekbench 6 Multi
—
Geekbench 5 Single
—
Geekbench 5 Single
—
Geekbench 5 Multi
—
Geekbench 5 Multi
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Capacity
2,300 mAh
Capacity
2,550 mAh
Type
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Type
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Removable
Removable
Fast Charging
—
Fast Charging
—
Wireless Charging
—
Wireless Charging
—
Comes with Charger
—
Comes with Charger
—
Talk Time
18h 00m
Talk Time
23h 00m
Video Playback
12h 00m
Video Playback
13h 00m
Internet (WiFi)
12h 37m
Internet (WiFi)
12h 00m
Internet (Cellular)
—
Internet (Cellular)
12h 00m
Standby
21h 54m
Standby
13h 00m
Mixed Usage
—
Mixed Usage
—
Charge Time 0–100%
—
Charge Time 0–100%
—
Charged in 30 Min
—
Charged in 30 Min
—
GSMArena Score
—
GSMArena Score
—
Battery Life (Call)
—
Battery Life (Call)
—
Battery Life (Video)
—
Battery Life (Video)
—
Battery Life (Web)
—
Battery Life (Web)
—
Battery Life (Gaming)
—
Battery Life (Gaming)
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
WiFi Version
—
WiFi Version
—
Bluetooth
4.0
Bluetooth
4.1
Bluetooth Profiles
A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Profiles
A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, aptX
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, aptX
USB Type
Micro-USB 2.0
USB Type
Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG
USB OTG
USB Speed
—
USB Speed
—
NFC
NFC
Infrared
Infrared
Headset Jack
3.5mm
Headset Jack
3.5mm
Mobile Hotspot
Mobile Hotspot
GPS
GPS
GPS Type
A-GPS
GPS Type
A-GPS
UWB
UWB
Satellite
—
Satellite
—
Memory Expansion
Memory Expansion
Expansion Type
MicroSD, MicroSDHC
Expansion Type
—
Expansion Capacity
64MB
Expansion Capacity
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Networks
—
Networks
—
Data
4G/LTE
Data
4G/LTE
VoLTE
Unknown
VoLTE
WiFi Calling
Unknown
WiFi Calling
Physical SIM
Micro-SIM
Physical SIM
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM
Dual SIM
eSIM
eSIM
Push to Talk
Push to Talk
Data Tethering
Data Tethering
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Form Factor
Bar
Form Factor
Bar
Material
Plastic
Material
Aluminium
Frame Material
—
Frame Material
—
Rear Material
—
Rear Material
—
Colors
Black, White, Pink, Lime
Colors
White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Blue Topaz
Dimensions
12.7 × 6.5 × 0.9 cm (5 × 2.56 × 0.35 in)
Dimensions
14.3 × 7 × 0.7 cm (5.63 × 2.76 × 0.28 in)
Weight
137g
Weight
138g
IP Rating
IP58
IP Rating
—
Water Resistance
Water Resistant
Water Resistance
Unknown
Fingerprint Sensor
No
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes
Rugged Design
Rugged Design
iFixit Score
—
iFixit Score
—
Parts Availability
—
Parts Availability
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
External Speakers
Stereo
External Speakers
Yes
Noise Cancellation
Noise Cancellation
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
Hi-Res Audio
Hi-Res Audio
FM Radio
FM Radio
GSMArena Loudness
—
GSMArena Loudness
—
Speaker Loudness
—
Speaker Loudness
—
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Navigation Type
Touchscreen
Navigation Type
Touchscreen
Keyboard Type
Touchscreen
Keyboard Type
Touchscreen
Home Key
Home Key
Sleep/Wake Key
Sleep/Wake Key
External Volume
External Volume
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
SAR Head
1.43 W/kg
SAR Head
1.58 W/kg
SAR Body
1 W/kg
SAR Body
1.45 W/kg
Hearing Aid Compatible
Hearing Aid Compatible
TTY/TDD
TTY/TDD
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Additional Information
—
Additional Information
—
Additional Comments
ANT+ support
Additional Comments
Also available in a dual-SIM model.
Additional Sensors
- Barometer
Additional Features
- Ultra Power Saving Mode
- Download Booster
- S Health 4.0
- Quick Connect
- Private Mode
Related Links
Related Links
Manual
Manual
Quick Start Guide
—
Quick Start Guide
—
Specifications are sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases and may contain errors. Suggest a correction →
Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
Xperia Z1 Compact
5" × 2.6"
Galaxy S6
5.6" × 2.8"
Thickness · to scale
Xperia Z1 Compact
0.4"
Galaxy S6
0.3"
Xperia Z1 Compact
Galaxy S6
Height
5" (127 mm)
5.6" (143 mm)
Width
2.6" (65 mm)
2.8" (70 mm)
Depth
0.4" (9 mm)
0.3" (7 mm)
Weight
137g (4.8 oz)
138g (4.9 oz)
Screen
4.3"
5.1"
Height
5" (127 mm)
Height
5.6" (143 mm)
Width
2.6" (65 mm)
Width
2.8" (70 mm)
Depth
0.4" (9 mm)
Depth
0.3" (7 mm)
Weight
137g (4.8 oz)
Weight
138g (4.9 oz)
Screen
4.3"
Screen
5.1"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
Xperia Z1 Compact vs Galaxy S6 — FAQ
Which is better, the Xperia Z1 Compact or Galaxy S6?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the Galaxy S6 earns a Compass Score of 9.0 compared to 8.8 for the Xperia Z1 Compact. That 0.2-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Which phone is more affordable, the Xperia Z1 Compact or Galaxy S6?
The Xperia Z1 Compact launches at $530, which is $155 less than the Galaxy S6 at $685. Street prices shift after launch, so check current deals for both phones before deciding.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated April 2026. Suggest a correction →