Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G35. These two phones represent very different philosophies in the smartphone world, and understanding their core differences is key to making the right choice. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm, 186g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | Xperia is slightly shorter and narrower, while the G35 is a touch thinner and negligibly heavier. Both should feel similar in hand. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame and back | Xperia is likely more durable and premium feel. G35 uses plastic in the frame and back, making it more affordable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | G35 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2400 | Xperia's screen is significantly sharper; pixel density is noticeably higher for incredibly detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia offers superior colors, deeper blacks, better contrast than the G35. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 is much brighter and is ideal for use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Xperia's chipset is much more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 | Xperia's GPU is significantly more capable for graphically intensive applications, like games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 423,297 | Xperia has more than double the performance based on AnTuTu score. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | G35 has higher resolution main camera. Xperia has wider aperture and larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Xperia has a dedicated zoom camera for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.3 | 8MP f/2.2 | Xperia has higher resolution wide camera. G35 has a slightly wider aperture wide camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.45 | G35 has a higher resolution front-facing camera. Xperia has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia has a ToF sensor for better depth sensing and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K@30fps | Xperia offers a much broader set of video recording options, along with enhanced stabilization and slow-motion. |
| DxoMark Camera Score | Overall: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Not tested | Xperia has a good camera score by DxoMark's assessment |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G35 has a larger battery, which should translate into longer battery life, especially with the less powerful chipset and lower-res screen. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xperia charges much faster, offsetting its smaller battery. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia supports bypass charging, which can prevent battery degradation when gaming while plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | G35 ships with the latest Android OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia has a newer WiFi standard with potentially faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Xperia has the newer Bluetooth version with potentially better energy efficiency, faster data transfer and more features. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia uses two physical SIMs. G35 uses one physical and one digital SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB or 512 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | Xperia offers larger internal storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 4GB or 8GB | Xperia offers substantially more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, which limits the user's ability to add extra memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xperia has Hi-Res Audio, resulting in higher fidelity sound, while the G35 has dual microphones, potentially for improved voice quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia has additional sensor that provides more data about the environment. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with 4K resolution, and high pixel density, offers exceptional visual fidelity.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides flagship-level speed and responsiveness.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto and ToF sensors, along with high-quality video capabilities and many software options.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging helps keep you on the go.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Features a barometer and Hall sensor, beneficial for specific applications.
- Competitive Advantages: Excels in areas that require high performance and high-fidelity media consumption. The Xperia 1 III is designed for users who prioritize top-tier image quality, powerful processing, and advanced features.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, and not as bright screen compared to the G35.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery capacity likely offers longer usage between charges.
- Brighter Screen: The 1000 nits brightness allows for easy use outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Latest Android OS: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features and updates.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality for convenient digital carrier switching.
- Affordable Price: Is considerably more budget-friendly than the Xperia 1 III.
- Competitive Advantages: The G35 focuses on practicality and value. It provides a solid user experience with good battery life and a large, bright display, perfect for those who want a reliable phone without premium bells and whistles.
- Trade-offs: Significantly lower performance, and lower resolution display and camera quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best Suited For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of high-resolution video and audio content.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who play graphically intensive games and need excellent performance.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who require a versatile camera with extensive manual controls.
- Tech Aficionados: Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and premium design.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography projects.
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games on the go.
- Watching high-definition movies and shows with exceptional visual fidelity.
- Running power-intensive apps.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Best Suited For:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a good smartphone experience without spending a lot of money.
- Outdoor Users: Those who use their phones in bright sunlight.
- Practical Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a larger screen for comfortable everyday use.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Long days away from a power outlet, relying on a long-lasting battery.
- Viewing content on the go in bright conditions.
- General use, including social media, navigation, and messaging.
- As a reliable, no-frills phone without high-end requirements.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
What is your primary use case?
- If you need top-tier gaming and media experience, the Xperia 1 III is the clear choice.
- If you need a reliable phone for everyday use with long battery life, the Moto G35 is a better fit.
How important is display quality and outdoor visibility?
- If you prioritize incredible sharpness, color accuracy, and deep blacks, the Xperia 1 III's OLED display is unmatched.
- If you need a bright screen for easy outdoor viewing, the Moto G35 is a better option.
What is your budget?
- If you can afford a premium phone for top-of-the-line performance and features, the Xperia 1 III justifies its high price.
- If you have a limited budget, the Moto G35 offers great value with solid performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer or Media Enthusiast: Go with the Sony Xperia 1 III for its powerful performance, superior display, and advanced features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Everyday User: Choose the Motorola Moto G35 for its long battery life, good performance, and affordability.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: The Motorola Moto G35 is the better choice for you, thanks to its higher brightness screen.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. Despite its older launch date and the slightly smaller battery, the premium display, powerful performance, and advanced camera system make it the more compelling device. For my own use, I need the best quality screen possible for writing and content creation, as well as a powerful chipset to allow for gaming in my free time. I am also a big fan of photography, so the higher-end camera system is something I prioritize. The trade off in brightness is something I can cope with, but the lack of a higher quality screen and performance in the Motorola Moto G35 is not something I can tolerate.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you need a workhorse with a top-notch screen and premium features, the Xperia 1 III is the way to go. If value and practicality are more important to you, the Moto G35 is a fantastic choice.
