Of the two, I'd go with the first one. Tiled countertops are a pain to clean, given all the grout lines. The tiles in the all black photo you show are so small, it's practically a solid surface.

I'd recommend the mosaic tile for the backsplash or entire vanity wall, and pick a coordinating stone or engineered quartz for the counter.

Definitely! I hate cleaning grout. I’d love to find something as small as the black ones.

Frankly, the tiled sinks just look weird. I would go with the first tile, too.

The little tiles and the black color look like a nightmare to keep clean...all those crannys can harbor dried soap, lotion,even the water can have things that leave a white film....

A bowl sink is also famous for splashing ..and this tile may require brushing ...instead of an easy wipe when needed..

Just curious...is there grout in this scenario?

We happen to have a black marble floors...black tiny tile mix in shower..and black toilet...it has been a lesson on how many problems “black” anything can offer in a bath....

My house had a large countertop with small tiles like that in the master bath (not my design decision as the house was previously owned). I thought it looked cool at first, but after several years the grout discoloration from minerals in the water, from soap, from toothpaste, etc., became a maintenance problem. I was only too happy to tear it out several years ago and install a one-piece granite top in its place.

The first looks better--visually closer to a solid surface which I think is why it is preferred. Color and grout lines are elements that add to the solid surface appearance. The vessel sink-not a fan. Discussed already, cleaning, look--but what about function? I think the grout lines/different surface heights always end up a thing..maybe not a lot but it will be an issue for something. Smaller the better--closere to solid surface, even surface the better. Sum total is solid surface is optimum so why do this at all?

The mosaics in the second photo are 5/8", in the fist likely 3/8" or smaller squares. You'll need to check high end shops who deal with specialty vendors for the smaller ones.

Grout is an annoying material, but a necessary one wherever you put tile. Most of us agree, less is more, so the last design decision I would make is to use tile in a place where a smooth surface can do a better job. For a powder room, these ideas are great. For a high use master bath, I’d never be able to tolerate the clean up.

I also hate vessel sinks. As a small person, they are a nightmare when I need to wash my face and lean over something too high.

If you love cleaning grout go for it I agree the first one is definately better than the second. IMO bathrooms and kitchens need to have easily cleaned surfaces.