Sony Xperia 1 V vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: The Ultimate Showdown

The Sony Xperia 1 V and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, each offering a unique blend of features and performance. Choosing between them can be tough, so we've broken down every aspect to help you decide which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a brighter display, tighter iOS ecosystem integration, and generally faster software updates. However, the Xperia 1 V offers a unique, cinematic 21:9 display, a more versatile camera system with variable optical zoom, and a more open Android experience. It depends on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 V Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2894, A2896
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2894, A2896
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2895
Launch
Announced2023, May 112022, September 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, July 28Available. Released 2022, September 16
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front, glass back, stainless steel frame
Dimensions165 x 71 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-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)
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)240 g (8.47 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Ceramic Shield glass
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)
 -Always-On display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM
 UFSNVMe
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)
Single-12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", PDAF, OIS (unconfirmed) SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Triple48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 77mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Video4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system-
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video outputLightning, USB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Native Sony Alpha camera supportUltra Wideband (UWB) support Emergency SOS via satellite (SMS sending/receiving)
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wirelessWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 4323 mAh (16.68 Wh)
Misc
ColorsBlack, Khaki Green, Platinum SilverSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple
ModelsXQDQ62/B, XQ-DQ72, XQ-DQ54A2894, A2651, A2893, A2895, A2896, iphone15,3
Price€ 684.00 / $ 1,409.99 / £ 519.99€ 530.79 / $ 489.81 / £ 446.75
SAR-1.15 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 115h Endurance rating 121h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.4 LUFS (Very good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 1127931 (v9) GeekBench: 4916 (v6) GFXBench: 96fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 955884 (v9) GeekBench: 5423 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1 V

  • Unique 21:9 display
  • Variable optical zoom camera
  • Android customization
  • Reverse wireless charging
  • Faster wired charging

  • Slower wireless charging
  • Less polished software experience compared to iOS
  • Lower peak brightness than iPhone

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • Brighter display
  • Excellent performance and efficiency
  • Refined iOS ecosystem
  • MagSafe wireless charging
  • ProMotion adaptive refresh rate

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Less camera versatility (no variable optical zoom)
  • Less customization options compared to Android
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

The iPhone 14 Pro Max takes a clear lead in display brightness, reaching a measured 1760 nits compared to the Xperia 1 V's 936 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the Xperia 1 V's 21:9 aspect ratio provides a more cinematic viewing experience, while the iPhone's Super Retina XDR display delivers vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. The iPhone also has ProMotion (adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz), offering smoother scrolling.

Camera Comparison

The Xperia 1 V distinguishes itself with its variable optical zoom (85mm-135mm), offering greater creative flexibility. Both phones capture excellent photos and videos, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max's computational photography is generally considered more refined, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Xperia 1 V offers more manual controls for photography enthusiasts.

Performance

Both phones are incredibly fast thanks to their respective flagship chipsets. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 1 V is a powerhouse, but the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 14 Pro Max consistently demonstrates slightly better real-world performance and efficiency. iOS optimization also contributes to a generally smoother and more responsive feel.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 121h (iPhone) and 115h (Xperia). Active use on the Xperia 1 V is rated at 12:24h. The iPhone 14 Pro Max's charging speeds are slower (15W wireless MagSafe/Qi2, wired PD2.0), while the Xperia 1 V supports faster 30W wired charging (PD3.0, PPS). Reverse wireless charging is also available on the Xperia.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia 1 V is ideal for photography enthusiasts, content creators who appreciate a wider aspect ratio display, and users who prefer Android's customization options. The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is perfect for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, prioritizing seamless integration, and valuing a consistently polished user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better video recording capabilities?
Both offer excellent video recording, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max is often praised for its cinematic mode and ProRes support. The Xperia 1 V provides more manual controls for video recording.
❓ Is the Xperia 1 V worth it if I'm not a photography enthusiast?
While the camera is a highlight, the Xperia 1 V's unique display and Android customization options can still appeal to a wider audience. However, if you prioritize ease of use and a seamless ecosystem, the iPhone 14 Pro Max might be a better choice.