Sony Xperia 1 VII vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Photographer’s Pick or the Feature King?

The smartphone world keeps evolving, but some brands stay true to their roots. Sony’s Xperia 1 VII is a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts—it sticks to a no-notch design, offers microSD card support, and even includes a headphone jack, features that are almost extinct in today’s flagship arena. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps pushing the boundary of Android dominance with its powerful hardware, anti-reflective display, and that ever-popular S-Pen that transforms it into a productivity tool like no other.

But these phones aren’t just different on paper—they represent two opposite philosophies. Xperia leans toward creators and professionals, offering manual control and optical quality, while the Galaxy bets on computational power, AI-assisted photography, and ecosystem integration. They both pack the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, but their approaches to software and camera tuning couldn’t be more distinct.

We’re going to put both of these Android titans through the wringer to find out which one deserves your money in 2025. Is it Sony’s purist-oriented, filmmaker-friendly Xperia? Or is it the all-in-one, feature-rich powerhouse from Samsung? The answer might surprise you.

We’ll look at the differences in design, display, performance, camera output, battery, and more—along with those little details that only show up with real-world use. And yes, we’ll break down whether the Xperia can finally beat Samsung at its own game—even when it’s using Sony sensors.

So buckle up—this is the ultimate flagship face-off.

Design and Build Quality:

At first glance, the Sony Xperia 1 VII and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra couldn’t look more different. Sony embraces a utilitarian, no-nonsense approach with a tall and narrow form factor, flat sides, and symmetrical top-and-bottom bezels. It’s striking in its simplicity. The Xperia keeps the 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel more like a cinema camera in your hand than a smartphone. The texture on the back panel adds excellent grip and feels professional without being flashy.

You also get the iconic two-stage shutter button on the right side, a rare find in 2025, and a tactile joy for photography enthusiasts. The SIM and SD card tray can be accessed without tools—yet another pro-user move. Up top, a 3.5mm headphone jack is still there, appealing to audiophiles and creators who want lossless wired monitoring.

On the other side of the ring, Samsung’s S25 Ultra flaunts polish and futuristic refinement. The front is an edge-to-edge, nearly bezel-less display with subtle curvature, housed inside a titanium frame that exudes durability and luxury. Despite its bulkier footprint and weight, the curved back panel helps it feel more ergonomic.

The anti-reflective coating on the display is a quiet but meaningful innovation—it genuinely helps visibility outdoors. And of course, the embedded S-Pen remains a unique offering, making the S25 Ultra one of the most versatile productivity phones you can buy. The four rear camera rings on the back are arranged vertically, minimalistic but imposing.

Both phones are IP68-rated, so durability is not a concern. Still, the Xperia feels more rugged in spirit, while the Galaxy feels premium and luxurious. The Xperia’s taller build makes it less pocketable but also easier to grip one-handed. The Galaxy feels wider and heavier in daily use, but better suited for media consumption.

Ultimately, Sony goes for functional design with creative control in mind. Samsung aims to dominate all use cases with polish and presentation. Whether you value precision or versatility, both designs deliver—but speak to very different audiences.

Display Specs and Biometrics:

The Sony Xperia 1 VII continues Sony’s legacy of prioritizing cinematic visual experiences, and that’s evident in its 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, this display is tailored for immersive video content and professional media playback. The resolution stands out in an era where most phones have settled at QHD+, and the display is capable of 120Hz refresh for smooth scrolling and animation. It may not get as bright as some of its rivals, but colors are vivid and punchy, and there’s full DCI-P3 coverage with creator mode for color-accurate work.

 

Sony also offers an advanced display tuning panel that allows fine-tuning of gamma, white balance, and color temperature—perfect for creators. The bezels above and below may seem old-school, but they house the front-facing stereo speakers and eliminate the need for notches or punch holes, giving the screen an uninterrupted viewing surface. This decision is deliberate and appreciated by purists.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a massive 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive refresh up to 144Hz. The standout feature this year is its new anti-reflective layer, which noticeably reduces glare and improves legibility in direct sunlight. It’s brighter overall than the Xperia and features one of the most advanced LTPO panels in the industry. Samsung’s calibration leans slightly warmer by default, but display profiles allow for cooler or more natural tones if you prefer.

