Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. We'll go beyond just spec sheets and look at how these differences affect your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, along with their real-world implications:
Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-02-07 | Moto G24 Power is significantly newer, likely with better software and features. |
Physical Size | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 9 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller but narrower and thinner; Moto G24 Power is more compact, slightly wider and thicker. |
Weight | 186g | 197g | Xperia 1 III is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Similar screen size; negligible difference. |
Resolution | 1644x3840 | 720x1612 | Xperia 1 III has significantly sharper display, excellent for viewing images and videos. |
PPI | 643 | 269 | Xperia 1 III will offer a much crisper visual experience. |
Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 1 III offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 1 III has smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 500 nits | Moto G24 Power has better outdoor visibility and readability in sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xperia 1 III offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 266,894 | Xperia 1 III has much better performance, suitable for demanding tasks. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 1 III's GPU is better suited for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | Moto G24 Power has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G24 Power charges marginally faster. |
Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia 1 III can bypass the battery when gaming. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G24 Power has higher resolution sensor. Xperia has wider aperture for better low light, superior sensor technology. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Similar selfie cameras, fine for casual use. |
Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 1 III has a much better wide-angle lens. |
ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia 1 III has a ToF 3D sensor, enhances depth sensing and AR applications. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G24 Power has a dedicated macro lens. |
Video Recording | Up to 4K 120FPS | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 1 III has far superior video recording capabilities. |
Camera Features | Advanced: 4K, OIS, Optical Zoom | Basic features | Xperia 1 III has more options for advanced photography/videography. |
DXOMark Score | 105 | N/A | Only Xperia 1 III was tested - impressive camera quality. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G24 Power is running the newer OS with more recent security updates. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia 1 III supports faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Xperia 1 III has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with better codec support. |
GPS | More systems | Less systems | Xperia 1 III provides more precise GPS. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Same Sim Capabilities |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | Unknown | Xperia 1 III offers significantly more internal storage. |
RAM | 12GB | Unknown | Xperia 1 III has much more RAM for multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Both don’t have expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Xperia 1 III has superior audio quality, great for music and content consumption. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar basic biometric security. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III offers better screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Barometer | Less sensors | Xperia 1 III has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate delivers an incredibly sharp, vibrant, and smooth visual experience.
- High Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides top-tier performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The comprehensive camera setup, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, along with 4K video recording, offers unparalleled versatility. It also has a higher DXOMARK camera score
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos support ensure excellent sound quality for audio enthusiasts.
- Robust Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection, alongside a side fingerprint sensor, contributes to a premium feel and added security.
Motorola Moto G24 Power Strengths:
- Excellent Battery Life: The large 6000mAh battery is ideal for users who prioritize longevity over all else.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: The higher display brightness makes it easier to use in bright sunlight.
- Latest Android OS: It comes with the latest Android version with potentially improved performance and security features.
- Affordability: It is likely to be priced significantly lower than the Xperia 1 III, making it a great budget-friendly option.
- Macro Lens: It has a dedicated macro camera for close up photography.
- Faster Charging: It has slightly faster charging at 33W, although the difference is marginal.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Less-than-stellar battery life compared to the Motorola.
- Older software.
- No expandable storage.
- Potentially higher cost due to premium features.
- Motorola Moto G24 Power:
- Lower screen resolution and less vibrant colors compared to Xperia.
- Significantly slower processing power.
- Basic camera performance compared to Xperia.
- Less comprehensive feature set compared to Xperia.
- No screen protection information known.
- Less advanced audio capabilities compared to Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Content Creators and Media Enthusiasts: This phone is perfect for those who value high-quality visual and audio experiences, offering a superior display and advanced camera capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and advanced GPU, makes this phone great for gaming.
- Professionals and Multitaskers: If you demand smooth performance for heavy workloads and are happy to recharge regularly, the Xperia 1 III is a great fit.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy premium features and performance should consider this phone.
Motorola Moto G24 Power:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable phone with excellent battery life.
- Casual Users: If you mainly use your phone for social media, browsing, and messaging, the Moto G24 Power will handle these tasks adequately.
- Users Requiring Long Battery Life: This phone is great for those who are frequently away from charging points.
- Users Needing Good outdoor visibility: This phone is great for those who need to use their phones in bright environments.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
"How important is screen quality and performance to you?"
- If you prioritize top-tier display and performance, the Xperia 1 III is the clear choice.
- If you’re happy with a basic screen and performance for everyday use, the Moto G24 Power is more than adequate.
"How crucial is battery life to your daily routine?"
- If you need a phone that can last for more than a day without needing a recharge, the Moto G24 Power’s larger battery is a significant advantage.
- If you're okay with charging more frequently, the Xperia 1 III's other benefits may outweigh the battery trade-off.
"What is your budget?"
- If you’re willing to pay more for premium features and performance, the Xperia 1 III may be worth the investment.
- If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G24 Power will provide great value for the price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a content creator and need a great camera, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the obvious choice, with its much more advanced camera, 4K video capabilities, and optical zoom.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone with amazing battery life, the Motorola Moto G24 Power is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize display quality above all else. The Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear winner, with its OLED 4K panel and 120Hz refresh rate, nothing in the Motorola can compete with that.
- Scenario 4: You are on a tight budget but need a reliable phone; the Motorola Moto G24 Power is the best choice in this case.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. The incredible display quality and superior camera system, coupled with the high-end performance, align perfectly with my needs as a tech journalist who often captures high-quality photos, videos, and does a lot of multitasking. While the battery life is not as impressive as the Moto G24 Power, I prioritize the overall user experience and advanced features, and I can work around the charging requirements. The Xperia 1 III provides a premium experience in many areas, making it worth the trade-off. Even though it's an older device, its specifications still outperform many current smartphones. The camera is miles ahead of the Motorola, and that's what I want when I'm making content. The audio quality and overall system is much better, with features such as Hi-Res audio, and Wi-Fi 6. The difference in performance makes a huge impact when performing intensive tasks. Despite its age and price, the Xperia 1 III presents a superior option in my eyes.