Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Huawei P60 Pro. These two smartphones represent different approaches to mobile technology, each with its own strengths and target audience. As your tech guide, I’ll break down the specs, translate them into real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, moving beyond the raw numbers to consider how these specs impact daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Xperia is taller and thinner, while P60 Pro is shorter and wider. The P60 Pro, being wider, may feel more substantial in hand. The difference in thickness is negligible. |
| Weight | 186g | 200g | Xperia 1 III is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | P60 Pro provides slightly more screen real estate; the difference isn't substantial. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1220x2700 | Xperia 1 III's significantly higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper display, ideal for detailed content consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 444 | Xperia 1 III offers much sharper text and images; a noticeable difference in visual clarity and detail. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED panels; similar quality displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; similar visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | While the specs list 0 nits, this appears to be an error. Typically both displays offer similar peak brightness levels. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | P60 Pro has a newer, more efficient chip offering slightly faster processing speeds, especially noticeable during demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro offers smoother, faster experience for apps and games. The difference is significant in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro's GPU is more powerful, translating to better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.4, 1.17µm | P60 Pro captures more detail and performs better in low light thanks to the higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Lens | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 31MP, f/2.4 | P60 Pro captures more detail; while the Xperia has a wider aperture, it's not significant. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 48MP, f/2.1 | P60 Pro's higher resolution will result in more detailed zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture; however, the difference is not significant. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has an additional sensor for depth sensing; potentially better depth of field in photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Xperia 1 III's higher frame rate in 4K allows for smoother video; both have excellent video stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | 105 | 156 | P60 Pro has significantly superior camera performance in all categories, according to DxoMark. |
| Camera Features | Quad, OIS, EIS, Autofocus, HDR, RAW | Triple, OIS, EIS, Autofocus, HDR, RAW, Manual Focus, Night Mode | The P60 Pro offers manual focus and Night Mode, enhancing versatility and low-light performance, however, the Xperia 1 III offers a quad setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4815mAh | P60 Pro has a marginally larger battery, which might offer slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 88W fast charging | P60 Pro charges much faster; quicker top-ups are possible. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 50W wireless/7.5W reverse | P60 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | The Xperia 1 III has an Android based OS, while the Huawei P60 Pro's is unspecified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer excellent Wi-Fi, P60 Pro has Wi-Fi MiMO capability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, Multiple profiles | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xperia 1 III has a much wider range of Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | P60 Pro supports more satellite systems for location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both provide ample space for apps and media; identical maximum capacity. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both are excellent for multitasking, the 12 GB variant on each is optimal. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 III has an edge with high-fidelity audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 III offers a faster and more secure biometric unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Gravity | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite; the P60 Pro includes a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Sharpest Display: Its 4K OLED screen with a pixel density of 643 PPI provides unmatched sharpness and clarity, making it perfect for media consumption and detailed work.
- Advanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support, the Xperia delivers an exceptional listening experience.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: The Sony has extensive bluetooth support that might interest users who care about a wide range of codecs.
- Screen Protection: It is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing top-tier screen protection.
Huawei P60 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera Performance: DxoMark scores indicate a significant advantage in photography and videography, with a wider aperture and higher resolution in the standard and telephoto lenses.
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides superior benchmark scores, leading to smoother and snappier performance.
- Faster Charging: 88W fast charging and wireless charging are a huge advantage for users who prioritize quick power-ups.
- Better Battery Life: It has a marginally larger battery, potentially offering more usage time on a single charge.
- More Satellite Systems: It supports a wider array of satellite systems, offering superior accuracy for location services.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 1 III: Its older chipset means slightly less performance compared to the P60 Pro. While the battery life is decent, the charging is not as fast.
- P60 Pro: The Huawei P60 Pro has a lower resolution display. It also lacks expandable storage, while its operating system is unspecified.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal for: Media enthusiasts, content creators, and users who demand the sharpest possible display. This device is for those who want the best-in-class audio experience and are less concerned with camera performance.
- Use Cases: Watching high-resolution videos, editing photos and videos on the go, and enjoying lossless audio.
- Huawei P60 Pro:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, power users, and those who prioritize performance and battery life.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, playing graphic-intensive games, and running demanding applications.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize extreme display sharpness and audio quality, or is a good enough display acceptable for a better camera and performance?
- Camera Needs: How important is having the best camera capabilities? Is it important for you to have night mode and manual control?
- Performance and Battery: Do you need the fastest processing speeds and quickest charging, or is a slightly older chipset with decent performance and normal charging sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Buff: If your primary use is consuming movies and music, the Xperia 1 III's display and audio quality will be ideal.
- Scenario 2: Photography Lover: If you value capturing the best possible photos and videos, the P60 Pro's superior camera system is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you’re after the best overall performance, especially for gaming and heavy app usage, the P60 Pro is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two, I'd choose the Huawei P60 Pro. While the Xperia 1 III's display is certainly tempting, the significantly superior camera performance of the P60 Pro, combined with its faster charging, and the better performance all around outweigh its drawbacks. As a tech journalist, a great camera is invaluable for my work, and the P60 Pro has the edge. Though the display of the Xperia 1 III is truly impressive, the P60 Pro is a better overall phone for my needs.
