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The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're leaning towards saving money, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra would be the more cost-effective option. On the other hand, if having the most up-to-date technology is a priority and you value a higher resolution and different screen aspect ratio for a potentially more immersive viewing experience, the Sony Xperia 1 V might be worth the extra cost—it also has a newer chipset, which could offer better performance. Both phones have similar battery capacities and support for 5G. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a significantly higher megapixel count for the main camera, which could translate to better photo detail, and a much greater zoom capability for capturing distant subjects clearly. However, if you're an audiophile, you might appreciate the Sony Xperia 1 V's 3.5mm headphone jack. Keep in mind that both phones run on Android, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is an older model, which may affect its longevity in terms of software updates compared to the Sony Xperia 1 V. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Sony Xperia 1 V
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.8
7.1
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 V both have good overall camera quality, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has somewhat better overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra provides a more versatile camera system and higher selfie quality, as evidenced by its better dynamic range, good low-light performance, and superior selfie camera megapixel count, which contribute to more detailed and visually pleasing images, especially in diverse shooting conditions. In contrast, the Sony Xperia 1 V, while fair in the selfie department and with lower low-light performance, does offer very good video software experience and microphone quality that could be preferable for those prioritizing video recording and audio capture capabilities.
Photo Quality
7.8
6.8
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good photos, while the Sony Xperia 1 V takes only fair photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes better selfies than the Sony Xperia 1 V, which is a pivotal factor for many users. Additionally, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a superior photos software experience, which likely contributes to its higher camera functionality over the Xperia 1 V, which has poorer software integration and dynamic range capabilities.
Video Quality
7.1
6.4
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good videos, while the Sony Xperia 1 V takes only fair videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra captures better videos than the Sony Xperia 1 V primarily due to its higher stabilization and low light performance, which make videos smoother and clearer in various conditions. Although the Xperia 1 V offers a very good video software experience, it falls short in dynamic range and stabilization compared to the S21 Ultra, leading to less balanced exposure and more potential for shaky footage.
Battery
6.7 Hours
8.2 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony Xperia 1 V has 8.2 hours of battery life.
Cost
$423
$1,099
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a price of $423 and the Sony Xperia 1 V costs $1,099.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a screen size of 6.8 inches and the Sony Xperia 1 V is 6.5 inches.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Sony Xperia 1 V compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Sony Xperia 1 V |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$423 | $1,099 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Sony | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 29, 2021 | May 28, 2023 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3200 x 1440 | 3840 x 1644 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 515 | 643 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD888 | SD8G2 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.1/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto, Super Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 108 megapixels + OIS | 48 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.7 Hours | 8.2 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | Yes (4.5 watts) | Yes (5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.5" x 2.98" | 6.5" x 2.8" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 8.01 oz | 6.60 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Navy, Phantom Titanium | Black | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | Yes | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | Yes | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Authority
David Imel | January 2023
"The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a killer combo of great design, blazing-fast performance, a wonderful display, long-lasting battery life, and one of the most versatile camera systems you can get in a smartphone today."
Sony Xperia 1 V
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Police
Will Sattelberg | June 2023
"The Sony Xperia 1 V is unlike anything else you'll find on the market today. With an ultra-tall 4K OLED panel, a textured glass back for added grip, and all of the manual controls Alpha fans could ask for, this is nothing like modern Android flagships — something that might win over some old-school smartphone fans."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Sony Xperia 1 V
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
About Sony
Sony has had a long history in the mobile market, entering the scene all the way back in 1993 with its first commercially available phone, the CM-H333. Nowadays, their Xperia line of phones provide well-rounded and sometimes expensive devices with a focus on camera software that includes extensive support for manual tweaking of settings. Sony's dedication to audio quality is also evident in its smartphones, which often feature high-resolution audio support while also being one of the few remaining manufacturers that consistently provide headphone jacks in their phones. The company's version of Android is also considered to be close to stock, enabling a bloatware-free experience for its users.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
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Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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