Samsung Galaxy S24 UltravsSony Xperia 1 IV

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a phone that checks all the boxes. It boasts a sleek design with titanium rails, boxy corners, and a max 5X telephoto lens, making it a direct competitor to Apple's iPhone. The device is fast, reliable, and does everything you'd expect from a top-of-the-line smartphone. One of its standout features is the always-on display that shows your entire wallpaper, similar to the iPhone. The S24 Ultra also has a new feature called "Long Press" that allows you to select objects in photos and turn them into stickers for use in other apps. The phone's AI capabilities are tucked away but available when needed, making it feel like peak slab phone experience. The haptics are nice, and there's even an option for AI-generated wallpapers. However, the only two features missing from the Pixel specifically are Call Screening and Now Playing. While it may seem excessive to spend $1,300 on a phone, the S24 Ultra is worth it if you're looking for a device that has everything. The regular S24 and S24 Plus offer most of the same features at lower price points, but they lack some of the premium experience found in the Ultra. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an impressive device that's sure to satisfy even the most demanding users. While it may not be perfect, its impressive specs, sleek design, and robust feature set make it a top contender in the smartphone market.

Sony Xperia 1 IV

The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a premium smartphone that boasts a 4K OLED screen, good battery life, and a pro-oriented camera kit. The device features a quad-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The phone also has a new 12MP front-facing camera capable of 4K video recording. The camera app is feature-rich, with options like Wide Dynamic Range mode, which combines multiple frames to boost contrast and shadows. However, the lack of a Night mode might be a drawback for some users. Still, the camera produces excellent results, especially in daylight conditions, with plenty of detail, natural colors, and good dynamic range. The phone's performance is respectable, but it does throttle quite a bit, which may not make it the top choice for heavy gamers. The throttling is also noticeable on screen as heat builds up and the refresh rate dips to 60Hz. Expandable storage and a headphone jack are welcome retro features, although the lack of a charger in the box is a disappointment. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a great option for enthusiasts who appreciate camera features like manual modes and advanced settings. However, it may not be the best choice for casual users or those looking for a more straightforward point-and-shoot experience. Despite its premium price tag, this device offers excellent image quality, making it a solid recommendation for fans of Sony smartphone photography.