Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Sony Xperia 1 VII: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagships
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing peak performance and responsiveness during active use, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the superior choice, offering a faster active use score and brighter display. However, the Sony Xperia 1 VII wins for endurance, boasting a significantly longer battery life and more charge cycles.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy S25 | 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, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, January 22 | 2025, May 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, February 03 | Available. Released 2025, June 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm (5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in) | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CN | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~416 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) | LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020 |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 (1200 MHz) | Adreno 830 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video | 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 | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS | 4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, HDR10+ | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready) 4.5W reverse wireless | 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Blue Black | Moss Green, Orchid Purple, Slate Black |
| Models | SM-S931B, SM-S931B/DS, SM-S931U, SM-S931U1, SM-S931W, SM-S931N, SM-S9310, SM-S931E, SM-S931E/DS | XQ-FS54, XQFS54EUKCG.GC, XQFS54EUKCV.GC, XQFS54EUKCB.GC, PDX256 |
| Price | $ 674.99 / C$ 689.00 / £ 435.99 / € 548.13 / ₹ 80,999 | € 1,338.99 / $ 1,394.99 / £ 1,149.94 |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.29 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 37:16h endurance, 2000 cycles | 43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles |
| Energy | Class B | Class B |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | Class B (181 falls) |
| Repairability | Class C | Class D |
Samsung Galaxy S25
- Slightly faster CPU clock speeds for potential single-core performance gains.
- Brighter display for improved visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher number of battery charge cycles for long-term battery health.
- Shorter battery endurance compared to the Xperia 1 VII.
- Lower peak brightness than the Xperia 1 VII.
Sony Xperia 1 VII
- Significantly longer battery endurance for all-day use.
- PPS support for potentially more efficient charging.
- Higher peak display brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Slightly lower CPU clock speeds.
- Fewer battery charge cycles compared to the S25.
Display Comparison
The Sony Xperia 1 VII edges out the Samsung Galaxy S25 in peak brightness, achieving 1475 nits compared to the S25’s 1395 nits. While both displays are excellent, the Xperia 1 VII’s higher output will be noticeable in direct sunlight. Both are likely utilizing LTPO technology for variable refresh rates, though this isn't specified. The Xperia 1 VII’s slightly higher brightness is a key advantage for outdoor visibility, while the S25’s display, though dimmer, will likely benefit from Samsung’s color calibration expertise.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, Sony’s Xperia line traditionally focuses on image processing that prioritizes natural colors and detail, while Samsung often boosts saturation and contrast. The absence of specific sensor details makes it difficult to assess image quality, but the Xperia 1 VII’s brand reputation suggests a focus on photographic fidelity. We can assume both will offer excellent image stabilization given their flagship status.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AC/AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) with the same Oryon V2 Phoenix CPU configuration (2x4.47/4.32 GHz L cores + 6x3.53 GHz M cores). The S25’s slightly higher clock speed on the prime cores suggests a marginal performance advantage in single-threaded tasks. However, the real-world difference will be minimal. Thermal management will be crucial; the 3nm process should improve efficiency, but sustained loads could still lead to throttling. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR5x RAM, but the speed isn't specified.
Battery Life
The Sony Xperia 1 VII delivers a substantial advantage in battery endurance, offering 43:30h compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25’s 37:16h. This translates to a 15:32h active use score for the Xperia 1 VII versus 13:09h for the S25. While both support 50% charging in 30 minutes via PD3.0, the Xperia 1 VII adds PPS support for potentially more efficient charging. The Xperia 1 VII also boasts 1400 charge cycles compared to the S25’s 2000, suggesting Samsung prioritizes long-term battery health over initial capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you need a phone that feels incredibly fast and responsive for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and value a brighter, more vibrant display. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII if you prioritize all-day battery life, extended longevity with more charge cycles, and a slightly more refined charging experience with PPS support.