The world of flagship smartphones is more competitive than ever. Every year, top brands push the limits of design, camera, performance, and software. In 2024, two heavyweights—Sony Xperia 1 VI and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra—stand out. If you’re looking for the best Android phone, choosing between these two is a real challenge. Both devices offer premium features, but their approach is very different. This article will help you understand their strengths, differences, and which one might fit your needs best.
Design And Build Quality
When you first hold these devices, you notice they each have a unique style. The Sony Xperia 1 VI keeps a classic, understated look. Its tall, narrow body follows Sony’s tradition and feels comfortable in one hand. The flat edges, matte glass back, and subtle branding make it feel premium but not flashy.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is bold. It has a slightly curved display, squared corners, and a polished metal frame. The back is Gorilla Glass Armor, giving it a luxurious but sturdy feel. Samsung’s camera layout is more pronounced, with each lens standing out as a separate circle.
Both phones are IP68 rated, so they can handle water and dust. However, Sony’s device is a bit lighter and thinner, making it easier to carry. Samsung’s Ultra is heavier, but some people like this because it feels solid and expensive.
Materials And Durability
Sony uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, while Samsung goes even further with Gorilla Glass Armor. In real use, both resist scratches and drops better than most older phones. However, the S24 Ultra’s new glass is slightly tougher, especially against shattering.
Neither phone has a removable battery or back. Repairability is not their strong point. Samsung’s phone is easier to find parts for, but Sony’s longer shape makes some repairs more challenging.
Color Choices
Sony keeps things simple: Black, Platinum Silver, and Khaki Green. Samsung offers more: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, and sometimes exclusive colors online. If color matters to you, Samsung wins here.
Display Quality
The screen is one of the biggest reasons to buy a flagship. Sony and Samsung take different paths but both are impressive.
Sony Xperia 1 Vi Display
Sony is known for its 4K OLED panel. The Xperia 1 VI’s 6.5-inch screen offers a sharp 3840 x 1644 resolution (21:9 aspect ratio), making it one of the sharpest displays available. Sony’s display supports 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling, so everything feels smooth.
Sony’s screen is brighter this year, reaching up to 1300 nits peak brightness. This helps with outdoor visibility, but it’s still behind Samsung in this area.
A unique feature is the Creator Mode. This mode shows colors as movie makers intended, which is great for photographers and filmmakers. No other brand offers this level of color accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Display
Samsung’s display is always a highlight. The S24 Ultra uses a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 3120 x 1440 resolution (19.3:9 aspect ratio). It supports up to 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling. But what stands out is the peak brightness of up to 2600 nits—twice as bright as Sony’s. This makes it easy to see even in direct sunlight.
Samsung’s display also supports HDR10+ and Vision Booster, which adjusts brightness and contrast based on your environment. The colors are vivid but not oversaturated.
Side-by-side Display Specs
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.5 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 1644 (4K) | 3120 x 1440 (QHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Max Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 | 19.3:9 |
Sony’s display is sharper and more cinematic, while Samsung is brighter and a bit larger. If you watch a lot of movies, you might love Sony’s 21:9 ratio. If you want the best outdoor visibility, Samsung is the clear winner.
Performance And Hardware
A top smartphone needs to be fast and reliable. Both devices use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in most regions. In some countries, Samsung uses its own Exynos 2400 chip, but the Snapdragon version is more common and performs better.
Ram And Storage
Sony offers 12GB RAM and options for 256GB or 512GB storage. What sets it apart is the microSD card slot—rare in flagships now. This means you can add up to 1TB extra storage, which is great for people who shoot lots of videos.
Samsung offers 12GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage. There’s no microSD slot, so you have to choose your storage carefully.
Real-world Speed
Both phones are extremely fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and games run at high settings. Benchmarks show Samsung’s S24 Ultra is slightly ahead, especially in graphics. But in daily use, the difference is hard to notice.
