Apple iPhone 14 vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
You might think the Apple iPhone 14 would edge out the Sony Xperia 1 VI, but the numbers tell a different story. In real-world use, the Xperia's 12GB of RAM and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate make it a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking. Meanwhile, the iPhone’s 60Hz display feels sluggish in comparison, especially for gamers. If you're looking for a premium experience, the Xperia is where you should put your money in 2026.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Apple iPhone 14

Sony Xperia 1 VI
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 14 vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Apple iPhone 14

Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |

Apple iPhone 14
✓ Pros:
- • Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- • Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
- • Lightweight and compact 6.1-inch design
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Autofocus on the front-facing TrueDepth camera
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- • No optical zoom for telephoto (only digital)
- • Not compatible with newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to MagSafe/Qi)
- • Dynamic Island not available (uses the older notch design)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony Xperia 1 VI
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you prefer a lightweight design at 6.07oz, want reliable software support with 5+ years of updates, or you enjoy the seamless Apple ecosystem.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you need 2+ days of battery life, love photography with its unique optical zoom feature, or want a smoother display experience with 120Hz refresh rate.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 14 excels if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.
