u/BestFuckinRealtor

I think I’m getting pulled toward Xperia because of the design, narrow form factor, camera philosophy, and overall Sony feel. I already own a Sony ZV-1, Sony LinkBuds, Samsung Tab S9 FE, and a Windows laptop. I’m also a heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user, manage social media, create content, sometimes edit RAW photos, and use my phone for productivity and school tasks. I also have small hands, so comfort and one-hand use matter a lot.

I’m mainly looking at the Xperia 1 V/VI in the used market, but I keep wondering if I’m romanticizing the Xperia experience and if a Pixel or Samsung would actually make more sense long term. For people who daily-drive Xperia: after the honeymoon phase, do you still love it, or would you choose something else?

I’ve spent way too much time researching and somehow I’m more confused now than when I started. I already have a Sony ZV-1, Samsung Tab S9 FE, Windows laptop, and Sony LinkBuds. I’m a heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user, manage social media, create content, do occasional school/work tasks, and I’d like something I can keep for 2–3 years without feeling I chose the wrong phone six months later.

Right now I’m considering Galaxy S25, S23 Ultra, Pixel 8/9 Pro, Xperia 1 V/VI, and even used iPhones. I also have small hands, so comfort actually matters. If you had ¥75,000 (~$500) and had to choose ONE phone without regretting it later, what would you buy and why?

Looking for a used phone (A-rank condition, around ¥75,000 (~$500 USD) max).

Current setup:

Sony ZV-1

Samsung Tab S9 FE

Windows laptop

Sony LinkBuds

Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user

Manage social media (TikTok/IG/Shorts)

Sometimes use my phone for school/work tasks

Small hands → one-hand use matters

Need good cameras + AI + productivity

Want to keep it for 2–3 years

Considering:

Galaxy S25

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Xperia 1 V / VI

Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro

Used iPhone options

Since I already own a Sony ZV-1, does Xperia still make sense or should I go Pixel/Samsung?

Open to other recommendations too.

Looking for a used phone (A-rank condition, around ¥75,000 (~$500 USD) max).

Current setup:

Sony ZV-1

Samsung Tab S9 FE

Windows laptop

Sony LinkBuds

Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user

Manage social media (TikTok/IG/Shorts)

Sometimes use my phone for school/work tasks

Small hands → one-hand use matters

Need good cameras + AI + productivity

Want to keep it for 2–3 years

Considering:

Galaxy S25

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Xperia 1 V / VI

Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro

Used iPhone options

Since I already own a Sony ZV-1, does Xperia still make sense or should I go Pixel/Samsung?

Open to other recommendations too.

Looking for a used phone (A-rank condition, around ¥75,000 (~$500 USD) max).

Current setup:

Sony ZV-1

Samsung Tab S9 FE

Windows laptop

Sony LinkBuds

Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user

Manage social media (TikTok/IG/Shorts)

Sometimes use my phone for school/work tasks

Small hands → one-hand use matters

Need good cameras + AI + productivity

Want to keep it for 2–3 years

Considering:

Galaxy S25

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Xperia 1 V / VI

Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro

Used iPhone options

Since I already own a Sony ZV-1, does Xperia still make sense or should I go Pixel/Samsung?

Open to other recommendations too.

Looking for a used phone (A-rank condition, around ¥75,000 (~$500 USD) max).

Current setup:

Sony ZV-1

Samsung Tab S9 FE

Windows laptop

Sony LinkBuds

Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini user

Manage social media (TikTok/IG/Shorts)

Sometimes use my phone for school/work tasks

Small hands → one-hand use matters

Need good cameras + AI + productivity

Want to keep it for 2–3 years

Considering:

Galaxy S25

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Xperia 1 V / VI

Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro

Used iPhone options

Since I already own a Sony ZV-1, does Xperia still make sense or should I go Pixel/Samsung?

Open to other recommendations too.

Living in Japan and trying to choose a used phone (A-rank condition, around ¥75,000 max).

Current setup:

Sony ZV-1

Samsung Tab S9 FE

Windows laptop

Sony LinkBuds

Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini Advanced user

Manage social media (TikTok/IG/Shorts)

Use phone for productivity, school tasks, AI, notes, and music ideas

Small hands → prefer easier one-hand use

Need FeliCa/Osaifu-Keitai

Want something to comfortably keep for 2–3 years

Considering:

Xperia 1 V / VI

Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro

Galaxy S25 (regular)

Used iPhone options

Since I already own a Sony ZV-1, would Xperia still make sense, or would Pixel/Samsung be smarter for versatility and AI?

Would love opinions from people actually living in Japan.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently living in Japan (Waseda student/MEXT scholarship) and I'm trying to decide on my next phone for 2026. I already researched a lot, but I would love opinions from people with real experience using these devices in Japan.

My budget is around ¥75,000 (used/second-hand, quality A preferred from places like Janpara, IOSYS, GEO, etc.).

My current setup:

- Sony ZV-1 (for serious content/video)

- Samsung Tab S9 FE

- Windows laptop (Dell G5)

- Sony LinkBuds

- Heavy ChatGPT + Gemini Advanced user

- Heavy AI user overall

- I manage social media content (TikTok, Instagram, Shorts)

- I create content (photos/video)

- I edit some RAW photos

- I sometimes use my phone for school assignments and productivity tasks

- I write, compose music ideas, study, multitask, and use AI tools a lot

- Small hands → I prefer phones that are easier to use with one hand

- Need FeliCa/Osaifu-Keitai for Japan

- I want something I can comfortably keep for at least 2–3 years

Models I'm considering:

Sony

- Xperia 1 V

- Xperia 1 VI

Google

- Pixel 8 Pro

- Pixel 9 Pro

Samsung

- Galaxy S25 (regular)

- Other Samsung recommendations?

Apple

I currently don't use Apple ecosystem, but I'm open to switching if it is worth it.

Questions:

1. If you were in my situation, which one would you buy?

2. Is Xperia actually worth it if I already own a Sony ZV-1?

3. Is Pixel better because of Gemini + AI + daily workflow?

4. Is Samsung better overall because of ecosystem and reliability?

5. If switching to iPhone, which used iPhone under ~¥75,000 would you recommend in Japan? (13 Pro? 14 Pro? 15?)

6. Are there any other phones I'm missing? (AQUOS? Xiaomi? Others?)

I'd especially appreciate opinions from people living in Japan and using FeliCa/Osaifu-Keitai daily.

Thanks!