Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Oppo Reno12 Pro. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm all about understanding how specs translate to real-world performance. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-06-18 | Reno12 Pro is significantly newer with potential for better software and hardware optimizations. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm, 186g | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm, 180g | Xperia 1 III is taller and thicker, while the Reno12 Pro is wider but thinner. Reno12 Pro is slightly lighter. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Reno12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2412 | Xperia 1 III has a much sharper display for incredibly detailed images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 394 | Xperia 1 III provides notably crisper visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display technologies, leading to vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | Reno12 Pro is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | Xperia 1 III’s chipset is older but scores higher, offering robust general performance. Reno12 Pro has newer but less powerful chipset |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 702,140 | Xperia 1 III shows higher benchmark scores, potentially leading to smoother app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPUs, with both capable of handling modern games and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm | Reno12 Pro has a much higher megapixel count for detail-rich photos. Xperia 1 III with wider aperture for better low light. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm | Reno12 Pro has a substantially higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0 | Reno12 Pro has higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 1 III has slightly higher resolution while Reno12 Pro has wider aperture. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated sensor for better depth sensing and potentially enhanced AR. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 1 III offers higher frame rate recording at 4K resolution and 960 fps slow-motion. |
| DXoMark Score | 105 (Main) | Not Tested | Xperia 1 III has an established reputation for good camera quality. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Ultra stable video, RAW | Triple camera, Noise reduction, RAW | Xperia 1 III offers more versatile camera options, while the Reno12 Pro focuses on enhanced image processing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Reno12 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Reno12 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia 1 III offers a bypass charging feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 14, up to 17 | Reno12 Pro offers more modern Android versions and future software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax + MIMO | Reno12 Pro has an additional Wi-Fi MiMO feature. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Reno12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1+L5, E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xperia 1 III supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both have similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12/16GB | Reno12 Pro offers an option for 16GB RAM, which could be beneficial for intensive users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xperia 1 III offers more audio features, resulting in a richer listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia 1 III has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones use robust screen protection with Corning technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xperia 1 III has additional sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: Superior display resolution and pixel density, higher performance benchmark, more versatile video recording (4K@120fps), advanced audio features (Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio), and the addition of a ToF sensor. Offers enhanced location accuracy with GPS (L1+L5), and Galileo (E1+E5a). The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also a plus.
- Competitive Advantages: A superior display, a high performance chipset, enhanced audio and camera features, and a more comprehensive sensor array.
- Trade-offs: Older design, smaller battery and slower charging, and slightly bulkier size. It also has an older OS with less update support.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Strengths: Modern design, larger battery capacity and much faster charging, brighter display, more up-to-date OS, and potentially more future updates. Better selfie camera and higher resolution main and telephoto camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Significantly better battery and charging, brighter display, and better performance on the front and telephoto cameras.
- Trade-offs: Lower display resolution, lower benchmark performance, basic audio features, and less versatile video capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, media creators who want a high-quality display and video recording capabilities, audiophiles who value audio fidelity, and gamers. It is ideal for those who prioritize visual fidelity, performance, and audio.
- Use Cases: Watching high-resolution content, recording videos at up to 4K/120 fps, listening to high-fidelity audio, enjoying visually impressive games, and taking high quality photos with the main and wide cameras.
- Price-to-Value: The device may come at a premium due to its advanced features, so it is ideal for those willing to spend a little extra to get the premium features.
Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Mainstream users who want a reliable, modern phone with good battery life, fast charging, and good camera. Ideal for those who prioritize a modern OS, battery life, and camera quality at a more mainstream price.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, capturing high resolution selfies and photos with the main and telephoto cameras, general social media, and prolonged usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Price-to-Value: Likely offers a balanced price-to-value ratio, making it an accessible option for most users seeking a strong all-around device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide between these phones:
- Do you prioritize display quality and audio experience? If so, the Xperia 1 III's higher resolution and richer audio features are key. If not, the Reno 12 pro's brighter screen is a better option.
- Is battery life and charging speed a priority? If yes, the Reno12 Pro is the clear winner, with its larger battery and much faster charging.
- Do you want the latest software and future updates? If so, the Reno12 Pro is the better choice, with its newer Android version and potentially longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Media Consumer: If you love binge-watching content, the Xperia 1 III offers the superior display and audio experience. However, if you often watch content outdoors, then the Reno12 Pro offers better visibility.
- Scenario 2: The Social Media Creator: The Reno12 Pro offers a high resolution selfie camera, and much better charging speeds to keep you going all day. However, the Xperia 1 III offers greater flexibility with its rear camera.
- Scenario 3: The On-the-Go Professional: The Reno12 Pro's battery life and fast charging are invaluable for users who are constantly on the move.
- Scenario 4: The Gaming Enthusiast: The Xperia 1 III's higher benchmark scores and a more comprehensive sensor suite are ideal for gaming.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III, despite its age. While the Oppo Reno12 Pro is undoubtedly a strong contender with a more modern design, faster charging, and a brighter display, the Xperia 1 III's superior display, its more flexible video recording, better audio features, and more comprehensive sensor suite speak to the core of what makes a great smartphone experience for me. I do appreciate the higher brightness and battery, but for me, having a sharp screen for reading, consuming media, and doing visual work is a must, and that's where the Xperia 1 III excels. The more comprehensive sensor suite is also attractive to me. The additional video recording capabilities are also a big plus in my book. While it is older and has less update support, it still provides a better all round experience for what I would expect of a modern phone.
Ultimately, the "best" phone really does come down to individual priorities, but that is where my preferences lie.
