Sony Xperia 1 VI vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Comprehensive Comparison

Looking for the ultimate Android phone experience? Both the Sony Xperia 1 VI and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are top contenders, but which one reigns supreme? Let's break down their key features to help you decide.

Display and Design

The Sony Xperia 1 VI sports a 6.5" FHD+ OLED LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone is 8.2mm thick and weighs 192 grams. It has an IP68 rating, indicating it is dustproof and waterproof.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a larger 6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO flat display with the same 120Hz refresh rate but a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits. The phone is slightly thicker at 8.6mm and heavier at 233 grams. It also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Performance and Storage

Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The Sony Xperia 1 VI comes with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and offers two storage options: 256GB and 512GB UFS 4.0. It runs on Android 14 and promises 3+4 years of updates.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also runs on Android 14 but promises a longer 7 years of OS updates. It comes with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and offers three storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 4.0.

Camera

The Sony Xperia 1 VI boasts a triple rear camera setup with a 48MP+12MP+12MP Exmor T rear camera with 7.1x optical zoom and a 12MP front camera.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, features a more complex rear camera setup with a 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, a 50MP 5x telephoto sensor with OIS, and a 10MP 3x telephoto periscope zoom lens with OIS. The front camera is a 12MP sensor.

Battery and Other Features

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery. The Sony Xperia 1 VI supports 30W charging, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports faster 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

The Sony Xperia 1 VI features WiFi 7, 6, 5, Bluetooth 5.4, a 3.5mm audio jack, LDAC wired and wireless, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and front-facing stereo speakers.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, supports WiFi 7 (depending on regions), 6E, 5, Bluetooth 5.3, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, and has a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor on the front.

Price

Xperia 1 VI starts at €1,399 & £1,299.
Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1299. Pricing is regionally dependent, but they are both undeniably expensive flagships.

The Verdict

The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a great choice for photographers seeking a phone with a powerful zoom and pro-level features. The headphone jack and LDAC support are sweet bonuses for audiophiles.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a superior display, a more versatile camera system with unmatched zoom capabilities, longer software support, and faster charging. However, it lacks the headphone jack and has a slightly bulkier design.

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your priorities. If you prioritize photography and a compact design, the Xperia 1 VI is a compelling option. If you crave the best display, a versatile camera system, long software support, and fast charging, the Galaxy S24 Ultra might be the better fit.