Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G72. Both phones have their strengths, but they cater to different users with different needs. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2022-10-03 | The Moto G72 is newer, potentially having more recent software features |
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | The Xperia is taller and slightly thicker; the Moto G72 is wider. The Moto G72 will feel more compact |
| Weight | 186g | 166g | Moto G72 is significantly lighter, more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 1 III has significantly sharper text and images; the Moto G72's display is less detailed. |
| PPI | 643 | 402 | Xperia 1 III has far higher pixel density, leading to a much sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, it's likely the phone's peak brightness is not being captured and is a data omission from the source. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Helio G99 | Snapdragon 888 is much more powerful for heavy apps and games. The Helio G99 is a decent mid-range chip for daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 415,300 | Xperia 1 III offers significantly faster performance in app loading and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 660 provides superior graphical performance compared to the Mali-G57 MC2, enhancing the gaming experience and graphics intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 should offer longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G72 charges slightly faster; both will get you up to a reasonable charge quickly. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia 1 III can be powered directly without charging the battery, helpful for long gaming sessions. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 0.64µm | Moto G72 captures more detail in well-lit environments; Xperia has larger pixel sizes for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP | Moto G72 produces higher resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not Present | Xperia 1 III offers optical zoom capabilities; Moto G72 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | Xperia 1 III has higher resolution in wide-angle images. The Moto G72 has a wider aperture, helpful for low-light. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Present | Not Present | The ToF sensor in the Xperia 1 III helps with more accurate depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | Not Present | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | The Moto G72 has a macro lens allowing for very close-up photos. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 1080p up to 60fps | Xperia 1 III can record much higher quality video. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | EIS | Xperia 1 III offers superior video stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 120 fps | Xperia 1 III can capture much more detailed slow-motion footage. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Not Tested | Xperia 1 III has a high score for camera quality and features |
| Features | Many, inc 4K, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW | Many, inc. Laser AF | Xperia 1 III is geared towards photography enthusiasts, whereas the Moto G72 is focused on convenience |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 | Moto G72 has a newer version of Android out of the box, but the Xperia 1 III may receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Xperia 1 III is future-proofed with Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Xperia 1 III has a more advanced Bluetooth with more features, but both have LE for Low Energy. |
| GPS | More systems | Some systems | Xperia 1 III has better global positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | Xperia 1 III has more built-in storage options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xperia 1 III handles multitasking much better. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage; choose storage capacity wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Xperia 1 III offers a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted finger print | Basic Finger print | Xperia 1 III's fingerprint sensor is more reliable and faster, integrated into the power button. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III uses the most durable Corning glass protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Magnetometer | Xperia 1 III contains more sensors and data points. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III: This is a flagship device aimed at users who want top-tier performance, photography, and multimedia experiences.
- Strengths: The most significant is the display; it has a significantly higher resolution, leading to a much sharper picture. The processor is also significantly more powerful. The camera is a very capable one with incredible video specs and a variety of recording options. Additionally, it has a much more comprehensive set of sensor types. Its advanced audio features and robust build quality make this a premium option.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier, slightly thicker, and older. The battery is smaller than the G72.
Motorola Moto G72: This is a more budget-friendly option, focusing on value and general usability.
- Strengths: It has a lighter build, a larger battery, and a newer Android OS out of the box. The 108MP main camera is impressive on paper. It will appeal to those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Trade-offs: The display isn't as sharp, it lacks the powerful processor, the camera system is less versatile, the audio isn't as impressive, and it uses a less robust construction material.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best For: Power users, photography enthusiasts, content creators, mobile gamers, anyone who values top-tier display and audio quality.
- Use Cases: Professional photography/videography, immersive gaming, high-fidelity audio playback, and demanding apps for video editing or graphic design.
- Motorola Moto G72:
- Best For: Everyday users, those on a budget, people who need a reliable phone for basic tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Browsing, social media, casual gaming, watching videos, and making calls/texts.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is display quality to me? If you value sharpness and clarity over anything else, the Xperia 1 III is the way to go.
- Do I need top-tier performance for demanding apps or games? If so, the Xperia's flagship-level Snapdragon 888 is significantly better.
- What is my budget? If you're on a tighter budget or just need a reliable, no-frills device, the Moto G72 offers excellent value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Lover: If you're serious about photography and videography, the Xperia 1 III with its OIS, versatile lens, and robust manual controls is the right option.
- Mobile Gamer: The Xperia 1 III's powerful processor, faster GPU, and advanced features make it the better choice for gaming.
- Budget Conscious User: The Moto G72 is the better option offering a lower price while still providing a decent experience for day to day needs.
- Battery Life Prioritized: The Moto G72's larger battery will keep you going longer if that is your priority.
- Multimedia User: The Xperia 1 III's screen and audio make it the clear winner for watching videos or listening to music.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I'd go with the Sony Xperia 1 III. Even though it's an older phone, the sheer power, significantly better display, and advanced camera features more than makeup for the age. As someone who values image quality, processing power, and the flexibility of high-end video, the Xperia 1 III aligns better with my interests and usage. I understand it isn't the better option for everyone, and the Moto G72 is an incredibly solid option, especially for a budget-conscious user. However, for my specific needs, the Xperia 1 III is the more compelling choice.