Sony’s device runs cool even during long gaming sessions, thanks to a new heat management system. Samsung’s Ultra gets warm but manages heat well.
Battery Life And Charging
Sony has a 5000 mAh battery, while Samsung also has 5000 mAh. In real life, Samsung’s more efficient display and software help it last longer, especially with heavy use.
Sony supports 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Samsung offers 45W wired and 15W wireless. In testing, Samsung charges faster, especially with the right charger.
Neither company includes a charger in the box. Both support reverse wireless charging for accessories like earbuds.
Hardware Comparison Table
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256/512GB + microSD | 256/512GB/1TB (no microSD) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Fast Charging | 30W | 45W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W |
Camera Systems
Cameras are a big selling point for both brands. Sony and Samsung take very different approaches.
Sony Xperia 1 Vi Cameras
Sony uses its own camera sensors and gives you full manual controls. The main camera is a 48MP Exmor T sensor, paired with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP telephoto with true optical zoom (85-170mm). This zoom lens is unique—it covers a wide range with real lens movement, not just digital cropping.
Sony’s camera app is like a mini professional camera. You can adjust shutter speed, focus, ISO, and white balance. There’s also a dedicated Video Pro app. This is great for advanced users but can be confusing for beginners.
Photos are natural, with less processing than Samsung. Skin tones look real, and details are sharp. In low light, Sony’s new sensor does better than before, but Samsung still has the edge in night shots.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cameras
Samsung packs in more megapixels: a 200MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and two telephoto lenses (10MP 3x and 50MP 5x). This gives it the most flexible camera setup in any phone.
Samsung’s processing makes photos bright, colorful, and social media-ready. Night mode is excellent—details are clear even in dark places. The 5x and 3x lenses make zooming easy, and digital zoom goes up to 100x.
A new feature this year is AI-powered editing. You can remove objects, reframe shots, and enhance details with a tap. Beginners can get great results with almost no effort.
Video Recording
Both phones record 4K video at 60fps. Sony goes further with 4K 120fps and gives you advanced controls. Samsung supports 8K video, but most people won’t use this yet.
Sony’s video is flat and natural, better for editing later. Samsung’s is punchy and ready to share right away.
Camera Comparison Table
| Camera Feature | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 48MP Exmor T | 200MP |
| Ultra-wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | 12MP (85-170mm optical) | 10MP (3x), 50MP (5x) |
| Video Max | 4K 120fps | 8K 30fps |
| Manual Controls | Full (photo & video) | Limited |
Non-obvious Camera Insights
- If you shoot RAW photos or like editing, Sony’s natural files give you more flexibility than Samsung’s heavily processed images.
- Samsung’s extra telephoto lens means you can get clear shots of distant objects (like at sports games) without losing much quality.
Software Experience
The software is where these two phones feel most different.
Sony Xperia 1 Vi Software
Sony uses Android 14 with a very light touch. There’s almost no bloatware. You get Google’s apps, Sony’s camera suite, and a few media tools. It’s simple, fast, and close to what Google offers on its Pixel phones.
A unique Sony feature is Side Sense—a pop-up shortcut menu you can open by double-tapping the screen edge. It makes it easy to switch apps or launch tools with one hand.
Sony promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches. This is good, but Samsung goes further.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Software
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) is full of features. There are many customization options, themes, and Samsung-exclusive apps. Some people find it a bit heavy, but it’s easy to get used to.
The biggest change this year is Galaxy AI. This set of tools helps you summarize texts, translate calls, and edit photos with AI. For example, you can circle an object to search it, or use AI for note-taking. These features make Samsung’s phone feel futuristic.
Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates—the best in Android right now. If you want your phone to stay updated for years, this is a big plus.
App Ecosystem
Both phones support Google Play Store apps. Samsung’s phone works better with other Samsung devices, like tablets, watches, and laptops. Sony’s media apps are good for music and movies, but its ecosystem is smaller.
Unique Features
Both phones have standout features you won’t find elsewhere.
