Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Realme 11 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world impact, and help you figure out which one might be the right choice for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table comparing the key technical specifications of the two phones, along with their practical implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Similar thickness; Sony taller, Realme wider. Xperia feels more slender, Realme a bit more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 183g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2412 | Xperia's significantly sharper display (higher pixel density) for crisper text and finer details; the difference is noticeable. |
| PPI | 643 | 394 | Xperia's display has an extremely high pixel density making images incredibly detailed |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are minimal in terms of quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, making daily use fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro+ has a significantly brighter display, making it better for outdoor visibility and use in bright conditions. The Sony's brightness info seems to be missing, but the Realme will have a better display outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xperia's chipset is a higher-performing chip resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and more demanding gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 540,800 | Xperia's superior performance allows for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. Realme 11 Pro+ is still great for everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno GPU is more performant than Mali GPU's resulting in better gaming performance in the Xperia. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme offers a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life, good for users who are always on the move. |
| Charging | 30W | 100W | Realme charges much faster allowing users to spend less time plugged into the wall. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | 2x2500mAh | Xperia's bypass charging helps battery health when gaming, and the dual-cell architecture in the Realme helps with fast charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 200MP | Realme's main sensor captures more detail (especially in bright light); its high resolution allows for impressive cropping and editing flexibility. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.69 | Slightly wider aperture on the Realme, allows it to gather more light for better low light performance. |
| Main Sensor size | Sony Exmor RS | 1/1.4" | Realme's main sensor is significantly larger, which allows it to gather more light and produce better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, 1/4") | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/2.74") | Realme's selfie camera produces higher resolution selfies, and it has a larger sensor allowing it to capture more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Xperia has an actual telephoto lens for optical zoom, enabling better zoom quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.3) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Xperia's wide-angle lens has slightly higher resolution for detail. Realme's has a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP (f/2.3, 1/5") | The Realme has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia has a Time-of-Flight 3D sensor to help with autofocus. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 30fps | Both offer excellent video, but Xperia captures more high frame rate 4k. |
| DxOMark Score | 105 Mobile, 107 Photo, 92 Video | N/A | Xperia is rated for photo quality, while Realme hasn't been tested |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Realme runs on a more recent Android OS, ensuring access to the latest software features and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, but Realme has MiMO technology for better signal strength and stability in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme has a newer version of Bluetooth that has better connection stability and lower power consumption. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1+B2), QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Realme 11 Pro+ supports a wider range of satellite systems providing better accuracy when navigating. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Realme offers a 1TB storage option allowing for users with a larger library of files and media to always have enough space. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer great ram options, ideal for heavy multitaskers and gamers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, so user's have to pick their storage configuration beforehand. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation mic | Both provide high-quality audio through stereo speakers, but the Xperia has Hi-Res audio for audiophiles. Realme has a noise-cancellation mic for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors can be more ergonomic for certain users, and the Xperia has an advanced side mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia's screen is more scratch resistant and durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full suite of sensors, including Barometer, compass | Geomagnetic, fingerprint sensor, gyroscope. | Xperia's sensor suite provides more advanced features and tracking capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Superior Display: The Xperia 1 III has an incredibly sharp 4K display with a much higher pixel density, making it ideal for users who prioritize image quality, reading, and media consumption.
- Top-Tier Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the Xperia 1 III offers significantly faster processing and GPU performance, suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Pro-Grade Camera Features: It includes a Telephoto lens, a ToF 3D sensor and has a more comprehensive list of camera features for more control over your photos and videos.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Offers Hi-Res Audio support for audiophiles along with Dolby Atmos for better sound.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Vibrant Display: The AMOLED panel is vibrant and has a large screen size, suitable for users who enjoy immersive media consumption.
- Exceptional Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery and fast 100W charging help it last longer between charges, and also recharges faster.
- High-Resolution Camera: A 200MP main sensor captures incredibly detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Latest Android OS: Comes with a newer version of Android, ensuring access to the latest features and updates.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 1 III: Lacks a high brightness display, a macro lens and has a much older Android version.
- Realme 11 Pro+: Weaker chipset than the Xperia, the display is less sharp, lacks a dedicated telephoto camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Tech Enthusiast/Multimedia Lover (Sony Xperia 1 III): If you demand top-tier performance, a sharp display, and pro-grade camera controls, the Xperia 1 III is the clear choice. It's ideal for gamers, photographers, videographers, and power users who want the best possible experience and don't mind an older operating system.
- For the Everyday User/Battery Prioritizer (Realme 11 Pro+): If your priority is long battery life, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a high-resolution camera for everyday photography, the Realme 11 Pro+ is an excellent option. It’s perfect for users who value practicality, simplicity, and efficiency and want a current operating system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display sharpness to you? If you need the absolute sharpest display, the Xperia is unmatched. If you prefer a large and vibrant display for a better viewing experience, the Realme might suit you better.
- How critical is battery life and fast charging? If you're constantly on the go and need a phone that lasts all day (and recharges quickly), the Realme is the better option.
- Do you need the best processing power and camera features? If you prioritize top-tier performance and professional camera controls with Telephoto lens, the Xperia is the superior choice, even with an older OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the Xperia for its performance and camera controls.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go User (Travel, Commute): The Realme for it's long battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Casual User (Social Media, Web Browsing): The Realme offers a better value proposition with its newer Android version and is more than sufficient for all basic tasks.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. Although its OS is older and lacks the display brightness of the Realme, I value the superior display sharpness, the professional level camera features and the high performance. As a tech journalist who frequently relies on their phone to take photos and edit videos, these benefits are far more valuable to me. If I was an average consumer I would choose the Realme 11 Pro+ for its price to performance ratio.
This concludes my in-depth comparison. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision!
