Galaxy S24 FE Vs Sony Xperia 1 IV

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, and the Sony Xperia 1 IV, launched in May 2022, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a more recent hardware and software foundation, contrasting with the Xperia 1 IV's unique focus on advanced multimedia capabilities and a professional-grade camera interface. These differences cater to varying user priorities, from long-term software support to specialized creative tools.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and ease of repair. These aspects differ notably between the two devices.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering up to seven years of operating system and security updates from its October 2024 release. This provides a significantly longer period of current software and security patches compared to the Sony Xperia 1 IV, which typically received two major Android updates and three years of security updates from its May 2022 launch, with security updates ending in May 2025.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 FE demonstrates a higher degree of repairability, earning a score of 8.5 out of 10 from PBKreviews, with components like the battery being relatively straightforward to replace. In contrast, the Sony Xperia 1 IV received a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, indicating a more challenging repair process, partly due to the use of adhesive in its construction.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and easier maintenance will find the Galaxy S24 FE a more suitable option for long-term use. The Xperia 1 IV, while robust, will see its software support conclude sooner, potentially impacting its usability for those who require the latest updates.

Performance in daily use, from app handling to multitasking, is shaped by a device's internal components and optimization. Both phones offer capable performance, but with different characteristics.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a current-generation processor, providing smooth operation for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming. Users report that its performance feels very close to flagship-level devices, with quick app opening times and overall system responsiveness. The Sony Xperia 1 IV, featuring a processor from 2022, handles everyday tasks efficiently, but some users have noted that it can experience thermal throttling during intensive use, particularly with its high-resolution display.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Xperia 1 IV typically comes with 12GB of RAM, offering ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping many applications open simultaneously. It also provides expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSDXC card. The Galaxy S24 FE usually features 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs, and offers internal storage options up to 512GB, though without expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 FE includes a 4700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and display, generally provides reliable power for a full day of typical usage. The Xperia 1 IV has a larger 5000 mAh battery, but its 4K display and older processor can lead to more rapid battery drain during heavy tasks like video recording or gaming, sometimes requiring a charge before the end of a full day.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and these two devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Sony Xperia 1 IV stands out with its 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 3840 x 1644 pixels. This provides exceptional clarity and detail, particularly for high-resolution content. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a peak brightness of 1900 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Xperia 1 IV's display is also bright, improved by 50% over its predecessor, contributing to a good viewing experience.
• Viewing Experience: The Xperia 1 IV's unique 21:9 aspect ratio makes it taller and narrower, which some users find comfortable for one-handed grip and immersive for cinematic content. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger overall screen size, providing more screen real estate for general use, though its bezels might be more noticeable than on Samsung's flagship models.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both phones provide versatile imaging systems with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE features a triple camera setup including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Sony Xperia 1 IV also has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising a main sensor with OIS, an ultrawide lens, and a unique continuous optical zoom telephoto lens capable of 3.5x to 5.2x magnification with OIS.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 FE delivers sharp and detailed photos in good lighting, with Samsung's characteristic vibrant color processing. Its low-light performance is considered average due to smaller camera sensors. The Xperia 1 IV is praised for its natural color reproduction and extensive manual controls, appealing to users who prefer a more traditional photography experience. It requires more user input to achieve optimal results compared to phones with more computational photography.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S24 FE supports 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at up to 120fps. The Xperia 1 IV allows all its rear cameras to record 4K video at 120fps, offering significant flexibility for slow-motion and cinematic effects. The Xperia 1 IV also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is beneficial for audio professionals and enthusiasts.