Sony Xperia 1 IV vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Verdict
Sony's flagship evolution shows meaningful generational improvements favoring the Xperia 1 VI. Display technology separates these phones significantly,the VI's 2100-nit LTPO OLED with 2340x1080 resolution delivers superior brightness and efficiency compared to the IV's 3840x1644 ultra-high-res panel, though purists may debate sharpness versus practicality. Camera systems both excel, but the VI's 48MP main sensor with larger 1/1.35" Exmor T significantly outperforms the IV's 12MP setup in detail capture and low-light performance, while the extended 170mm telephoto zoom provides greater versatility. Performance-wise, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the older Gen 1, offering faster real-world speed and efficiency. Battery capacity remains identical at 5000mAh, though the VI's superior processor efficiency likely extends endurance. Software matters too,Android 14 versus Android 12 provides meaningful feature gaps. At $200 less, the VI delivers better value with newer technology across nearly every metric. Only the IV's unique 4K ultra-high-resolution display appeals to media professionals. For most users, the Xperia 1 VI is the superior choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony Xperia 1 IV if…
- →True optical continuous zoom (85-125mm) is unique
- →4K 120Hz OLED display
- →Professional video recording with Cinema Pro
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
Sony Xperia 1 IV
Pros
- True optical continuous zoom (85-125mm) is unique
- 4K 120Hz OLED display
- Professional video recording with Cinema Pro
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- microSD card slot for expandable storage
Cons
- $1599 was the most expensive mainstream phone
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 overheating problems
- 12 MP sensors felt dated versus competition
- Slow 30W charging
- Point-and-shoot camera results behind rivals
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 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 185 g | 192 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP65/IP68 |
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 48 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.35" Exmor T |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.0 | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@120fps, Cinema Pro | 4K@120fps HDR |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.3-2.8, 85-125mm continuous zoom | 12 MP, f/2.3-3.5, 85-170mm continuous optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | Qi wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Type | OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 1644 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 2100 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 + 5x3.2 GHz A720 + 2x2.3 GHz A520) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 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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