The Sony MDR-ZX110 and Sony MDR-ZX310AP are both budget-friendly, wired headphones designed for portability and casual listening. While both models offer a lightweight and compact build, the ZX310AP stands out with improved sound quality, comfort, and an integrated microphone.
The ZX110, on the other hand, offers a more basic design, making it an excellent choice for users seeking simplicity. In this comparison, we’ll explore these sony headphones key differences in terms of design, sound quality, comfort, and additional features to help you choose the right model.
Dimensional Value
Sony MDR-ZX110: This model is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for portability and casual use. Its slim profile is easy to carry, appealing to users who prefer a minimalist design for everyday listening needs.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similar to the ZX110, the ZX310AP is compact and designed for on-the-go use. It maintains the same level of portability, providing a space-saving option for users who prioritize lightweight headphones without compromising functionality.
Available Colors
Sony MDR-ZX110: Comes in black, white, and pink, offering a range of options to match different personal styles. The color selection provides a subtle yet stylish look that can easily complement various outfits and preferences.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Available in black, white, and red, providing a slightly different color palette for users looking for more variety. This selection caters to those who may want a bolder or classic appearance, suitable for various fashion choices.
Sound Quality
Sony MDR-ZX110: Delivers balanced sound with moderate bass, appropriate for casual listening. Although it performs well for the price, it may lack depth for genres that require pronounced bass, such as electronic or hip-hop, and could feel light on low frequencies.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Known for enhanced bass response, this model provides a fuller, more dynamic audio experience. Its low-frequency performance makes it more suitable for bass-heavy music, offering greater depth and clarity in genres like pop, rock, or electronic.
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Comfortability
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lightweight and convenient, but with minimal cushioning, which may impact comfort during extended listening. For users with shorter listening sessions, this model remains suitable, although prolonged wear may feel slightly uncomfortable over time.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Equipped with additional padding, it provides improved comfort for longer use. Users often report it as a more comfortable choice compared to the ZX110, making it a better option for extended listening without causing discomfort.
Fit
Sony MDR-ZX110: Features an on-ear design that rests comfortably on the ears, although its compact size doesn’t fully immerse the listener. This fit is suitable for general use but may not offer substantial noise isolation in noisy settings.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similar on-ear design with a slightly better noise isolation than the ZX110, though it’s still not designed for high-intensity noise environments. Its snug fit makes it suitable for everyday use without causing much pressure.
Foldable
Sony MDR-ZX110: Foldable and highly portable, this model easily folds into a compact size, ideal for travel, commuting, and storing in bags or cases. The folding design enhances convenience for users who are frequently on the go.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also foldable, allowing for the same level of portability as the ZX110. This design feature adds to its appeal for users who prioritize easy storage and transport, especially when space is limited during travel.
Noise Cancellation
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lacks active noise cancellation but provides passive noise isolation thanks to its on-ear design. While it blocks some external sounds, it’s not effective in louder environments, making it best for use in quieter surroundings.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Does not include active noise cancellation either, performing similarly to the ZX110 in reducing ambient noise. Its passive isolation works well for moderate settings but is less effective in crowded or high-noise areas.
Battery Life
Sony MDR-ZX110: This is a wired model, meaning it does not require a battery and allows for uninterrupted, long-term use without the need for recharging. Its wired design is ideal for users seeking hassle-free, continuous playback.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also operates as a wired device, eliminating the need for batteries. This model provides users with consistent audio without interruptions, making it a convenient choice for those preferring no recharging requirements.
Battery Indicator
Sony MDR-ZX110: Since it’s a wired device, there is no battery indicator on this model. It’s built to be powered directly by the connected device, streamlining usage without requiring any monitoring of battery levels.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Like the ZX110, this model lacks a battery indicator due to its wired nature. It operates continuously without the need for battery life monitoring, providing a straightforward, plug-and-play listening experience.
Charge Time
Sony MDR-ZX110: No charging time is necessary for this wired model, as it draws power directly from the connected audio device. This makes it immediately ready for use, a convenient feature for users on the move.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similarly, there is no charge required due to its wired design. This allows for a simplified user experience, as users do not need to worry about charging and can enjoy uninterrupted listening sessions.
