Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. This is where specs meet real-world usability, so buckle up!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-04-08 | The Edge 50 Pro is a significantly newer device, implying more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 161.2 × 72.4 × 8.2 mm | Both are similarly sized and have the same thickness, the Xperia 1 III is slightly taller, while the Edge 50 Pro is a bit wider. |
| Weight | 186g | 186g | Both devices are practically identical in weight, they will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Edge 50 Pro offers a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1220x2712 | The Xperia 1 III has a much sharper display, images and text will appear noticeably more crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 446 | The Xperia 1 III's higher PPI translates to greater detail and clarity, particularly for small text and intricate graphics. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Similar panel types, both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 50 Pro's higher refresh rate results in slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The Edge 50 Pro is drastically brighter and better suited for viewing under direct sunlight, unlike the Xperia that has no brightness specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | While both are powerful, the Snapdragon 888 is slightly older and the 7 Gen 3 is more efficient; both offer good day-to-day performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 866,863 | Both phones offer similar benchmarked performance, will perform similar in general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 720 | The Adreno 720 in the Edge 50 Pro is the newer and a bit more efficient, offering slightly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Similar battery capacity; real-world battery life depends on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 125W fast charging | The Edge 50 Pro charges much faster, meaning less downtime for charging. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | Edge 50 Pro offers the versatility of wireless charging and reverse charging; while the Sony will have a feature that allows users to charge and play without damaging the battery health. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The Edge 50 Pro's main camera has more megapixels, likely resulting in more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.4 | The wider aperture on the Edge 50 Pro's main lens may result in better low-light performance with more light reaching the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 50MP | The Edge 50 Pro's selfie camera captures images with much more detail, good for content creators. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.9 | The slightly wider aperture on the Edge 50 Pro's selfie lens may be beneficial in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution | 12MP | 10MP | The Xperia 1 III has a slightly higher resolution telephoto camera, but the Edge 50 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Similar wide-angle performance overall; not a significant differentiator. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has a ToF 3D sensor which is helpful for depth sensing and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Xperia 1 III's high frame rate 4k video recording provides more flexibility for creative content. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, Ultra Stable Video | Triple, Manual Focus, Night Mode, Dual Capture | Different strengths in camera capabilities, with Xperia excelling in more advanced stabilization and the Edge with a more versatile modes. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 105 | N/A | Xperia 1 III has a tested, and well received camera performance. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | The Edge 50 Pro ships with a more up to date software version and will likely have longer software support life than the older Xperia. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | The Edge 50 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | The Edge 50 Pro uses the newer Bluetooth standard, offers better connectivity for wireless audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, QZSS | L1+L5, NavIC System | Both offer accurate GPS; The Sony gives additional satellite support while the Edge offers an Indian navigation system. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Edge 50 Pro offers more flexible SIM options thanks to eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Edge 50 Pro provides a 1TB storage option, great for heavy media users; but both have similar standard configurations. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12/16GB | The 16GB option of the Edge 50 Pro may be ideal for users who like to have many apps open simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards; will have to rely on internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | 3 Microphones | Both have similar audio capabilities, with the Sony having Hi-Res Audio and the Motorola with noise cancelling microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | The Sony’s side fingerprint scanner is more advanced than a standard scanner, making it more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both screens are equally well-protected against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | No additional | The Sony has more sensors and can be used for more advanced use-cases. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Strengths:
- Display Excellence: The standout feature is the incredibly sharp 4K OLED display which is a dream for media consumption and creative workflows.
- Advanced Video Recording: It offers professional-grade video features with 4K at up to 120fps, making it ideal for videographers.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: The inclusion of Barometer, Hall and ToF 3D sensors opens doors for advanced user cases.
- Competitive Advantages:
* The high resolution display gives it an edge over the competition.- Its comprehensive sensor package can help with advanced applications and gaming.
- Trade-offs:
- The display may be less visible outdoors due to unspecified brightness.
- Charging speed is relatively slow.
- Uses a slightly older chip, that is still powerful.
- The phone is older, and likely will have less support in the future.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro
- Strengths:
- Superior Display Brightness: Its bright P-OLED display with 2000 nits is excellent for outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 125W charging offers an extremely fast and convenient charging experience.
- Better Connectivity: Comes with a newer Bluetooth 5.4 and WiFi 7.
- Versatile Camera System: 50MP main and selfie cameras and a more versatile camera software will allow for better captures overall.
- Latest Software: With Android 14, it provides a modern experience and longer software updates.
- More storage: With a 1TB storage option and an option for 16GB of RAM, it offers much more customizability.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Its much higher brightness panel will allow users to see the display in direct sunlight.
- The latest gen chipset and modern features make it a good contender in the 2024 market.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower screen resolution than the Xperia, which may result in a less crisp display overall.
- Lacks a ToF 3D sensor for advanced depth and AR features.
- The camera system isn’t as advanced in video as the Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Ideal User:
- Content Creators: Videographers and photographers needing a color accurate, high-resolution display and advanced video capabilities.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of high-resolution content and appreciate top-tier screen quality.
- Gaming Enthusiasts: The comprehensive sensor suite allows for a more precise gaming experience.
- Use Cases:
- Professional video production, color grading, and photo editing on-the-go.
- Enjoying 4K HDR movies, shows, and games.
- Mobile AR application and sensor-intensive game play.
- Price-to-Value: This phone will have less value in the market given it’s age, and may not be the best choice for users who don’t need high resolution display or advanced videography tools.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro
- Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone with fast charging, long battery life, and good camera performance.
- Content Creators: With a high megapixel selfie and main camera, content creators will benefit from the modern camera software.
- Professionals: The 125W charging means this phone is perfect for people on the go.
- Power Users: People who like to multi-task and require the best performance and a large storage option.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication, social media browsing, and casual gaming.
- Photography in good and low-light conditions.
- Long days away from a charger.
- Heavy multi-tasking with many apps open simultaneously.
- Price-to-Value: Given its modern features, the Edge 50 Pro will have a good price-to-value ratio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Practical Questions
- How important is display sharpness to you? If you prioritize crispness and clarity, especially with small text or details, the Xperia 1 III might be a better fit. However, if you need a display that can be used under direct sunlight, the Edge 50 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you value video recording or modern camera features? If you need advanced stabilization and 4K video capabilities, the Xperia 1 III excels. If you’re more focused on camera software modes like time-lapse, night mode and dual capture along with selfie quality, the Edge 50 Pro is superior.
- How crucial is fast charging and latest software for your daily usage? The Edge 50 Pro's 125W charging is a game-changer for quick top-ups, and the device ships with a much newer OS, offering the latest features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: The Professional Videographer
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 III. The advanced video capabilities, high-resolution color accurate display, and comprehensive sensor suite are ideal for professional use.
Scenario 2: The All-Day User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The faster charging, brighter screen, newer OS, and 1 TB storage will improve the everyday user experience.
Scenario 3: The Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Depends. If you want a cheaper phone you could opt for the older Xperia, but the experience is not as refined. The Motorola provides a much more polished experience that is up to date with modern features, making it the better choice for most users.
Final Thoughts:
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. While the Xperia 1 III has a stunning display and advanced video features, the Edge 50 Pro’s combination of modern features such as a 125W charging capability, a significantly brighter screen, updated software, better connectivity, and more versatile camera software make it a more practical and versatile choice for my everyday use. Additionally, the 1TB option for storage is something that I appreciate given how much content I consume on a daily basis. The Edge 50 Pro's ability to stay up-to-date with software and provide a more polished experience makes it the ideal all-rounder for me.
