Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These two phones represent different approaches to the smartphone market, and understanding their differences is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The Sony is taller and narrower, likely feeling more compact in hand. The Samsung is wider and thicker, which may feel less comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 186g | 222g | The Sony is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both offer spacious screens for media consumption. The difference of 0.1" is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2340 | The Sony's 4K display will offer noticeably sharper images and text, especially when viewing high-resolution content. The Samsung offers a standard FHD+ experience |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 390 | The Sony’s higher PPI translates to a more detailed and crisp display. Ideal for media viewing, graphic design, and photography. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are premium display technologies offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The difference will be difficult for most to notice. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience for gaming and browsing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | The Snapdragon 888 is a flagship-level chip from 2021. It'll be noticeably faster than the Exynos 1380, especially in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 578,500 | This benchmark confirms the Sony's significantly superior performance, ensuring smoother multitasking and more fluid gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Adreno 660 in the Sony delivers better gaming performance with smoother graphics, while the Mali GPU will be fine for the average user. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 12MP | 50MP | The Samsung has a much higher resolution main camera, promising more detailed images. However, quality also depends on sensor size and pixel size. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | The Sony has a slightly wider aperture, which can be better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 8MP | 13MP | The Samsung's front camera will capture images with more detail. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | The Sony's front-facing camera has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | The Sony offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities for getting closer to subjects without sacrificing image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 8MP | The Sony has a higher resolution wide-angle lens that captures more detailed landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | The Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Quality | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 4K 30fps | The Sony offers superior video recording with a higher frame rate, potentially smoother slow motion, and more creative control. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | The Samsung has a much larger battery and should offer significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Sony charges slightly faster. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 13) | Android 14 | The Samsung has a newer version of Android, which will provide newer software features and security patches. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | The Sony's 12 GB RAM provides smoother multitasking and better overall performance, especially with heavy usage and gaming. |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | The Sony has more storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chip and 12GB of RAM provides the Xperia 1 III with a clear performance advantage for power users.
- Display Excellence: The high-resolution, high-PPI OLED display offers an unmatched visual experience.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens and higher resolution wide-angle provides more creative flexibility than the Samsung.
- Premium Build and Features: Though it's an older phone, it boasts a premium design with unique features such as bypass charging.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 6000mAh battery should provide superior battery performance, easily lasting a day for most users.
- Newer Android Version: Running Android 14 out of the box ensures you have the latest features and security updates.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens allows for unique close-up photography.
- Value Focused: The M35 is generally more budget-friendly than the Sony and offers a more modern experience overall.
Trade-offs
- Sony Xperia 1 III: Older device and significantly worse battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Lacks the raw processing power and display quality of the Sony.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal for: Power users, content creators, photographers, media enthusiasts, and gamers who value performance, visual quality, and camera features above all else.
- Use Cases: Video editing, high-end gaming, graphic design, enjoying high-resolution media, and capturing detailed photos with optical zoom.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal for: Average users who prioritize battery life, a modern software experience, and a well-rounded device at a more affordable price.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media, browsing, casual gaming, and taking everyday photos with the versatile main camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or demanding applications? If yes, the Sony has the edge. If not, the Samsung will be fine for everyday tasks.
- Battery Life Importance: Is all-day battery life a must-have, or are you comfortable charging daily? If battery life is a priority, go for the Samsung.
- Camera Priorities: Do you need optical zoom and top-end camera quality, or is a versatile but solid camera system enough? If a dedicated telephoto lens is critical, the Sony is your pick. The Samsung still has an excellent main camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I need the best mobile gaming and content consumption experience": The Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear winner.
- "I prioritize long battery life and an affordable, modern experience": The Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option.
- "I want a good balance of performance and battery life": In this case, it depends. If you're closer to needing high-performance, go for the Sony, if you need a bit more battery and a modern experience, go for the Samsung.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. While the Samsung Galaxy M35 is a fantastic device, especially when it comes to battery life, the Xperia 1 III’s exceptional display, superior performance, and more versatile camera system are just too compelling to pass up. As a tech journalist and someone who often pushes their smartphone's capabilities with content creation and gaming, those factors are critical for me. The older software and average battery life are a trade-off, but I am willing to accept that to have those other features.
