Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. These two phones represent different ends of the spectrum, and understanding their nuances will help you make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller and narrower; A24 is wider, impacting in-hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 186g | 195g | Xperia 1 III is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2340 | Xperia 1 III's higher resolution delivers incredibly sharp, detailed images—noticeable when reading small text or viewing high-res photos. |
| PPI | 643 | 396 | Xperia 1 III is significantly sharper, with clearer text and finer details, ideal for those who prioritize visual fidelity. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and deep blacks, but differences in calibration might yield slightly different visual experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 1 III's smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | A24 offers far better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight; Xperia has no data, indicating an area where it could be weaker than the A24. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Xperia 1 III has a flagship-tier chip, faster processing for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 411,900 | Xperia 1 III delivers significantly higher performance, leading to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xperia 1 III's Adreno 660 is more powerful, giving better graphics performance, particularly in gaming. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A24's larger battery capacity should provide longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 III charges slightly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia 1 III's Bypass Charging feature is useful for gamers, powering the phone directly without stressing the battery. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A24's higher megapixel count might lead to more detail, but the Xperia's wider aperture and larger pixels could mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A24's higher megapixel selfie camera may capture more detail, while the Xperia offers a brighter capture with wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, better for capturing distant objects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 1 III's wide-angle lens will capture more details than the A24. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has a ToF 3D sensor, improving depth sensing for better autofocus and AR apps. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A24 has a macro lens for close-up shots, enabling detailed shots at very short distances. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 1 III captures far more detailed video, better suited for high-quality content creation. |
| DxoMark Scores | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | No Data | Xperia 1 III's camera is well-regarded, offering impressive still images and video quality. |
| Features | 4K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, RAW | Triple camera | Xperia 1 III has more camera features, ideal for photography and videography enthusiasts. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | A24 has a newer OS with future updates and is more up to date. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xperia 1 III offers faster speeds and better performance on supported networks with Wifi 6. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | A24 has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | GPS | Xperia 1 III is better for those who use GPS heavily, offering superior tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage, which is ideal for travel or using personal and work numbers. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128 GB | Xperia 1 III has more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Xperia 1 III's larger RAM provides smoother multitasking and more headroom for demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so you are limited to the internal storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xperia 1 III has higher quality speakers, offering better audio performance. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer convenient fingerprint unlocking. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III has robust screen protection with GG Victus. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | More comprehensive sensors | Core Sensors | Xperia 1 III includes additional sensors such as a Barometer, useful for outdoor activities. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: Flagship-level performance (Snapdragon 888), a stunning high-resolution 120Hz OLED display, advanced camera system with telephoto lens and 4K video capabilities, superior audio quality, and a robust build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 1 III excels in areas that matter most to power users and content creators: processing speed, visual fidelity, camera versatility, and high-fidelity audio. It offers a premium experience for demanding tasks, making it ideal for gaming, content creation, and multimedia consumption.
- Trade-offs: Older release date, may have inferior outdoor brightness compared to the A24, no expandable storage, and potentially a shorter battery life relative to the A24.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Strengths: Newer release date, significantly brighter screen for better outdoor use, larger battery for longer endurance, newer OS, and a macro lens for close-up shots. The A24 is designed for everyday users who prioritize affordability and reliability.
- Competitive Advantages: The A24’s value proposition lies in its practical and reliable performance, combined with a display designed for bright sunlight and a long-lasting battery.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less powerful than the Xperia 1 III in almost every other measure, lower screen resolution, no high refresh rate, less capable camera system without telephoto lens and lower video resolution, basic audio, and average build quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal Users: Tech enthusiasts, content creators (photographers, videographers), gamers, multimedia lovers, users who prioritize display quality and performance, those who appreciate high-quality audio, and users who need robust processing power for demanding tasks.
- Use Cases: High-resolution photo and video editing, gaming with demanding graphics, watching HDR movies with high fidelity audio, heavy multi-tasking.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Ideal Users: Everyday users, budget-conscious consumers, users who prioritize battery life, those who need a reliable device for social media and basic tasks, users who value a bright screen for outdoor visibility, and users who want a modern Android OS.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, taking casual photos, daily communication, streaming videos on the go, basic mobile gaming, web surfing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these two devices:
- Do you prioritize display quality, processing power and advanced camera capabilities?
- If yes, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear choice.
- Is a longer battery life, better outdoor visibility, and newer OS more important than absolute performance?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G may be a better option.
- What kind of budget are you working with?
- The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is the more budget-friendly option, while the Sony Xperia 1 III represents a flagship investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: For those who want the best possible performance for demanding tasks like gaming or content creation, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the better choice.
- The Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for web browsing, social media, and casual photography, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G offers good value and meets those needs effectively.
- The Photographer: If high-resolution photo and video quality is paramount, the Sony Xperia 1 III, despite its age, will offer superior results.
- The Budget Conscious: If affordability is your primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G provides a reliable, practical option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. My reasoning is based on the following:
- Performance: As someone who enjoys gaming and values responsiveness, the Snapdragon 888 chip provides a significantly more enjoyable experience.
- Display: The sharper, higher-resolution display with its 120Hz refresh rate is a noticeable upgrade, improving the experience of everything from reading text to watching videos.
- Camera: I appreciate the versatility and advanced features of the Xperia's camera system, including the dedicated telephoto lens and the ability to record in 4K at high framerates. It's a great phone for capturing high quality content.
- Build Quality: I value the robust screen protection that Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides.
While the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G excels in certain areas, such as battery life and outdoor visibility, the overall user experience on the Xperia 1 III, driven by its premium hardware and feature set, aligns more closely with my preferences and use cases. I would rather have the higher performance, advanced camera features, and enhanced display quality that the Sony offers, even if it comes with slightly less battery and a bit of an older build. For me, the Xperia 1 III offers a far better experience, and I'm willing to make the trade-offs.
