Sony Xperia 1 vs LG V50 ThinQ 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Sony Xperia 1 and LG V50 ThinQ 5G were both flagship contenders, boasting powerful processors and impressive features. But which phone truly reigns supreme? We're diving deep into their displays, performance, cameras, and battery life to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The LG V50 ThinQ 5G edges out the Xperia 1 thanks to its superior battery life, inclusion of wireless charging, and slightly faster charging speeds. While the Xperia 1 boasts a stunning display, the V50's overall package provides better value and longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 LG V50 ThinQ 5G
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 - USA
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands-41, 260, 261 NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2019, February 25. Released 2019, May 302019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in)159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR BT.2020P-OLED, HDR10
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality EngineAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, predictive PDAF, 2x optical zoom, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm12 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS 12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF
Video4K@24/25/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR10 video, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Video1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)1080p@60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.018W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Ion 3330 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Purple, WhiteNew Aurora Black
ModelsJ8110, J8170, J9110, J9150, SOV40, SO-03LLM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 550 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB Noise -92.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 79h Endurance rating 96h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: 194000:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.7 LUFS (Good) -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 356734 (v7), 418206 (v8) GeekBench: 10985 (v4.4), 2753 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 343758 (v7), 421934 (v8) GeekBench: 10928 (v4.4), 2672 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1

  • Stunning 21:9 display
  • Excellent camera versatility
  • Clean Android experience
  • Premium build quality

  • Shorter battery life
  • No wireless charging
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Higher price (at launch)

LG V50 ThinQ 5G

  • Longer battery life
  • Wireless charging
  • Faster charging
  • 5G connectivity
  • User-friendly camera software

  • Slightly dimmer display
  • Less premium design
  • Software support ended earlier

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1’s 6.5-inch OLED display shines with 665 nits of brightness and an infinite contrast ratio, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the V50 ThinQ’s 6.4-inch display, while slightly dimmer at 533 nits, still offers excellent image quality with a remarkable 194000:1 contrast ratio. The Xperia 1’s taller 21:9 aspect ratio is unique and great for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

The Xperia 1 features a triple-lens setup with a 26mm main lens, a 52mm telephoto lens, and a 16mm ultrawide lens. The V50 ThinQ 5G also has a triple-lens system, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Both offer excellent image quality, but the Xperia 1’s dedicated telephoto lens provides more versatility for zoomed shots. The V50's camera software was generally considered more user-friendly.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset and share the same Octa-core CPU, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Real-world performance differences are minimal, with both handling apps and multitasking with ease. The V50's 5G capabilities were a significant advantage at the time.

Battery Life

The LG V50 ThinQ 5G takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 96 hours compared to the Xperia 1’s 79 hours. The V50 also includes wireless charging (10W Qi) and faster wired charging (PD2.0, QC3), further enhancing its convenience.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia 1 is ideal for photography enthusiasts who prioritize a cinematic display and a clean Android experience. The LG V50 ThinQ 5G is a better choice for users who need all-day battery life, appreciate wireless charging, and want a versatile camera system.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better video recording capabilities?
Both phones offer excellent video recording, but the Xperia 1's 21:9 aspect ratio is particularly well-suited for cinematic video projects.
❓ Is the Xperia 1 still worth buying in [current year]?
The Xperia 1 remains a solid choice for photography enthusiasts and those who appreciate a unique display, but its age means software updates are limited. Consider your priorities and budget.