Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Sony Xperia 1 VII: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Elite Power

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Sony Xperia 1 VII represent two distinct philosophies in the flagship Android space. Samsung pushes for peak performance and a vibrant display, while Sony focuses on media consumption and extended battery life. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, but subtle differences in implementation and supporting hardware create a compelling head-to-head.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a brighter screen, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the better choice. Its faster active use score and higher peak brightness deliver a more engaging experience. However, the Sony Xperia 1 VII’s superior battery endurance makes it ideal for power users and travelers.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Sony Xperia 1 VII
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 132025, May 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 29Available. Released 2025, June 04
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2), titanium frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2)Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm (6.23 x 2.98 x 0.23 in)162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight163 g (5.75 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~92.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 830 (1200 MHz)Adreno 830
OSAndroid 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, PDAF-
FeaturesBest Face, LED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss 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
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE6.0, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging25W wired, PD, QC2.0, 55% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready)30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3900 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTitanium Icyblue, Titanium Silver, Titanium JetblackMoss Green, Orchid Purple, Slate Black
ModelsSM-S937U, SM-S937U1, SM-S937B, SM-S937B/DS, SM-S9370XQ-FS54, XQFS54EUKCG.GC, XQFS54EUKCV.GC, XQFS54EUKCB.GC, PDX256
Price€ 637.90 / $ 1,099.99 / £ 699.99 / ₹ 101,999€ 1,338.99 / $ 1,394.99 / £ 1,149.94
SAR1.21 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.24 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery40:05h endurance, 2000 cycles43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles
EnergyClass AClass B
Free fallClass A (270 falls)Class B (181 falls)
RepairabilityClass CClass D

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

  • Faster active use performance
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Qi2 wireless charging support

  • Shorter battery endurance
  • Potentially more aggressive image processing

Sony Xperia 1 VII

  • Exceptional battery endurance
  • Reverse wireless charging capability
  • Potentially more natural color reproduction

  • Slightly slower active use performance
  • Slower wired charging speed

Display Comparison

Both the S25 Edge and Xperia 1 VII boast impressive displays, achieving 1416 nits and 1475 nits peak brightness respectively. The Xperia 1 VII’s marginally brighter panel will be more visible under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates (not specified in the data, but standard for this class), the S25 Edge’s brightness advantage suggests a potentially more aggressive peak brightness curve. Color accuracy is not specified, but Sony traditionally aims for a more natural, cinematic look, while Samsung often leans towards vibrant, saturated colors.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent, but we can infer based on brand history. Sony typically focuses on natural color reproduction and excellent dynamic range, leveraging its expertise in image sensors. Samsung often employs more aggressive image processing, resulting in vibrant, shareable photos. The absence of sensor size data makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Xperia 1 VII’s emphasis on photography suggests a potentially larger main sensor. The lack of mention of telephoto lenses on either device is notable, suggesting a focus on primary and ultrawide capabilities.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AC/AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores at 4.47 GHz (S25 Edge) vs 4.32 GHz (Xperia 1 VII) and 6x Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores at 3.53 GHz on both. The slightly higher clock speed on the S25 Edge’s prime cores suggests a marginal performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the real-world difference will likely be minimal. Both devices will benefit from the 3nm process node, offering improved thermal efficiency compared to previous generations. RAM specifications are not provided, but both are expected to utilize LPDDR5x for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 VII significantly outperforms the S25 Edge in battery endurance, offering 43:30h compared to the S25 Edge’s 40:05h. This translates to a substantial difference in real-world usage. The Xperia 1 VII also boasts a superior active use score of 15:32h versus 12:06h for the S25 Edge. While the S25 Edge charges faster at 25W wired (55% in 30 minutes) compared to the Xperia 1 VII’s 30W (50% in 30 minutes), the Xperia 1 VII’s larger endurance advantage likely outweighs the slightly faster charging speed for most users. The inclusion of reverse wireless charging on the Xperia 1 VII is a bonus for accessory users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge if you need a phone that feels incredibly fast in everyday tasks, benefits from a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and values the convenience of Qi2 wireless charging. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII if you prioritize all-day battery life, appreciate a more neutral color profile for media consumption, and require reverse wireless charging for accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Edge exhibit thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s 3nm process improves thermal efficiency, sustained high loads like gaming can still generate heat. The S25 Edge’s slightly higher CPU clock speeds *could* lead to more heat generation than the Xperia 1 VII, potentially resulting in more noticeable throttling. However, Samsung’s cooling solutions are typically robust, mitigating this risk.
❓ How does the difference in battery cycle counts (2000 for S25 Edge vs 1400 for Xperia 1 VII) impact long-term battery health?
A higher battery cycle count indicates the battery can be fully charged and discharged more times before significant degradation occurs. The S25 Edge’s 2000 cycles suggest a longer lifespan compared to the Xperia 1 VII’s 1400 cycles, potentially delaying the need for a battery replacement. However, battery health is also affected by charging habits and usage patterns.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Xperia 1 VII significantly slower than the 25W on the S25 Edge in real-world use?
While the Xperia 1 VII’s 30W charging reaches 50% in 30 minutes, and the S25 Edge’s 25W reaches 55%, the difference in the first 30 minutes is minimal. The overall 0-100% charge time difference will likely be small, and the Xperia 1 VII’s superior battery endurance means you’ll need to charge less frequently.