Sony Xperia 1 III vs Motorola Moto G53 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 25, 2021 December 15, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 96.06 cm³ 99.66 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 186 g 183 g
Height 165 mm 162.7 mm
Width 71 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Black
  • Frosted Gray
  • Frosted Purple
  • Ink Blue
  • Arctic Silver
  • Pale Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1644 x 3840 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.2 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 643 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 106.51 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.84 mAh/cm³ 50.17 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G53. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world impacts, and help you decide which phone might be the right fit.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of key specs, their practical implications, and how they affect your day-to-day experience:

FeatureSony Xperia 1 IIIMotorola Moto G53Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions165 x 71 x 8.2 mm162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mmThe Xperia is slightly taller, while the Moto is a bit wider, both share the same thickness. The choice depends on which form factor feels better in hand and pocket.
Weight186g183gBoth are nearly identical in weight, so neither will feel noticeably heavier.
Display
Size6.5"6.5"Identical size provides the same viewing area.
Resolution1644 x 3840720 x 1600The Xperia's display is far sharper, with much greater pixel density, leading to crisp visuals and better clarity, especially for text and detailed images. The Moto's display is considerably less sharp.
PPI643270The Xperia will have superior clarity and sharpness. The Moto will appear blurry by comparison.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, especially compared to the Moto's LCD panel. Expect a better viewing experience on the Sony.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have identical peak brightness.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 (5nm)Snapdragon 480+ (8nm)The Xperia's flagship-level chipset offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The Moto's is fine for basic usage but struggles with heavier tasks.
AnTuTu Score889,100319,946The Xperia is considerably faster, meaning faster app loads and better performance. The Moto will have significantly reduced performance.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 619The Xperia’s GPU is more powerful for graphic-intensive tasks, and gaming. The Moto's GPU is comparatively weak.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhThe Moto G53 should offer better battery life due to its higher battery capacity.
Charging30W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingThe Xperia charges faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall. The Moto charges slower.
FeaturesBypass Charging10W charger in boxThe Xperia can bypass the battery for long gaming sessions and provides fast charging, and the Moto comes with a basic charger in the box.
Camera
Main Camera12MP, f/1.750MP, f/1.8The Moto captures more detailed images in good lighting. The Xperia's larger pixels in main camera excel in low light.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.08MP, f/2.0Both cameras are comparable for selfies in good light.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/2.2NoneThe Xperia offers optical zoom capabilities. The Moto lacks zoom functionality.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.3NoneThe Xperia has an ultra wide lens for more flexibility. The Moto lacks this capability.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4The Moto has a macro camera for extreme close ups. The Xperia lacks this capability.
ToF 3D SensorYesNoneThe Xperia has a Time-of-Flight 3D sensor for enhanced depth information in photos. The Moto lacks this capability.
VideoUp to 4K 120FPS1080p 30FPSThe Xperia shoots high-resolution videos with smooth frame rates. The Moto shoots considerably lower resolution videos.
DXOMark Scores105 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 92 (Video)NoneThe Xperia demonstrates superior camera capabilities compared to the untested Moto G53 camera.
Additional FeaturesOIS, 4K Video, RAW, Optical ZoomNight Mode, Laser AFThe Xperia offers optical stabilization and professional features. The Moto offers a better night mode.
Software
OSAndroid 11, up to 13Android 13The Moto runs the latest Android version. The Xperia will receive updates but is behind out-of-the-box.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFI acThe Xperia supports newer, faster WiFi standards, offering better performance on modern routers. The Moto supports older standards.
Bluetooth5.25.1The Xperia has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and power management.
GPSMore satellite systemsStandardThe Xperia uses more satellite systems for more reliable navigation and better GPS.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM / eSIMThe Moto has support for an eSIM, which means you can switch between carriers using the software. The Xperia has two physical SIM slots.
Storage
Internal Storage256/512GB128GBThe Xperia provides significantly more storage space for your photos, videos, and apps.
RAM12GB4/6/8GBThe Xperia has higher memory for better multitasking performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither of these phones offer expandable storage
Audio
QualityHi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersDolby AtmosThe Xperia has enhanced sound quality with stereo speakers. The Moto has Dolby Atmos sound processing.
Security
FingerprintSide-mountedSide-mountedBoth phones use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusUnknownThe Xperia has a robust screen protection which increases durability. The Moto has an unknown level of protection.
SensorsBiometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerBiometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, CompassThe Xperia includes environmental sensors for more detailed sensor data compared to the Moto.

2. Key Insights

Sony Xperia 1 III:

  • Strengths: This is a flagship phone from 2021 that still packs a punch. Its defining features are its incredible display with 4K resolution and OLED tech, a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, and a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses. The Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers are also fantastic for media consumption.
  • Competitive Advantages: The Xperia stands out with its premium build quality, advanced camera features (like 4K recording at 120fps, OIS, and RAW support), and superior performance due to the higher-end chipset. The display is one of the best on any phone for media consumption.
  • Trade-offs: It's an older device, so its OS is behind, and its battery capacity is smaller than the Moto, potentially impacting battery life. It lacks a macro camera, and expandable storage.

Motorola Moto G53:

  • Strengths: The Moto G53 is a budget-friendly option with 5G connectivity, a large battery, and the latest Android software out of the box.
  • Competitive Advantages: Its lower price point makes it an accessible option, and the larger battery is a clear advantage. It also features an eSIM for those who need the convenience.
  • Trade-offs: Its performance is considerably lower, with a much lower display resolution and brightness, no wide or telephoto cameras, and no screen protection. It generally lags behind in almost all areas other than battery capacity.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Sony Xperia 1 III:

  • Best Suited For:
    • Media Enthusiasts: Those who value a high-quality display and great audio.
    • Photography Lovers: Users who enjoy taking photos and want advanced features.
    • Power Users: People who need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games.
    • Professionals: Those who need powerful features that allow them to do work on the go.
  • Use Cases:
    • Watching high-resolution movies and videos.
    • Editing photos and videos on the go.
    • Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
    • Using apps that require quick performance.

Motorola Moto G53:

  • Best Suited For:
    • Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for an affordable 5G smartphone.
    • Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks.
    • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need their phone to last a full day on a single charge.
  • Use Cases:
    • Browsing the web and social media.
    • Making phone calls and sending texts.
    • Using basic apps.
    • Taking casual photos

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help users decide:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G53 is much more affordable, while the Xperia 1 III is a higher-cost, premium device.
  2. What do you prioritize most? The Xperia is best for performance and multimedia, while the Moto prioritizes battery life and basic usability.
  3. How important is camera quality? The Xperia has a more advanced system, while the Moto is adequate for casual use.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance Matters - If you need a phone that is fast and can handle anything you throw at it, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: Battery Life is Key - If you need your phone to last all day and a bit longer, and you are not planning on doing any intensive tasks, the Motorola Moto G53 is a better fit.
  • Scenario 3: Casual User on a Budget - If you just need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G53 is the most cost-effective option.
  • Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption - If you plan on watching movies, TV shows, and videos on your phone, the Sony Xperia 1 III will have a significantly more immersive display and sound experience.

Which Would I Choose?

Personally, I'd pick the Sony Xperia 1 III. While it's older and lacks some of the latest software, its incredible display, top-tier performance, and more versatile camera system are more important to me. I am a power user who loves consuming media and taking high-quality pictures and videos. The better display and higher performance are worth the trade-offs in battery life and lack of expandable storage. The older software is a minor issue to me, as I am comfortable with older versions of Android. The Xperia's superior technical features and performance outweigh the benefits offered by the Moto G53 for my particular needs.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you make the best decision based on your own needs! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to explore.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.