Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. We've got a fascinating matchup here, pitting Sony's unique approach against Samsung's mainstream powerhouse. Let's break down the specs and see what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-01-24 | S24+ is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent tech |
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller and thicker, while the S24+ is wider and thinner, influencing handling and pocketability |
| Weight | 186g | 196g | Xperia 1 III is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1440x3120 | Xperia 1 III's higher resolution translates to a sharper, more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 513 | Xperia 1 III offers crisper text and images due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | (Not specified) | Xperia 1 III's OLED offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S24+ likely uses an AMOLED display, though not explicitly stated. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both devices offer smooth scrolling and animation, crucial for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ has dramatically superior outdoor visibility with much higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+’s newer chip offers substantial performance gains, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,639,695 | S24+ showcases significantly higher benchmark scores, demonstrating its superior raw power. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 / Xclipse 940 | S24+’s GPU offers better graphics processing, important for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | S24+ provides higher resolution images for more detail, while the Xperia has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | S24+ captures more detailed selfies, while the Xperia has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | 10MP f/2.4 | Xperia 1 III offers higher resolution with a wider aperture for better performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP f/2.3 | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S24+ offers a slightly wider aperture for better wide-angle performance. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III features a ToF 3D sensor for depth sensing. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24+ has a higher max video resolution and a wider range of frame rates. Both have video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Camera Score | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | (Not Specified) | Xperia 1 III's camera is well-regarded. S24+ has not been independently tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ provides a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 45W Fast | S24+’s faster charging means quicker top-ups. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless | S24+ offers wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | S24+ has a more recent OS with a longer upgrade support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ benefits from newer Wi-Fi 6E standard, offering access to the 6 GHz band, resulting in lower latency and faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S24+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with better energy efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM + eSIM | S24+ adds eSIM functionality for more flexibility with carrier options. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both phones offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | Both phones have sufficient RAM for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Noise Canceling Mic | Xperia 1 III offers a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. S24+ has a noise canceling mic. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Xperia 1 III features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ uses slightly newer glass for added durability. |
| Sensors | Extensive | Extensive, Geomagnetic | S24+ has a geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: The Xperia 1 III boasts a stunningly sharp display with an incredibly high resolution and pixel density, coupled with Sony's renowned camera expertise including a ToF 3D sensor. It also stands out with its impressive audio capabilities featuring Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. It offers a unique, slightly taller form factor that some may prefer.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is geared towards a very specific user base, namely content creators and visual purists. The display and camera are where it truly shines.
- Trade-offs: It is an older model, with an older chipset, and falls short on modern features like wireless charging and the highest brightness of the S24+.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Strengths: The S24+ is a newer device, equipped with a much more powerful processor and the latest software, alongside a significantly brighter display. Its camera system is very capable, especially the main sensor. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse charging adds significant convenience.
- Competitive Advantages: The Galaxy S24+ is positioned as a premium all-rounder, excelling in performance, display, and features.
- Trade-offs: The camera specs, while great, might not offer the same level of unique controls as the Xperia, and it doesn't offer the same pixel density. Also, it does not include a ToF 3D sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best Suited For:
- Photographers and Videographers: Those who appreciate a more manual approach to photography, with great video controls and quality.
- Visual Purists: Users who prioritize screen sharpness and color accuracy.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Individuals who value high-fidelity audio playback and immersive sound with Dolby Atmos.
- Users who like a unique form factor: Those who appreciate the taller, more narrow aspect ratio.
- Use Cases:
- Creating and editing high-quality video content on the go.
- Enjoying visually detailed media such as photos, video, and games.
- Listening to high-fidelity music and podcasts.
- Demanding users who prefer more control over camera settings.
- Price-to-Value: This phone is now sold at reduced prices compared to when it was launched, which makes it an attractive value proposition for those who highly value the specific strengths mentioned above.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Best Suited For:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance and seamless multitasking.
- Everyday Users: Anyone looking for a flagship experience with great versatility and convenience.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of video content and enjoy gaming on their phones.
- People who want the latest features: They would appreciate the inclusion of reverse charging, eSIM, and the latest software with long-term updates.
- Use Cases:
- Running demanding apps and games without any lag.
- Enjoying media outdoors, even under bright sunlight.
- Taking photos and videos with excellent results and ease of use.
- Using the phone as a power bank for other devices.
- Price-to-Value: It is a more expensive device with a focus on delivering an all-around premium experience. This price is justified with its more modern software, faster chipset, and higher brightness.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I value display quality? The Xperia 1 III has a notably higher pixel density, which may be important to users who value sharpness.
- How much do I value performance? The S24+ offers significantly higher benchmark scores for power users.
- Do I need the latest software, features, and wireless charging? The S24+ offers more modern features and a newer OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Content Creator: Go for the Sony Xperia 1 III, especially if you like a more manual approach to photography and need a high-resolution screen for editing.
- For the Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the clear choice, offering more raw power and multitasking capabilities.
- For the Casual User: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ will provide a great overall experience with its great software, display, and camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S24+. Here's why:
While I appreciate the unique approach and features of the Sony Xperia 1 III, the S24+ ticks more boxes for my daily use. The newer chipset translates to a faster and more responsive experience, and the significantly brighter display makes a world of difference for outdoor use. The inclusion of wireless and reverse charging adds convenience and the latest OS with guaranteed updates provides future proofing. Though the Xperia's display is technically sharper, the S24+'s screen is large enough and offers great visual quality with an advantage for outdoor usage. The S24+'s camera system is very capable and should deliver great everyday photos and videos. While I'd miss Sony's unique focus on manual controls and audio, the S24+'s balance of power, convenience, and features makes it the better fit for me as an everyday device.
