Samsung Galaxy S24vsSony Xperia 1 IV

Samsung Galaxy S24

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a compact flagship that offers high-end features in a pocketable form factor. While it doesn't bring many upgrades compared to the more expensive S24 Plus, it does offer refinements such as a brighter and more adaptive screen, and a more powerful chipset that powers new AI functionality. The design of the phone is similar to previous Samsung models, with a flat back made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and separate rings for each camera. The phone's matte aluminum frame is touted to be tougher this year, and the sharp edge where the frame meets the back gives it a subtly different feel in hand. The 6.2-inch OLED display is slightly larger than last year's model and has a 1080p resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and a 0HZ refresh rate. The new chipset brings LT-P Tech, which means the screen refresh rate is extra adaptive. The phone also supports HDR10+ video. The camera performance has improved thanks to the new chipset and AI processing. During the day, photos from the main camera are excellent with vibrant yet not over-the-top colors and wide dynamic range. Portrait mode gives you three zoom levels, one times and two times are captured on the main camera, while three times portraits are taken with the telephoto camera. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a nice incremental upgrade to last year's model, offering a solid all-around compact flagship experience. However, it may not be worth the premium price, and last year's model provides better value for money.

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.