Alright, let's dive into this comparison between the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. Both are flagship phones, but they take different paths when it comes to their approach to technology and user experience. As always, we'll focus on what these specs mean for you, not just on the numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Xperia is taller and thinner, while the OnePlus is wider and thicker; OnePlus has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 201g | 185g | The Xperia is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | OnePlus has a slightly larger screen, which is preferable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia has a sharper display, meaning finer details and text will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 643 | Xperia's display will appear noticeably crisper, a real benefit for those who value visual clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | The Xperia has an OLED display, which generally means richer colors, better contrast and deeper blacks | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but this is standard for flagship phones |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus display is substantially brighter for outdoor use, making it much easier to view in sunlight. The lack of brightness information for the Xperia 1 IV is unusual, implying low brightness output or missing data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Both use the same high-end chip, which provides excellent performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| Antutu Score | 900,491 | 1,076,100 | Xperia benchmarks slightly higher, which may translate to a slight edge in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Same GPU in both; both should handle graphics-intensive games and applications with ease |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar capacity, so battery life should be comparable; a full day of usage is achievable |
| Charging | 80W Fast | 30W Fast | OnePlus charges significantly faster, so less time is spent plugged into a charger. |
| Features | Wireless & Reverse | Bypass Charging | OnePlus offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, while Xperia has "bypass charging", which is good for gaming when plugged in for minimal battery wear. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP | 12MP | OnePlus has a higher megapixel count, which is good in theory; Xperia uses larger pixel size, which generally gathers more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 12MP | OnePlus has a higher megapixel selfie cam; Xperia's specs are not fully detailed. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | 12MP | Xperia has higher resolution and larger sensor on the telephoto lens, meaning potentially better zoom quality |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP | 12MP | OnePlus has much higher resolution on the wide-angle lens; The Sony's specs are not fully detailed. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | The Xperia features a dedicated depth sensor, which may enhance portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | 8K @24fps | 4K @120fps | OnePlus supports higher video resolution(8K), while Xperia focuses on 4K at 120fps for smoother video capture. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 122 | 105 | OnePlus scores higher in DXOMark, indicating superior camera performance overall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | One Plus offers more recent versions of android |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 | OnePlus supports newer WiFi technology (WiFi 7), offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Sony offers more Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | More Features | More Features | Sony Xperia 1 IV supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Nano | Dual SIM Nano + eSIM | Sony Xperia 1 IV supports eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Xperia offers more consistent storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12/16GB | Sony has higher RAM capacity |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus is better for audio capture, but Sony's audio is higher quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic sensor | side-mounted sensor | Sony's side mounted sensor is more advanced and practical |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices have top-tier glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer, Hall | Sony Xperia 1 IV offers more sensor features |
2. Key Insights
- OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 80W charging is a huge advantage, ensuring your phone is always ready.
- Brighter Display: The significantly brighter screen makes it much better for outdoor use.
- Higher DXOMark Score: Indicates better overall camera performance, especially video.
- More Recent Android Updates: Allows for more up to date user experience.
- More Audio Capture Options: Including noise cancelling microphones, which may be valuable in many different scenarios.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density will appeal to users who value crisp visuals.
- Lighter Design: The lighter body is more comfortable for extended use.
- More RAM Options: Offers more RAM for users who will be running multiple intensive applications.
- More Bluetooth Features: More Bluetooth connectivity options, offering more flexibility for users.
- Better Telephoto Lens: The dedicated telephoto lens has more features for better quality zoom.
- ToF 3D Sensor: This addition will be useful to users that prioritize AR applications and better portrait modes.
- eSIM Support: eSIM support will be useful for users who are often switching carriers.
- Bypass Charging: Will be useful to users that often game with their phones, with minimal battery wear.
- Trade-offs:
- OnePlus: Loses out on a sharper display and better telephoto lens and ToF 3D sensor, but makes up for it in more convenient and fast charging, a brighter screen for outdoor use and a more modern OS.
- Sony: The Xperia has a lighter build, a higher resolution display, and better telephoto lens. However, it falls short in charging speed, and outdoor brightness.
- The Xperia 1 IV also does not disclose the brightness nits for the display, suggesting low brightness or missing data.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus 10 Pro User:
- The Power User: Prefers fast charging and excellent performance.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: Needs a display that’s bright enough to see in sunlight.
- The Content Creator: Will benefit from better video recording and faster video capturing ability due to the 8k resolution.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV User:
- The Visual Perfectionist: Values the highest possible display quality with better telephoto options.
- The Multitasker: The higher RAM will be invaluable for users that often do many things at once.
- The Gamer: Will benefit from bypass charging, and the 120fps option when taking videos.
- The Professional: Will benefit from the ToF 3D sensor, Hi-Res audio and additional Bluetooth features.
- The Traveller: Will be useful for users who are often switching carriers, due to the eSIM support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Do you prioritize convenience and speed? If so, the OnePlus's faster charging and brighter screen will be more convenient than the Sony.
- Is display sharpness crucial? If yes, then the Xperia's higher resolution and pixel density will be a more appealing option.
- Are you a content creator or gamer? If so, the OnePlus's 8k recording and more modern OS may appeal to you, but the Xperia's more professional features and bypass charging will also be valuable.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the OnePlus 10 Pro. While I appreciate the superior display of the Sony Xperia 1 IV, and some of its more professional features, the convenience of 80W fast charging, combined with its brighter screen, and superior video capabilities makes it more appealing for my day-to-day usage. It also has a more modern OS, offering more up to date features. As a tech journalist who often works on the go, being able to quickly top up my battery and easily see my screen in any environment are significant advantages, making the OnePlus the more practical choice for me.
Ultimately, both phones are excellent options, but they cater to different needs. If you are a power user that enjoys making content, or an avid photographer, then the OnePlus is for you. But, if you value having a professional grade phone with a sharper display, then the Sony is the way to go.
