Sony Xperia Z4 versus Z3+ versus Z4v: What's the difference?

In Japan, the Sony Xperia Z4 is what you'll find in carrier stores. Over in Europe a very similar phone goes by the name Xperia Z3+. And now in the United States, Verizon and Sony bring us the Xperia Z4v.

So what's the difference between these three, beyond the obvious geographical distinctions. We'll take a quick look after the break.

Spec comparison

Here's the full breakdown of Xperia Z4, Z3+ and Z4v specs:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CategoryXperia Z4Xperia Z3+Xperia Z4v
Dimensions"About" 146mm × 72mm × 6.9mm146.3 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm144.4 x 72.3 x 8.6mm
Weight144 grams144 grams160 grams
Battery capacity2930mAh2930mAh3000mAh
Display5.2-inch Triluminos Display for Mobile at 1920x10805.2" 1080p FHD (1920x1080), IPS displaysRGB130% TRILUMINOS 700cd brightnessX-Reality for mobile5.2-inch IPS, WQHD (2560x1440), sRGB 130& TRILUMINOS
Memory32GB / 3GB32GB / 3GB32GB / 3GB
SD Memory SlotmicroSD, microSDHC, microSDXC (maximum 128GB)microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC (maximum 128GB)microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC (maximum 128GB)
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 810Qualcomm Snapdragon 810Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
Main Camera20.7-megapixel Exmor RS20.7-megapixel Exmor RS20.7-megapixel Exmor RS
Front Camera5.1-megapixel5-megapixel5-megapixel
Video recordingMain camera: 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps Front camera: 1080pMain camera: 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps Front camera: 1080pMain camera: 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps Front camera: 1080p
FlashMain camera onlyMain camera onlyMain camera only
Waterproof/DustproofIP65 and IP68IP65 and IP68IP65 and IP68
NFCYesYesYes
WifiIEEE802.11a / b / g / n (2.4GHz / 5GHz) / ac compliant, MIMO supportIEEE802.11a / b / g / n (2.4GHz / 5GHz) / ac compliant, MIMO supportIEEE802.11a / b / g / n (2.4GHz / 5GHz) / ac compliant, MIMO support
ColorsWhite, Black, Copper, Aqua GreenWhite, Black, Copper, Aqua GreenBlack, White
Wireless ChargingNoNoQi + PowerMat supported
Sold InJapanEuropeU.S. (Verizon Wireless)

The bottom line

  • The Xperia Z4 and Z3+ are basically the same phone. There's some discrepancy in the reported physical size, but that's likely because Sony Mobile Japan is rounding up (or down) in its spec listings.
  • The Xperia Z4v is thicker and heavier than its international cousins.
  • That's because it has a slightly bigger battery — 3,000mAh versus 2,930mAh — and wireless charging support.
  • Verizon's Z4v also ups the screen resolution to Quad HD (2560x1440) compared to Full HD (1920x1080) in the Z4 and Z3+. The screen size is the same across all three, at 5.2 inches.
  • The Z4v misses out on the "copper" and "aqua green" color variants of the global Sony flagships.
  • The Z4v also seems to use a different frame design — there appears to be more plastic in the join between body and screen compared to the metal trim of the Z3+ and Z4.

Stay tuned for full reviews of Sony's new flagship phones in both Europe and the U.S.

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.