Both panels are protected by the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 3, offering excellent scratch and impact resistance. In terms of biometrics, Sony keeps the fingerprint scanner on the power button, which remains responsive and reliable—especially when unlocking the phone quickly while pulling it from your pocket. Samsung, on the other hand, uses its signature ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display, which is faster and works reliably even with slightly damp fingers.

Face unlock is supported on both, but Samsung’s version is more flexible with a wide-angle field of view, while Sony’s is software-only and works best in good lighting. Where Samsung really shines is with its S-Pen integration on the display, allowing for pressure-sensitive note-taking and Air Actions. Xperia doesn’t offer stylus support at all.

At the end of the day, Sony gives you a display designed for visual integrity, while Samsung aims for multimedia flash and maximum usability. Both are excellent—but one feels built for precision, the other for immersion.

Software Updates and Apps:

The Sony Xperia 1 VII runs a nearly stock version of Android 15, staying close to Google’s vision with minimal preinstalled apps and no flashy overlays. This clean experience appeals to those who prefer a simple, clutter-free interface without heavy skins or bloatware. Sony adds a few purposeful touches like “Photo Pro,” “Cinema Pro,” and “Music Pro,” tailored toward creatives who want DSLR-style controls for content creation.

However, the Xperia’s minimalist software philosophy also means fewer AI-powered extras and conveniences. You won’t find advanced system-wide tools like Live Translate, screen summarizers, or AI auto-formatting here. That’s where Samsung’s One UI 7 shines.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra builds on Android 15 with One UI, a feature-rich skin loaded with powerful Samsung-exclusive features. From the S-Pen productivity suite to multi-window tools, Samsung DeX for desktop-like experiences, and Galaxy AI features such as real-time call translation, grammar correction, and Circle to Search, there’s a tool for nearly everything.

Both phones support Google Gemini, but Samsung’s integration is tighter and more complete. Galaxy phones also receive longer update commitments—up to 7 years of OS and security updates—compared to Sony’s standard 3–4 years. That’s a major difference for longevity.

Sony’s software is fast and responsive but lacks polish in places. Minor bugs—like app crashes or UI hiccups—are more common on the Xperia. Samsung’s One UI, though heavier, is mature and smoother overall.

For users who want simplicity and control, Sony delivers. But for those craving smart features and long-term support, Samsung pulls ahead.

Performance and Chipsets:

Under the hood, both the Xperia 1 VII and Galaxy S25 Ultra are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Qualcomm’s top-tier processor for 2025. However, there’s a difference—Samsung uses an exclusive overclocked version known as the “Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy,” offering slightly higher CPU and GPU clock speeds for improved benchmark numbers and burst performance.

In everyday usage, though, both phones feel snappy and responsive. Whether you’re jumping between apps, editing photos, or rendering short 4K videos, neither device breaks a sweat. Thermal management is solid on both, with the Xperia remaining cooler over long sessions thanks to its aggressive background task control and lower screen resolution.

Sony’s software makes the most of its clean system image, resulting in a fast and fluid UI experience without lag. The Galaxy, despite its heavier One UI skin, keeps up impressively, aided by optimized RAM management and AI-driven preloading.

For creators, Sony’s performance shines especially during extended Pro mode sessions or 4K video recording, where it remains stable. On the Galaxy, tasks like photo editing, split-screen multitasking, or gaming with background AI tools run seamlessly.

There’s no major performance gap unless you’re benchmarking. In practical use, both are flagship-grade performers.

Gaming Performance and Tests:

Gaming on both the Xperia 1 VII and Galaxy S25 Ultra is a flagship experience, but each delivers it differently. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and enhanced vapor chamber cooling, pushes out slightly better frame rates in demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Fortnite. Benchmarks show around 2–3 FPS advantage in sustained sessions.

