Sony Xperia 1 IV vs Xiaomi 15 Ultra

The Verdict

Sony's Xperia 1 IV delivers a premium flagship experience with its exceptional 6.5-inch 4K OLED display (3840 x 1644 resolution, 1000 nits) and refined Cinema Pro video capabilities, making it ideal for content creators seeking cinematic output. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with 12GB RAM handles demanding tasks smoothly, though its camera setup uses smaller sensors despite offering continuous zoom flexibility. Xiaomi's 15 Ultra provides significantly better raw value at $600 less, featuring a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite, substantially brighter 3200-nit display, and a more capable camera system headlined by a 1-inch 50MP main sensor and impressive 200MP periscope telephoto. The 15 Ultra's 5810 mAh battery with 90W charging vastly outpaces Sony's 5000 mAh capacity with 30W charging, while its 50W wireless charging doubles Sony's offering. Sony's build feels marginally more refined with its lighter 185g design versus Xiaomi's 229g weight, and its compact 6.5-inch form factor suits single-handed use better. For professionals prioritizing video quality and brand ecosystem, the Xperia 1 IV justifies its premium. However, the 15 Ultra's superior performance metrics, camera versatility, charging speed, and significantly lower price make it the smarter choice for most users seeking a complete flagship package without the premium markup.