Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy S24. These are two very different approaches to the high-end smartphone, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to finding the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown, focusing on how the specs translate to real-world experiences:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | Xperia is taller and thicker; S24 is more compact, fits in hand better |
| Weight | 186g | 167g | S24 is lighter, better for extended use; Xperia feels more substantial |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both have premium glass, S24 has slightly improved scratch resistance |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | Xperia has a larger display, better for media; S24 is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2340 | Xperia has a sharper, crisper display; S24 is still very good but not as detailed |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 416 | Xperia's display will show more details, great for detailed graphics; S24 is clear but less dense |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; S24 has an unspecified brighter screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is vastly superior for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight, the Xperia is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 has a newer, more powerful and energy-efficient chip, faster app loading |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,639,695 | S24 offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 (1GHz) | S24 has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics for gaming and rendering |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | Xperia has a slightly larger battery, potential for longer battery life |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Poly) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Xperia charges a bit faster; Both have "Bypass Charging" features. |
| Additional Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | S24 has reverse wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | S24 has higher resolution; Xperia has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | S24 has higher resolution, Xperia has a wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 10MP f/2.4 | Xperia has higher resolution and wider aperture; Both provide optical zoom |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP f/2.3 | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S24 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture; S24 has a larger sensor. |
| ToF 3D sensor | Yes | No | Xperia has a depth sensor which may give more accurate autofocus and depth mapping |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24 has higher video resolution, better for professional video capture, but Xperia has 4k 120fps; both feature OIS and EIS. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 240fps | Xperia can record more frames for slow-motion effects |
| DXOMark Scores | 105 (Main Score) | Not Available | Xperia's camera system is rated at a 105 score |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | S24 is on a much newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 has a newer Wi-Fi standard, better for high speed networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 has a newer Bluetooth version for better connections |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24 has more satellite support for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S24 has eSIM for more flexibility; Xperia has Dual SIM but no eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Both have large storage options; S24 has a 128GB base option |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both have a 12GB option, S24 has an 8GB base option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | Xperia is built with audiophiles in mind, the S24 for voice quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia has a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the S24's is basic |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Xperia is more focused on biometric sensors, S24 has geomagnetic support |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Display Prowess: Its 4K OLED display is a standout, offering incredibly high resolution and pixel density for exceptionally sharp visuals. This will be a treat for anyone who consumes a lot of media.
- Larger Battery: The 4500mAh battery gives it an edge in potential battery life.
- Audiophile-Grade Sound: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support offer an enhanced listening experience.
- Unique Camera Features: The ToF sensor and 960fps slow-motion recording give it an edge in creative photography and videography.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers significantly better performance across the board – faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Brightest Display: The 2600 nits brightness makes the S24 much more viewable outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Modern Software: Comes with the latest Android 14 for the most up-to-date software and features.
- Advanced Connectivity: With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, the S24 offers cutting-edge connectivity and better location tracking.
- Reverse Charging: A nice feature to charge accessories or other phones.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 1 III: Older chip, weaker performance compared to the S24 and the brightness is unknown.
- Galaxy S24: Smaller battery, lower display resolution.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a sharp, detailed display for watching movies, shows, and viewing photos.
- Audio Lovers: Users who appreciate high-quality audio and want the best listening experience on the go.
- Creative Professionals: Photographers and videographers who value the ToF sensor and high frame rate slow-motion video options.
Samsung Galaxy S24 is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need the most performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: People who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright screen visible even in sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who always want the latest software and connectivity features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Performance or Display? Do you prioritize raw power and responsiveness (Galaxy S24) or the sharpest display for media consumption (Xperia 1 III)?
- Indoor or Outdoor Usage? Will you be using the phone primarily indoors or outdoors? The Galaxy S24 is the better choice for brighter conditions and the Xperia 1 III might be better for indoors.
- Creative or Practical Needs? Do you need advanced camera features (Xperia 1 III) or a smoother, more feature-rich user experience with the latest technology (Galaxy S24)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: The Galaxy S24 is the clear winner with its superior performance and GPU.
- For the Filmmaker: The Xperia 1 III with its high quality screen and 960fps recording may be the better choice
- For the Commuter: The Galaxy S24's screen brightness, performance, and better connectivity make it more suitable.
- For the Audiophile: The Xperia 1 III's audio capabilities is the better option.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Given the choice, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the Xperia 1 III's display is incredibly appealing, the Galaxy S24's more recent processor, brighter screen, and updated software make it the more compelling device for my daily needs. I prioritize performance and responsiveness, and the S24 is leaps and bounds ahead in that regard. While the audiophile grade audio and higher resolution display would be nice to have, in my opinion they are not as important as core performance and overall user experience. The S24's much better screen brightness for outdoor use would make it the better overall option. The S24 also has much better upgradeability.