Charging Type
Sony MDR-ZX110: No charging type is required since it operates solely through a wired connection. This feature benefits users looking for a device without the hassle of charging or needing specific cables or adapters.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Being a wired device, there is no charging type or charging port. It allows users to plug directly into a compatible device and listen instantly, making it highly accessible and convenient for everyday use.
Weight
Sony MDR-ZX110: Weighing only 120 grams, this model is lightweight and comfortable for short to medium listening sessions. Its low weight makes it a good option for users who prioritize comfort and portability in their headphones.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Slightly heavier at 125 grams, although this difference is barely noticeable in daily use. The slight weight increase does not impact comfort, making it equally viable for extended listening and travel-friendly usage.
Cable
Sony MDR-ZX110: Comes with a tangle-free cable, enhancing ease of handling and adding durability. This design reduces the frustration of tangled wires and allows for quick storage and setup, particularly useful for users frequently on the move.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Equipped with a standard cable, although it lacks the tangle-free design of the ZX110. Nevertheless, it is still durable and effective for regular use, offering reliable connectivity without frequent tangling issues.
IP Rating
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lacks an IP rating, meaning it does not offer protection against water or dust. This makes it best suited for indoor or low-risk environments where exposure to moisture or particles is minimal.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similar to the ZX110, it does not have an IP rating, indicating no resistance to water or dust. Consequently, it is recommended for indoor or low-exposure environments to prevent potential damage from the elements.
Stereo Speakers
Sony MDR-ZX110: Offers stereo sound, creating an immersive audio experience suited to its budget-friendly price. This stereo setup enables a balanced listening experience, allowing users to enjoy clear left and right audio channels for depth in sound.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also delivers stereo sound, providing a richer, more dynamic audio experience with its two-channel output. This feature enhances the audio’s spatial effect, making it well-suited for immersive music listening or watching media content.
Microphone
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lacks an integrated microphone, making it suitable mainly for audio playback rather than calls or video meetings. Users seeking a basic, no-microphone setup may find this model perfect for straightforward listening tasks.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Equipped with an in-line microphone, convenient for hands-free calling and participating in video calls. This added feature enhances its versatility, making it a practical choice for users needing both audio playback and communication functions.
Lowest Frequency
Sony MDR-ZX110: Provides a low-frequency response down to 12 Hz, giving adequate bass that’s sufficient for casual listening. This range enables it to cover most music genres, though it may not fully satisfy bass enthusiasts.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Capable of reaching as low as 10 Hz in frequency, providing slightly deeper and fuller bass. This lower frequency response benefits users who prefer richer bass tones, making it ideal for genres like electronic and hip-hop.
Highest Frequency
Sony MDR-ZX110: High-frequency response extends up to 22,000 Hz, ensuring good treble clarity and detail. This range allows it to capture higher sounds, providing a balanced audio experience suited to most music styles and spoken content.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Reaches up to 24,000 Hz, offering a slight improvement in treble detail. This extended range allows for clearer high tones and refined audio, enhancing the listening experience with a focus on accuracy in upper frequencies.
Driver
Sony MDR-ZX110: Features 30 mm drivers that balance sound quality with portability, delivering decent audio for its compact size. The drivers enable a satisfactory listening experience across various audio ranges without taking up much physical space.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also equipped with 30 mm drivers, these deliver balanced sound output focused on clarity and precision. The driver size provides an ideal blend of compactness and audio performance, making it well-suited for portable listening needs.
Magnet Type
Sony MDR-ZX110: Utilizes neodymium magnets known for strong output and clear sound across frequencies. These magnets enhance the overall audio quality, especially in terms of volume and clarity, making it effective for balanced listening experiences.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Employs the same neodymium magnets, boosting sound clarity and bass depth. These magnets contribute to the overall sound quality, ensuring a reliable performance that’s effective across genres, including those with heavy bass and dynamic range.
Control Method
Sony MDR-ZX110: Features basic in-line controls for straightforward playback management, such as pausing or playing audio. This simplicity makes it ideal for users who prefer uncomplicated functionality without the need for additional buttons or advanced settings.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also has in-line controls, allowing users to manage playback without reaching for their device. This added convenience is particularly useful for on-the-go listeners who want quick access to play/pause features without disruption.
