Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers impressive value at $499, packing an A18 chip, 6.1-inch OLED display, and capable 48MP camera in a compact design. Sony's Xperia 1 VI commands premium pricing at $1,399, justifying its cost through a larger 6.5-inch 120Hz display, significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, versatile quad-camera system with continuous optical zoom, and substantially larger 5000mAh battery. For everyday users prioritizing efficiency and affordability, the SE 4 excels with iOS 18 and sufficient performance. However, mobile photographers and Android enthusiasts will appreciate the Xperia 1 VI's professional-grade optics, superior display refresh rate, and extended battery endurance. Despite the SE 4's remarkable spec-to-price ratio, the Xperia 1 VI's camera expertise and raw power justify its premium positioning. Choose SE 4 for budget-conscious practicality; select Xperia 1 VI for creative imaging and sustained performance demands.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VI if…
- →Continuous optical zoom telephoto (85-170mm)
- →Pro-grade camera apps for photo and video
- →3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Pros
- Continuous optical zoom telephoto (85-170mm)
- Pro-grade camera apps for photo and video
- 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support
- Compact form factor for a flagship
- Very long battery life
Cons
- Resolution dropped from 4K to FHD+ vs predecessor
- Slow 30W charging
- Premium price
- Niche appeal outside enthusiasts
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 192 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP65/IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.35" Exmor T |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps HDR |
| Telephoto | — | 12 MP, f/2.3-3.5, 85-170mm continuous optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | Qi wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 2100 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 + 5x3.2 GHz A720 + 2x2.3 GHz A520) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 750 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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