Sony Xperia 1 Vi Standouts
- 3.5mm headphone jack: Almost no other flagship has this now. Audiophiles love it.
- MicroSD card slot: If you record lots of 4K video, this saves money over cloud storage.
- Physical camera shutter button: Makes it feel like a real camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Standouts
- Built-in S Pen: Great for taking notes, drawing, or remote camera control.
- Ultra-wideband (UWB): For finding lost items or unlocking cars.
- Deeper AI integration: Tools for text, voice, and image editing.
Audio Quality
Sony is famous for audio. The Xperia 1 VI has front-facing stereo speakers and supports LDAC and 360 Reality Audio. The headphone jack lets you use wired headphones with no lag or loss.
Samsung’s Ultra has stereo speakers (one at the top, one at the bottom) and supports Dolby Atmos. It sounds great, but not as clean or as loud as Sony.
A non-obvious tip: If you play a lot of games or watch movies holding your phone sideways, Sony’s speaker placement keeps your hands from blocking the sound.
Connectivity And Extras
Both phones offer:
- 5G support
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC for payments
Samsung adds Ultra-wideband (UWB), which is useful with smart tags and digital car keys. Sony does not offer UWB.
In terms of SIM, both support dual SIM or eSIM. Sony’s SIM tray is tool-free—you can open it with your fingernail.
Security
Both phones use an under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Samsung’s sensor is faster and more reliable. Sony’s works fine, but sometimes struggles with wet fingers.
Samsung also offers Samsung Knox security, which protects your data if your phone is lost or hacked.
Price And Availability
Pricing can change by region and time, but at launch:
- Sony Xperia 1 VI: Around $1,199 (256GB)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Around $1,299 (256GB)
Sony’s phone is often harder to find in stores. Samsung’s Ultra is sold worldwide, with better trade-in deals and more color choices.
Real-world Use
Sony’s phone is best for people who want control. If you love photography, video, or music, and like to tweak settings, Sony delivers a unique experience. The headphone jack and SD card slot matter if you use wired audio or store lots of media.
Samsung’s Ultra is for people who want power and convenience. The S Pen, bright display, and AI features make it a productivity machine. Its cameras are simple to use and deliver great results with no effort.
A hidden advantage for Samsung: it works better with smart homes and accessories, thanks to UWB and SmartThings integration.
Which Should You Buy?
If you want the best phone for creative control, especially for photos, video, and audio, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is hard to beat. Manual camera controls, the headphone jack, and expandable storage are rare in 2024.
If you want the best all-in-one flagship, with top cameras, longest software support, and unique features like the S Pen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice. It’s also easier to find and sells for a similar price.
Before you decide, ask yourself:
- Do you use wired headphones or need lots of storage? Choose Sony.
- Do you want the brightest screen, best zoom, and longest updates? Choose Samsung.
- Do you prefer simple software or lots of features? Sony is simpler, Samsung is more advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sony Xperia 1 Vi Camera Better Than The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Sony’s camera is better for manual controls and natural colors, especially for advanced photographers. Samsung’s camera is more flexible, with higher zoom and AI features that make it easier for beginners to get great shots.
Which Phone Lasts Longer On A Single Charge?
Both phones have 5000 mAh batteries, but the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra usually lasts longer due to its more efficient display and software optimizations. However, battery life depends on how you use your phone.
Does The Sony Xperia 1 Vi Support Wireless Charging?
Yes, the Xperia 1 VI supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The charging speed is slower than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 45W wired charging but similar for wireless.
How Many Years Of Updates Do These Phones Get?
Samsung promises seven years of Android and security updates for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is the best in the Android world. Sony offers three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches for the Xperia 1 VI.
Where Can I Read More About These Phones’ Specs?
For full technical specs and latest updates, visit the official GSMArena website.
Choosing between the Sony Xperia 1 VI and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is not easy. Both are excellent, but they suit different users. Think about what features matter most to you, and you’ll find the right flagship for your needs.
