Sony Xperia 1 vs Xperia 1 V: The Ultimate Flagship Showdown

Sony's Xperia line consistently caters to enthusiasts seeking a premium experience. The Xperia 1 and its successor, the Xperia 1 V, both offer unique features, but which one delivers the best overall package? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 V is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a brighter display, and improved camera capabilities. While the Xperia 1 remains a capable device, the 1 V’s advancements make it the superior choice for most users, especially photography enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 Sony Xperia 1 V
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2019, February 25. Released 2019, May 302023, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, July 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in)165 x 71 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality Engine-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 740
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11Android 13, upgradable to Android 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model onlymicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
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", 1.0µm48 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 PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Video1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 -Native Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.030W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3330 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Purple, WhiteBlack, Khaki Green, Platinum Silver
ModelsJ8110, J8170, J9110, J9150, SOV40, SO-03LXQDQ62/B, XQ-DQ72, XQ-DQ54
PriceAbout 500 EUR€ 684.00 / $ 1,409.99 / £ 519.99
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB-
Battery lifeEndurance rating 79h Endurance rating 115h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.7 LUFS (Good) -25.4 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 356734 (v7), 418206 (v8) GeekBench: 10985 (v4.4), 2753 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 1127931 (v9) GeekBench: 4916 (v6) GFXBench: 96fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1

  • Excellent display
  • Premium design
  • Unique features (e.g., Creator Suite)
  • Good camera system

  • Older chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Less bright display compared to 1 V

Sony Xperia 1 V

  • Significantly faster performance
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Improved camera system (especially video)
  • Faster charging
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Sony's software can be divisive

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 V takes a noticeable lead in display brightness, reaching 936 nits compared to the Xperia 1's 665 nits. Both feature excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), and the same 6.5-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The brighter screen on the 1 V makes it more usable outdoors. Color accuracy remains excellent on both.

Camera Comparison

While both offer excellent camera systems, the Xperia 1 V introduces significant improvements. The 1 V's Exmor T sensor and improved image processing algorithms result in better low-light performance, more natural colors, and enhanced dynamic range. The 1 V also excels in video recording, offering improved stabilization and more creative options. Both phones feature a triple-lens setup with telephoto, ultrawide, and main lenses.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 1 V provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 855 in the Xperia 1. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the 1 V. The 1 V's more efficient chip also contributes to better power management.

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 V shows a slight improvement in endurance rating (115h vs 79h), but active use scores suggest a more noticeable difference in real-world battery life. The 1 V also supports faster 30W wired charging and reverse wireless charging, offering greater convenience.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia 1 is a good choice for users who prioritize a more affordable price point and don't need the absolute latest performance. It's ideal for those already familiar with Sony's software and appreciate its unique features. The Xperia 1 V is for users who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, and a significantly upgraded camera system, particularly for video recording. It's a worthwhile investment for serious photographers and videographers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 1 V worth the upgrade from the Xperia 1?
Yes, if you prioritize performance, camera improvements, and a brighter display. The 1 V offers a significant upgrade in key areas.
❓ Does the Xperia 1 V have a headphone jack?
Yes, both the Xperia 1 and Xperia 1 V retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in flagship smartphones.