Sony’s Xperia 1 VII is no slouch either. It handles games like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, and Apex Legends with consistent frame rates and minimal stutter. Its elongated 21:9 aspect ratio actually gives you more peripheral view in supported games, which can be advantageous for competitive play.

Thermal throttling is less aggressive on the Xperia in extended sessions, allowing longer periods of consistent performance. Sony’s Game Enhancer mode lets you prioritize performance or battery life and gives you fine control over refresh rate, touch sensitivity, and even audio output for games.

Samsung, meanwhile, integrates game booster tools and supports Discord overlays, floating game menus, and AI-powered screen recording options. If you’re into Samsung DeX, you can even game on a larger screen with a keyboard and mouse.

In short: Galaxy is more feature-packed for gamers, but Xperia is more stable in long-haul sessions and offers more control over the experience.

Battery Life and Charging Speed:

Battery life on the Xperia 1 VII is impressive, especially given its 4K display. Thanks to aggressive app management and a lean Android setup, it often lasts longer than expected. In mixed-use testing, the Xperia consistently ended the day with around 25–30% remaining.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its larger 5000mAh cell and more power-hungry features, still manages a full day comfortably but drains faster under heavy multitasking or extended stylus use.

Charging is where the Galaxy pulls ahead—supporting up to 65W wired charging, it goes from 0 to 100% in under an hour. The Xperia maxes out at 30W and takes about 90 minutes.

Both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

Connectivity:

When it comes to connectivity, both the Xperia 1 VII and Galaxy S25 Ultra cover all the flagship essentials, but with a few nuanced differences that may sway pro users. The Xperia includes a 3.5mm headphone jack—an increasingly rare feature—and it supports high-resolution wired audio output with support for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio certification. It also includes an SD card slot that supports expansion up to 1TB, a major bonus for creators and videographers.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, while lacking a headphone jack or SD card slot, brings top-tier wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and ultra-wideband (UWB) for features like digital car keys and improved spatial awareness for SmartThings devices. The Xperia also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 but lacks UWB.

5G connectivity is robust on both devices, including mmWave and sub-6GHz bands, though the Galaxy typically sees broader carrier support and more reliable network aggregation in global markets. Both phones also include eSIM capabilities alongside physical SIM.

For USB connections, the Galaxy uses USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, allowing faster data transfer and display output, while Xperia sticks to USB-C 3.1. Xperia, however, is easier to connect to Sony Alpha cameras and can double as a field monitor or live stream companion without third-party apps.

In short: Samsung leads in smart features and wireless integration, while Sony nails creator-focused wired and expandable connectivity.

Camera Specs and Performance:

Main Sensor and Color Science

Both the Xperia 1 VII and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature large 50MP primary sensors, but their approach to photography differs significantly. The Galaxy’s wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.9) allows more light and produces deeper natural bokeh. Its image processing leans warm with punchy contrast and aggressive sharpening, tuned for immediate social media sharing. Sony, on the other hand, captures a flatter, more natural image with slightly higher exposure, catering to users who prefer post-editing control. The Xperia occasionally suffers from highlight blowout, especially in high-contrast scenes.

In side-by-side tests, Sony retains better skin tone accuracy but often produces a slight orange cast. Samsung boosts saturation and contrast, sometimes introducing a yellow tint. Xperia users will notice filmic tones when using the “Standard” or “Creative Look” modes, while Samsung’s AI-powered scene optimizer brightens up shadows and selectively enhances key subjects.

Telephoto Performance

The Xperia’s 3.5–7.1x continuous telephoto zoom lens is a rare engineering feat, giving users optical range without digital steps. However, image quality varies depending on zoom level. At 3.5x, the Xperia can appear oversharpened, while the Galaxy’s fixed 3x and 5x lenses deliver cleaner, more consistent results. At 7.1x, Sony pulls ahead with better color and skin tone fidelity, though Samsung’s processing still makes its images more appealing to the average user.

