Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. We're not just looking at numbers here, but how these specs translate into real-world usage. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-10-03 | S24 FE is much newer, benefiting from modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller and narrower, S24 FE is wider and slightly shorter. S24 FE might feel more bulky in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 213g | Xperia 1 III is noticeably lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | S24 FE offers a slightly larger display for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2340 | Xperia 1 III has a much sharper screen, with significantly higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 643 | 385 | Xperia 1 III's display is visibly crisper, ideal for detailed graphics and text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant and deep blacks, standard for high-end displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE has much better screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 2400e | S24 FE's newer chip delivers significantly faster processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers much faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's newer GPU is better for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE offers a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 25W Fast | Xperia 1 III charges slightly faster, but the difference is not significant. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass, Wireless, Reverse | S24 FE has more modern features including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | S24 FE has significantly higher resolution main sensor. Xperia 1 III has a slightly wider aperture, possibly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 10.8MP (f/2.4) | S24 FE has a higher resolution sensor and a larger sensor, while Xperia 1 III has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Xperia 1 III has a higher resolution, slightly wider aperture telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.3) | 13MP (f/2.2) | S24 FE has slightly higher resolution, wider aperture for wide-angle shots. |
| ToF Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III includes a depth sensor. |
| Video | 4K@120fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 FE has an edge in video recording with 8K capability, both at 4K@120fps. |
| DxOMark Score | 105 | 133 | S24 FE significantly outperforms the Xperia 1 III in camera quality, especially in photos and video. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Ultra Stable Video | Triple, Night Mode 2.0 | Xperia 1 III has Ultra Stable Video, while S24 FE has Night Mode 2.0 |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 13) | Android 14 | S24 FE has a much more modern software, better support and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 FE supports faster speeds, lower latency, and has access to the 6 GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a slightly newer version with improved power efficiency and connection reliability. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple+NavIC | S24 FE supports additional satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 FE offers an eSIM option for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | S24 FE offers a 128GB storage option and the same maximum storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | Xperia 1 III has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Noise Cancellation | Xperia 1 III features premium audio, S24 FE has a noise-canceling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia 1 III provides a more convenient, side mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has slightly more scratch resistant glass. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S24 FE has a more advanced sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: The Xperia 1 III boasts a significantly sharper display due to its higher resolution and pixel density, making it ideal for users who prioritize visual fidelity. It has slightly better audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, along with a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The device offers 12GB of RAM, potentially providing better multitasking capabilities. The camera also has features like a quad-camera system and ultra-stable video.
- Competitive Advantages: Its standout feature is the display, coupled with its premium audio experience and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Trade-offs: The older processor, limited software support, and lower camera performance compared to the Samsung. It also has weaker brightness for outdoor viewing.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Strengths: The S24 FE excels with its newer and much more powerful Exynos chipset, leading to superior performance in benchmarks, and real-world use. It features a much brighter display, making it suitable for use outdoors. The S24 FE offers a more versatile camera system that scores much better in DxOMark, and a more modern software experience with Android 14. It also has additional features like wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The S24 FE's strengths lie in its overall performance, superior camera capabilities, modern software experience, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Trade-offs: The S24 FE does not have the same level of screen sharpness as the Xperia 1 III, it has less RAM, and it doesn't offer as much in the way of premium audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize the absolute best display quality and audiophiles who want the best possible audio from their phone.
- Use Cases: Ideal for watching high-resolution content, photo editing, and users who like premium audio experience.
- Recommendation: If screen sharpness and audio quality are your highest priorities and you don't need the latest software, this is a good pick.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Best Suited For: Users who demand peak performance, want a great all-around camera, and want the latest software features, and need their display to be visible in bright sunlight.
- Use Cases: Excellent for gaming, heavy multitasking, capturing photos and videos, and all around daily use.
- Recommendation: If you value speed, camera performance, and the most modern software, the S24 FE is the better choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What is your primary use case? (Content Consumption, Gaming, Photography?)
- How important is raw performance? (Do you need the most up-to-date processor?)
- Do you prioritize display sharpness or brightness? (Indoor clarity vs. outdoor visibility?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Media Connoisseur: If you're always watching movies or TV shows on your phone, the Sony Xperia 1 III with its exceptional display will give you the best experience, but the S24 FE is better outdoors due to its much higher screen brightness.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer: If you need raw performance for gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE with its more powerful processor and GPU will give you the best performance and experience.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User: For general daily tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a better experience due to its faster performance and more up-to-date software, along with a more versatile camera and much better outdoor visibility.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Here's why:
While the Sony Xperia 1 III has a fantastic screen with stunning sharpness, the overall package of the S24 FE is more compelling. The S24 FE’s superior processor, significantly better camera performance, modern software, brighter display, and additional features like wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities make it a better all-around choice. For me, the performance boost and more versatile camera system outweigh the slightly sharper display of the Xperia 1 III. The ability to easily view the screen outdoors and capture better photos and videos makes the S24 FE a more practical choice for daily use. As someone who always needs to be able to see my screen outdoors, and uses the camera quite a bit, the S24 FE fits my personal workflow better.
