Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. These are two very different phones, each with its own strengths and target audience. I'll break down the specs and give you my take on what it all means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a breakdown of key specs and what they mean in the real world.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller but narrower; Mate 50 Pro is wider and thicker, feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 186g | 205g | Xperia 1 III is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front, Unknown back | Unknown front, back | Xperia 1 III offers better screen protection. Mate 50 Pro's durability is not clearly defined |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1212 x 2616 | Xperia 1 III’s display is significantly sharper, especially noticeable for text and detailed images |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 428 | Xperia 1 III has a much sharper display, while Mate 50 Pro is still decently sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This information is missing from the provided data, both have OLED displays that are generally bright. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a more modern chipset, generally offering more power and efficiency but lacks 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro has a noticeable performance edge. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Mate 50 Pro offers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.4, 1µm pixels | Mate 50 Pro with its 50MP sensor and wider aperture should capture better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.4 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution front camera with slightly narrower aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 64MP, f/3.5 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro’s slightly wider aperture may perform a bit better in low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Xperia 1 III can record at a higher frame rate for smoother slow motion captures. |
| DXOMark Scores | Main: 105, Photo:107, Video:92 | Main: 149, Photo: 152, Video:141; Selfie:145/147/143 | Mate 50 Pro has significantly better camera performance based on DXOMark scores |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Mate 50 Pro’s larger battery should provide slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 7.5W wireless reverse charging | Mate 50 Pro has more versatility in terms of battery charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Unknown | Sony Xperia 1 III offers a more complete software experience with Android and updates, Mate 50 Pro's OS isn't specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have the latest WiFi standards but Mate 50 Pro has additional MiMO technology for increased performance |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Sony Xperia 1 III has a more feature-rich Bluetooth system than the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. |
| GPS | Dual Band GPS | Dual Band GPS, NavIC | Huawei Mate 50 Pro supports more systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both come with the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | Xperia 1 III has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so you're stuck with what you buy. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 III has superior audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 III offers a more convenient side-mounted sensor, Mate 50 Pro's fingerprint sensor is not clearly specified |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Gravity | Mate 50 Pro has additional gravity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III
Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The ultra-sharp 4K OLED display with a high pixel density is unmatched. If you value visual clarity, this is your choice.
- Smooth Performance: While its chipset is older, its large RAM ensures smooth performance for most tasks.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support offer superior audio quality for media consumption.
- Feature-Rich Bluetooth: Sony includes many bluetooth profiles for versatile connectivity.
- Advanced Video Recording: The ability to record up to 4K at 120fps for more flexible slow-motion recording.
- More Mature Software: Offers a more complete Android ecosystem experience.
Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 888 is less powerful and less efficient than the 8+ Gen 1.
- Camera Performance: While capable, it lags behind the Mate 50 Pro based on DXOMark scores.
- Battery: Smaller battery and slower charging
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
Strengths:
- Superior Camera: The Mate 50 Pro excels in photography and videography, especially in low-light conditions.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers more power and efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging and wireless charging are significantly faster.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery provides better battery performance.
- More Satellite Systems: Better GPS location accuracy
Trade-offs:
- Less Sharp Display: The display resolution and pixel density are much lower than the Xperia 1 III.
- Missing Features: Does not include features such as Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, nor a clear software ecosystem.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Media enthusiasts, cinephiles, those who prioritize visual clarity, and users looking for a solid Android experience.
- Use Cases: Watching 4K movies, playing graphically rich games, listening to high-quality audio, enjoying content with vibrant colours and sharp text.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best for: Mobile photographers and videographers, and users who want the best low-light camera.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos in any lighting condition, shooting professional-looking videos, people who want the best mobile camera performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is display quality to me? If you want the absolute best visual clarity, the Xperia 1 III is the clear winner. If camera performance is most important, choose the Mate 50 Pro.
- Do I prioritize cutting-edge performance or battery performance and fast charging? The Mate 50 Pro offers a more powerful chipset and significantly faster charging and battery. The Xperia 1 III focuses on smooth multitasking and a better audio experience.
- What are my main uses for the phone? If you watch a lot of movies or use the phone for audio, the Xperia 1 III would be ideal. For capturing great photos and videos, go with the Mate 50 Pro.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Casual User: If you just want a phone for everyday tasks, social media, and some light gaming, both will do great. The Mate 50 Pro has a slight edge in performance and battery, but it comes at a premium and is less comfortable to hold.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Xperia 1 III is the winner here, thanks to its amazing display and immersive audio, but it lacks the best battery performance.
- Photography and Videography Lover: The Mate 50 Pro is the better pick with its superior camera system.
My Pick
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While the Xperia 1 III boasts a phenomenal display, I find the Mate 50 Pro's superior camera performance to be more compelling for my needs, I enjoy capturing photos and videos wherever I go and I'm willing to sacrifice the display. The faster charging is also a big plus for someone who is always on the go. The newer processor is also great for gaming and general use. While the display of the Xperia 1 III is stunning, the Mate 50 Pro is the more well-rounded option.
