Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the premium option here, boasting a jaw-dropping 200MP camera that crushes the Sony Xperia 1 VI's 48MP. In real-world use, this means stunning detail in your photos, making it a no-brainer for photography enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Xperia 1 VI offers a more lightweight design at 6.77oz, perfect for those who prioritize portability over raw power. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.5" and Weight: 8.18 oz vs 6.77 oz.
Why compare these? Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VI are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Sony Xperia |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (3,377 reviews) | 4.3★ (41 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections | Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens |
| Main Drawback | Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms | NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(3,377)Best Buy | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031) | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (6.8" full rectangle; 6.8" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+, 505 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120 Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2600 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.7), 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | 50MP Telephoto (111 mm, f/3.4), periscope lens, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; 10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 5x optical zoom; 2x, 10x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x (Space Zoom) | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60/120 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240 fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 5000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 30 hours video playback | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 65% in ~30 minutes with 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable (adapter sold separately) | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (UWB); NFC | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s); DisplayPort 1.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Titanium frame (Grade 2); Gorilla Glass Armor front; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.39" x 3.11" x 0.34" (162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 8.18 oz (232 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (Bluetooth enabled); Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections
- Versatile quad-camera system with high-resolution 50MP 5x zoom
Cons
- Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms
- 45W charging speed has plateaued compared to competitors
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Pros
- Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
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)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Xperia 1 VI's 48MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if: you want the best camera for photography, need top-tier performance for gaming, or appreciate the integrated S Pen for productivity. (6.8" display, 8.18 oz weight)
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you prefer a lighter phone, value a 3.5mm headphone jack, or want extended battery life for 2+ days of use.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 3,377 reviews vs 41
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Exclusive Corning Gorilla Priority
Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Exclusive 85-170mm true Priority
Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
→ Choose Sony Xperia
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, Sony Xperia 1 VI remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Sony Xperia 1 VI?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections. Sony Xperia 1 VI wins if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VI?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections, while Sony Xperia 1 VI stands out with exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms. Meanwhile, Sony Xperia 1 VI not officially sold in the us (no warranty, missing key us 5g bands like band 71). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+What should I prioritize when choosing between these smartphones?
Focus on the features that matter most for your daily use. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections and versatile quad-camera system with high-resolution 50mp 5x zoom. Sony Xperia 1 VI excels at exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens and rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microsd slot. Check the spec table above for the complete side-by-side breakdown.
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