Beyond 10x, the Galaxy wins with cleaner 20x shots and better stabilization. The Xperia’s continuous lens struggles to stabilize handheld zoom, leading to softer, blurrier results. In video, Samsung retains focus and exposure better, while Sony demands manual control for optimal results.

Ultrawide and Zeiss Lens Effects

The Xperia’s ultrawide camera boasts a larger sensor, which translates to better low-light performance and more depth-of-field separation. Its Zeiss T* coating controls lens flare better than Samsung’s ultrawide shooter, particularly at night. Sony also offers more contrast and stronger blacks, but sometimes pushes white balance toward yellow too aggressively.

Samsung’s ultrawide sensor is smaller but extremely consistent, offering better color matching with the main lens and smoother HDR blending. In direct sunlight or high-dynamic scenes, the Galaxy does a better job preserving detail across the frame.

Selfie and Front Camera Output

On the front, both phones have 12MP sensors, but the color profiles diverge again. The Xperia leans into magenta and orange tones, which can be unflattering in certain lighting. The Galaxy S25 Ultra trends green but balances exposure more effectively. Samsung also wins in edge detection during portrait selfies, while Sony can produce inconsistent subject isolation unless Pro mode is used.

Video Recording and Audio

Sony continues to offer unmatched Pro video options through its “Cinema Pro” app—letting users shoot in LOG, apply LUTs, manually adjust focus and shutter speed, and access zebra patterns. However, Samsung now includes features like 10-bit video, LOG shooting, and even anamorphic de-squeeze—features once exclusive to Sony. Moreover, Samsung’s video stabilization is superior out-of-the-box, especially when walking or panning handheld.

Audio capture is clean on both devices, but the Galaxy’s microphones isolate wind and background noise better. For professional sound monitoring, however, Xperia’s headphone jack is irreplaceable. Sony’s internal mic tuning favors natural tonality, making it ideal for interview-style vlogging.

Macro and Pro Features

In telephoto macro, the Xperia outshines Samsung. Its continuous zoom allows sharper, cleaner close-ups without switching lenses. The Galaxy’s macro toggle uses the ultrawide lens with software enhancements but often lacks detail.

For creators, Xperia offers unmatched manual tools—Pro Photo, Pro Video, and full SD card access. The Galaxy focuses on smart tools and ease of use, with AI edits, object eraser, and single-take modes.

Price and Availability:

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,199 for the base 256GB model and is widely available across major carriers, retailers, and Samsung’s official store globally. It frequently sees bundled deals with Galaxy Buds, tablets, or trade-in offers.

The Sony Xperia 1 VII is priced higher at $1,399 for 256GB, though it supports expandable storage via microSD. Availability is more limited, with purchases often restricted to online retailers or Sony’s direct store, particularly in North America and Europe.

Unlike Samsung, Sony rarely offers carrier subsidies or trade-in promotions, making the Xperia a harder sell from a value standpoint.

That said, Xperia retains its niche appeal and typically holds its price longer due to limited production runs.

Read also:

• Redmi Watch 4 vs. Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Battle of Budget Smartwatches
• What Are the Differences Between Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro?

Conclusion:

The Xperia 1 VII and Galaxy S25 Ultra represent two distinct paths in flagship smartphone design. Sony builds for a niche audience—cinematographers, photographers, and Android purists who appreciate granular control, expandable storage, and the rare joys of a 3.5mm jack. It’s a device that rewards those willing to learn its quirks, particularly in Pro mode photography and manual video work.

In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate all-rounder. It’s smarter, more accessible, and packed with every software feature you can imagine. From the S-Pen to Galaxy AI tools and superior zoom flexibility, it’s built for mainstream users who want everything in one place—with minimal effort.

Battery life is better on the Xperia, and its design is more compact and grippy. But the Galaxy is faster to charge, offers broader 5G compatibility, and has far better long-term software support. Its camera software is simply more polished, and while Sony’s optics shine with the right setup, Samsung’s computational photography wins for ease and consistency.