Connectivity Type
Sony MDR-ZX110: Utilizes a 3.5 mm wired connection compatible with most audio devices, ensuring stable audio output. This traditional connection method provides reliable audio quality, making it versatile for use with smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similarly uses a 3.5 mm audio jack, providing a stable and reliable connection. This wired setup ensures consistent sound quality without lag, making it suitable for both music playback and multimedia consumption on various devices.
Bluetooth Version
Sony MDR-ZX110: Does not support Bluetooth connectivity, relying exclusively on a wired connection for audio. This lack of wireless capability keeps it simple, ideal for users looking for traditional headphones without the need for wireless features.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also lacks Bluetooth capability, functioning only as a wired device. This design is beneficial for users who prioritize direct connectivity without concerns about battery life or pairing complications associated with wireless devices.
Bluetooth Range
Sony MDR-ZX110: Has no wireless range, as it’s a wired-only model, making it ideal for stable, device-dependent listening. Users do not need to worry about Bluetooth signal loss or interference, ensuring uninterrupted audio quality.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similarly has no Bluetooth range, relying on its wired connection for audio transmission. This wired-only setup eliminates issues related to wireless range, keeping sound quality consistent and free from connectivity drops.
Multipoint Connection
Sony MDR-ZX110: Does not support multipoint connectivity, designed solely for single-device use through a wired connection. This feature suits users who don’t require multiple device switching, keeping it simple and focused on core audio playback.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also lacks multipoint connection capability, as it is limited to a single wired connection. This straightforward design is ideal for users who prefer using one device at a time without needing to switch audio sources.
Warranty
Sony MDR-ZX110: Comes with a one-year warranty that provides basic coverage for potential defects. This warranty ensures peace of mind for users, offering support for standard issues that may arise within the initial usage period.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Includes a similar warranty of typically one year, with coverage subject to regional policies. This coverage is generally limited to defects and normal wear, providing assurance for buyers against manufacturing issues.
APTX Adaptive
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lacks APTX Adaptive support, as it does not include Bluetooth functionality or wireless codecs. This absence simplifies the device, catering to users who prioritize direct audio connections without complex codec requirements.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also lacks APTX Adaptive support, maintaining a focus on straightforward wired connectivity. This design makes it suitable for users who prefer simplicity in their audio equipment without the need for Bluetooth-based codec enhancements.
APTX
Sony MDR-ZX110: Does not offer APTX support, as it operates through a wired connection, which negates the need for wireless audio codecs. This setup provides consistent audio quality without the need for specialized codec support.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similarly does not support APTX, focusing solely on its wired audio capabilities. This omission does not impact sound quality, making it suitable for users who prioritize a dependable, direct audio connection.
LDAC
Sony MDR-ZX110: Lacks LDAC support, which is only relevant for Bluetooth devices. Its wired design prioritizes stable, high-quality audio directly from the source, ensuring reliable sound without additional codec requirements or compatibility concerns.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also lacks LDAC support, as it functions exclusively as a wired device. This straightforward design is practical for users who prefer audio stability over codec versatility and do not require high-resolution wireless audio.
In/On Ear Detection
Sony MDR-ZX110: No in-ear detection feature is included, as it doesn’t have sensors for automatic playback control. This simple design allows for traditional manual control, without any automatic pause or resume functionality based on ear placement.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Similarly does not have in-ear detection, relying on manual control for audio management. This lack of detection features aligns with the device’s straightforward approach, focusing solely on dependable wired audio playback.
APP Supported
Sony MDR-ZX110: Not compatible with apps, as it’s designed purely as a basic audio accessory. This design is suitable for users who want an uncomplicated listening device without needing app-based enhancements or digital audio settings.
Sony MDR-ZX310AP: Also lacks app support, staying focused on delivering straightforward audio playback. This simplicity benefits users who prefer direct functionality without the need for an app, keeping the operation intuitive and efficient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Sony MDR-ZX110 and Sony MDR-ZX310AP offer solid performance at an affordable price, but the ZX310AP provides better overall value with its enhanced sound quality, comfort, and microphone for hands-free calls. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills headphone, the ZX110 is a great option.
However, for those who want a more versatile listening experience with a focus on both music and communication, the ZX310AP is the better choice. Your decision should depend on your specific needs and budget preferences.
