iPhone 16 Plus vs. Sony Xperia 1 VII: A Deep Dive into Flagship Power
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a polished ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Plus is the stronger choice. Its 48-hour endurance and optimized software provide a consistently reliable experience. However, the Sony Xperia 1 VII edges ahead for users demanding maximum performance and customization options.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Sony Xperia 1 VII |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66 - A3290 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3290 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2025, May 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 20 | Available. Released 2025, June 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Ceramic Shield), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass (2024 gen), Mohs level 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM) | LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020 |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz) | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | Adreno 830 |
| OS | iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 26.1 | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) | Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/3.5, 170mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-7.1x continuous optical zoom, OIS, 4cm macro @ 120mm, no AF 48 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec. | 4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec. | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only) 15W wireless (Qi2) 4.5W reverse wired | 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4674 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Moss Green, Orchid Purple, Slate Black |
| Models | A3290, A3082, A3289, A3291, iPhone17,4 | XQ-FS54, XQFS54EUKCG.GC, XQFS54EUKCV.GC, XQFS54EUKCB.GC, PDX256 |
| Price | € 700.00 / $ 498.74 / £ 599.99 / ₹ 76,490 | € 1,338.99 / $ 1,394.99 / £ 1,149.94 |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.24 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 48:00h endurance, 1000 cycles | 43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles |
| Energy | Class B | Class B |
| Free fall | Class C (90 falls) | Class B (181 falls) |
| Repairability | Class C | Class D |
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Exceptional battery endurance (48 hours)
- Seamless ecosystem integration with Apple devices
- High peak display brightness (1823 nits)
- Limited customization options compared to Android
- Fewer battery cycles (1000)
Sony Xperia 1 VII
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Longer battery cycle life (1400)
- Advanced charging protocols (PD3.0, PPS)
- Shorter battery endurance (43.5 hours)
- Lower peak display brightness (1475 nits)
Display Comparison
The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1823 nits, significantly outshining the Xperia 1 VII’s 1475 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize 3nm chipsets, the display power draw will be higher on the iPhone. Neither manufacturer specifies panel technology, but given Apple’s history, the iPhone likely employs an LTPO panel for variable refresh rates and power efficiency. Sony’s displays are known for color accuracy, but the iPhone’s higher peak brightness provides a more impactful visual experience for HDR content.
Camera Comparison
Context data lacks detailed camera specifications, but Sony’s Xperia line traditionally emphasizes manual controls and image quality. Given Sony’s sensor manufacturing expertise, the Xperia 1 VII likely features a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The iPhone 16 Plus will likely focus on computational photography and ease of use. Without sensor size data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Sony’s history suggests a more versatile and customizable camera experience for enthusiasts. The iPhone’s strength lies in its consistent, reliable results and excellent video recording capabilities.
Performance
Both devices leverage 3nm chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The iPhone 16 Plus features Apple’s A18, a hexa-core CPU with a 2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz configuration. The Xperia 1 VII utilizes the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite, an octa-core CPU with 2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Oryon cores, designed by Qualcomm, are intended to rival Apple’s custom silicon. While clock speeds favor the Snapdragon, Apple’s tight software integration and optimized Metal graphics API often translate to superior real-world performance, particularly in gaming. The Xperia 1 VII’s larger core count may benefit multi-threaded workloads, but the iPhone’s efficiency is likely to be higher.
Battery Life
The iPhone 16 Plus delivers a remarkable 48-hour endurance rating, exceeding the Xperia 1 VII’s 43.5-hour score. However, the Xperia 1 VII boasts 1400 battery cycles, significantly more than the iPhone’s 1000, suggesting longer-term battery health. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 18:49h of active use, while the Xperia 1 VII provides 15:32h. Both support 50% charging in 30 minutes, but the Xperia 1 VII utilizes PD3.0 and PPS for potentially faster and more efficient charging. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 25W MagSafe wireless charging and 15W Qi2, while the Xperia 1 VII provides 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Plus if you need a phone that 'just works,' integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, and offers exceptional battery life for extended use. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII if you prefer a highly customizable Android experience, prioritize raw processing power for demanding tasks like video editing, and value a more manual, professional-grade camera system.