If you’re a creator who wants precision and doesn’t mind digging into manual tools, the Xperia 1 VII is your canvas. But for most users, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the smarter—and safer—investment.

• 👉 Sony Xperia 1 VII Check availability & deals on Amazon
• 👉 Galaxy S25 Ultra Check availability & deals on Amazon

Sony Xperia 1 VII – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• True 4K 120Hz OLED display with no notch or punch-hole interruptions.
• Continuous optical zoom lens (3.5x to 7.1x) offers unmatched focal flexibility.
• SD card support and 3.5mm headphone jack—ideal for creators and pros.
• Excellent thermal management and efficient battery consumption.
• Pro-level manual camera controls via Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps.
• Highly grippy and narrow design, making it easier to hold and shoot one-handed.

Cons:

• Limited availability, higher price, and no carrier deals.
• Inconsistent computational photography and limited AI camera enhancements.
• Slower charging speed compared to modern flagships.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Brighter anti-reflective 6.9″ AMOLED with 144Hz and superb outdoor visibility.
• Dual telephoto lenses deliver consistent quality across zoom levels.
• Extensive Galaxy AI tools, stylus input, and productivity features.
• Faster 65W charging and better global 5G support.
• Polished and stable camera software with better video stabilization.
• Longer software support (up to 7 years) and better resale value.

Cons:

• No SD card or headphone jack, limiting physical connectivity.
• Heavier and wider design makes one-handed use challenging.
• Image processing sometimes over-saturates or introduces color tinting.

• 👉 Sony Xperia 1 VII Check availability & deals on Amazon
• 👉 Galaxy S25 Ultra Check availability & deals on Amazon

Sony Xperia 1 VII vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra – FAQ:

Which phone has the better camera: Xperia 1 VII or Galaxy S25 Ultra?

• The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more consistent results with its computational photography and dual telephoto lenses. However, the Xperia 1 VII shines in manual modes and optical flexibility with its continuous zoom, making it better suited for enthusiasts and professionals.

Does the Xperia 1 VII support expandable storage?

• Yes, the Xperia 1 VII includes a microSD card slot that supports up to 1TB, allowing users to easily expand storage and transfer files—something missing on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Which device has longer software support?

• Samsung provides up to 7 years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Sony typically supports its Xperia phones for 3–4 years.

Which phone is better for media consumption?

• The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its brighter, larger, and anti-reflective 6.9″ display, is ideal for watching videos, gaming, and reading. The Xperia’s 21:9 4K panel is fantastic for cinematic content but is smaller and narrower.

Does either phone have a headphone jack?

• Yes, the Xperia 1 VII includes a 3.5mm headphone jack with Hi-Res Audio support. The Galaxy S25 Ultra does not.

Is the Xperia 1 VII good for video creators?

• Absolutely. With Pro Video apps, clean HDMI out features, continuous optical zoom, and SD card support, the Xperia 1 VII is a niche powerhouse for serious content creators.

Which phone charges faster?

• The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 65W wired charging, reaching full battery in under 60 minutes. The Xperia 1 VII maxes out at 30W and takes around 90 minutes for a full charge.

Can the Galaxy S25 Ultra replace a tablet?

• Thanks to the S-Pen, large display, and Samsung DeX support, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the few smartphones that can effectively function like a tablet or mini laptop.

Which phone has better zoom capabilities?

• Samsung’s dual telephoto setup with 3x and 5x lenses delivers sharper and more stable results across zoom ranges, especially beyond 10x. Xperia’s continuous zoom is more flexible but can suffer from image softness and instability at higher zoom levels.

Which phone should I buy in 2025?

• Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want a feature-rich, dependable all-rounder with great AI tools and support. Choose the Xperia 1 VII if you value manual controls, creator-focused tools, and a headphone jack in a premium niche package.
• 👉 Sony Xperia 1 VII Check availability & deals on Amazon
• 👉 Galaxy S25 Ultra Check availability & deals on Amazon