The Last Stand: Why Audiophiles Are Buying Sony in 2026
The Last Stand: Why Audiophiles Are Buying Sony in 2026: ranked by real specs like camera hardware, battery capacity, and display refresh rate. This guide is tailored for those who prioritize audio fidelity, expandable storage, and display innovation in their smartphones. The Sony Xperia 1 VI stands out with its unique continuous optical zoom and rare features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot, appealing to users who value traditional audio interfaces and storage flexibility. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro caters to gamers with its high-refresh-rate display and robust performance, albeit with limited camera capabilities compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, which offer superior camera systems and advanced features. When choosing a smartphone in this category, consider factors such as audio quality, camera capabilities, display technology, and overall performance. Use the buttons above to check current prices and availability.
Top picks
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The Sony Xperia 1 VI tops the list for its unique combination of features tailored to audiophiles and photography enthusiasts. Its 3.5mm headphone jack, LDAC support, and microSD expansion cater to users who value high-quality audio and extensive storage options. Additionally, the continuous optical zoom and professional-grade camera apps elevate its photographic capabilities. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the ideal choice for gamers, boasting a 165Hz AMOLED display and advanced thermal management for sustained high performance. Its inclusion of a 3.5mm jack and AirTrigger buttons further enhances the gaming experience. While its camera system is not as advanced as others, its gaming-centric features make it a standout. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in photography and productivity with its versatile quad-camera system and integrated S Pen. Its QHD+ display and long-term software support make it a reliable choice for users who need a comprehensive device for both work and play. Tap the button to see today's price and availability.
How to decide
3.5mm Jack in 2026: A rare luxury
In 2026, the 3.5mm headphone jack has become a rare luxury in flagship smartphones, yet it remains a crucial feature for audiophiles who demand high-quality, wired audio experiences. The Sony Xperia 1 VI and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro both retain this feature, setting them apart from competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, which have moved towards wireless audio solutions. The 3.5mm jack allows users to connect high-impedance headphones directly, ensuring lossless audio quality without the need for adapters. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer the audio fidelity of wired connections over the convenience of wireless. The inclusion of this feature in select models demonstrates a commitment to catering to a niche market of audio enthusiasts.
LDAC and High-Res Wireless Audio
LDAC, Sony's proprietary codec, offers a superior high-resolution wireless audio experience, transmitting up to three times the data compared to standard Bluetooth codecs. This is a significant advantage for users of the Sony Xperia 1 VI who want to maintain audio quality without the constraints of wires. While the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra support Bluetooth 5.4 and 5.3 respectively, offering stable connections and lower latency, they lack the high-fidelity boost provided by LDAC. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, with its Bluetooth 6.0, focuses on seamless integration with its ecosystem rather than audiophile-grade wireless audio. For those prioritizing wireless audio quality, the choice of codec can greatly impact the listening experience.
MicroSD Slot: 1TB expansion for cheap
The microSD slot remains a critical feature for users who need expandable storage without breaking the bank, particularly in a world where high-resolution media files are commonplace. The Sony Xperia 1 VI supports microSD expansion up to 1.5TB, offering unparalleled storage flexibility compared to the fixed storage options of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro, while offering up to 1TB of internal storage, lacks the additional expandability, which can be a limitation for users with extensive media libraries. For content creators and media enthusiasts, the ability to easily swap out storage cards can provide both convenience and cost-effectiveness.
No-notch display philosophy
Sony's no-notch display philosophy is evident in the Xperia 1 VI, which offers a 6.5-inch LTPO OLED screen without interruptions, providing an immersive viewing experience. This contrasts with the Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which integrates functionality into its display cut-out. The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro features a larger 6.78-inch AMOLED display, optimized for gaming with a 165Hz refresh rate, offering fluid motion for fast-paced action. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, delivering vibrant colors and high brightness levels, making it ideal for high-resolution media consumption. Each display technology offers unique benefits, catering to different user preferences and use cases.
Conclusion
In summary, the main differences between these smartphones lie in their audio capabilities, camera systems, and display technologies, each catering to specific user needs. The Sony Xperia 1 VI is recommended for audiophiles, while the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is ideal for gamers. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra suits photography enthusiasts and productivity users, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max is best for those committed to the Apple ecosystem. Note that warranty and availability may vary, especially with imports like the Xperia 1 VI. Use the buttons above to see live pricing and stock.