First Impressions of Sony Xperia 1 VIII (Lolite Silver) Compared to Samsung S25 Ultra
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I have been using the new Sony Xperia 1 VIII (Lolite Silver) for two days now, and I can already make an initial comparison with the Samsung S25 Ultra based on my personal experience.
At the outset, I should clarify that this perspective comes from someone who has been a long-time Xperia user. Before switching to Samsung, I used the Sony Xperia 5 V, and prior to that several other Xperia models. When Sony skipped a new release in the series, I decided to experiment and understand what makes the Samsung S25 Ultra such a highly rated Android flagship.
Where the Sony Xperia 1 VIII Outperforms the Samsung S25 Ultra
Headphone Audio Quality
Sony remains unmatched for music enthusiasts. Audio through headphones is fuller, deeper, and more natural compared to Samsung, making it a standout device for sound quality.
Eye Comfort Display
The Xperia display is noticeably more comfortable for prolonged use, being gentler on the eyes during extended reading or browsing sessions.
Ergonomics and In-Hand Feel
The device is lighter and more comfortable to hold, which is immediately noticeable in daily use.
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more convenient than Samsung’s in-display solution.
More Natural Camera Colors
Sony produces more natural-looking photos with colors that are closer to real-life scenes, avoiding aggressive post-processing.
Where the Samsung S25 Ultra Has the Advantage
Battery Life
The Xperia 1 VIII does not match the Samsung S25 Ultra in battery performance. Under heavier usage, Sony drains faster, although it can still last a full day with moderate use and optimized settings.
Autofocus and Camera Responsiveness
Sony’s focusing system feels slower and less responsive, while Samsung offers a more intuitive and faster shooting experience.
Display Brightness and Visual Impact
Samsung’s display is significantly brighter and more visually striking, especially for users who prefer vivid and high-impact visuals.
Loudspeaker Quality
The S25 Ultra delivers cleaner and more immersive sound from its built-in speakers.
Charging Speed
Samsung charges considerably faster than Sony.
Build Quality and In-Hand Experience
The Samsung S25 Ultra offers a higher level of industrial build refinement and a more premium finish. Sony, however, compensates with a more tactile and natural in-hand feel, as well as a more secure grip during everyday use.
Conclusion
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII remains a device with a strong and clearly defined identity—focused on audio quality, natural image rendering, and ergonomic comfort. The Samsung S25 Ultra, on the other hand, represents a more complete mainstream flagship with superior battery life, faster camera performance, a more impressive display, and overall higher practical efficiency.
Both devices are top-tier, but their philosophies differ: Sony emphasizes experience and authenticity, while Samsung focuses on maximum technical optimization and convenience.