1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller and narrower, potentially easier to hold for some users. 8T is slightly thicker, but the difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 188g | 185g | Virtually identical weight, no practical difference. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV offers more flexibility with eSIM support, allowing for digital carrier switching without a physical SIM. OnePlus 8T supports using two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient than basic alternatives, allowing for quicker unlocking. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a significantly sharper and more detailed display, making text and images appear crisper. |
| PPI | 402 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV offers a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technologies, expected to offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, and a more responsive gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 8T offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. The Sony Xperia 1 IV brightness specification is missing, making this comparison incomplete. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's newer chipset offers better performance and efficiency for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV is noticeably faster in real-world use, with smoother multitasking and quicker app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV provides superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better visual fidelity. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Xperia 1 IV handles multitasking and resource-intensive applications more efficiently, especially with the 16 GB option. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | OnePlus 8T captures more detailed images in good lighting, but Xperia 1 IV's larger pixels may offer better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | OnePlus 8T captures more light, offering better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to phones with smaller sensors. | |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes | Xperia 1 IV allows for optical zoom, providing better image quality when zooming in compared to digital zoom on the OnePlus 8T. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP | 12MP | OnePlus 8T captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | OnePlus 8T can capture close-up shots of small objects. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Xperia 1 IV provides better depth sensing for improved portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV offers higher frame rate video recording for smoother slow-motion footage. |
| Optical Zoom | No | Yes | Xperia 1 IV allows for optical zoom, providing better image quality when zooming in compared to digital zoom on the OnePlus 8T. |
| DXOMARK | Selfie: 107 | Mobile: 105 | Difficult to directly compare due to different test scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV is likely to offer longer battery life, especially with its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 8T charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 2x2250 mAh battery | Bypass Charging | OnePlus 8T's dual-cell design may improve charging efficiency and reduce heat. Xperia 1 IV's bypass charging allows for gaming while plugged in without damaging the battery. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV provides a slightly better audio experience with Hi-Res Audio support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Significantly higher brightness (1100 nits) for better visibility in sunlight.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Noticeably sharper display for enhanced visual experience.
- More Powerful Performance: Faster chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended use.
- Telephoto Lens: Optical zoom capabilities for better image quality at a distance.
- eSIM Support: More flexible connectivity options.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for audiophiles.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for improved durability.
- ToF 3D Sensor: Improved depth sensing for photography and AR.
Trade-offs:
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV's main trade-off compared to the OnePlus 8T is its slower charging speed. It also misses the dedicated macro lens. While its camera system is generally more versatile with the telephoto lens and ToF sensor, the OnePlus 8T's main camera sensor and higher resolution wide-angle lens could be preferable in some scenarios.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T:
- Ideal User: Value-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and good display visibility in bright environments. Users who enjoy macro photography.
- Use Cases: Quick top-ups throughout the day, outdoor use in sunny conditions, capturing detailed close-up images.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its price, providing a good balance of features and performance.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Users who want the best possible display quality, performance, and a versatile camera system with optical zoom. Audiophiles who appreciate Hi-Res Audio.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing demanding games, professional photography and videography, enjoying high-quality music.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with its premium features, but may not be the best choice for budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging to you? If quick charging is a must-have, the OnePlus 8T is the clear winner.
- Do you value display quality and versatility more than charging speed? If so, the Sony Xperia 1 IV's higher resolution display and telephoto lens are compelling advantages.
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 8T offers great value, while the Sony Xperia 1 IV is a premium device with a higher price tag.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a phone that can last all day and take great photos in various situations, including zoomed-in shots. You also value high-quality audio. Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Scenario 2: You prioritize fast charging and a bright display for outdoor use, and you're on a tighter budget. Recommendation: OnePlus 8T
- Scenario 3: You are a professional photographer/videographer who needs a versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-quality video recording capabilities. Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. Here's why:
While I appreciate the OnePlus 8T's faster charging and macro lens, the Xperia 1 IV offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. The significantly sharper display is a major draw, as I consume a lot of visual content. The more powerful performance is also beneficial for demanding tasks and gaming. Additionally, the telephoto lens and ToF sensor provide greater versatility for photography, and I value the Hi-Res Audio support for listening to music. The more durable screen is also a plus. The larger battery is an advantage for all-day use.
Despite the slower charging speed, I believe the Xperia 1 IV's strengths in display, performance, camera, and audio outweigh this drawback. The value that you get with the Xperia 1 IV surpasses the value of the OnePlus 8T.
