Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Realme 12+. While the Xperia 1 III is a bit older, it still packs a punch, and the Realme 12+ brings fresh tech to the table. My goal here is to break down the tech specs and see how they translate to real-world use, so you can decide which device is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller and thicker but narrower; 12+ is more compact but wider |
| Weight | 186g | 190g | Virtually identical weight. Easy to hold and use both |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | 12+ offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2400 | Xperia 1 III has a significantly sharper, more detailed display |
| PPI | 643 | 395 | Xperia 1 III has a much higher pixel density - sharper text and images |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer great contrast and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has drastically higher brightness, much better for outdoor viewing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Xperia 1 III has a higher performance processor from older generation |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 601,000 | Xperia 1 III significantly faster app loading and smoother operations |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xperia 1 III has more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Realme 12+ can capture more detail in good lighting, also has a bigger sensor |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.88 | Xperia 1 III should handle low light a little better, due to the wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Realme 12+ captures more detail in selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Xperia 1 III's front camera lets in more light and it has better low light quality |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.3) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 1 III has a higher resolution ultrawide camera |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Realme 12+ has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots |
| Video Recording (Main) | Up to 4K@120fps HDR | Up to 4K@30fps | Xperia 1 III has advanced video features and captures smooth, high quality videos |
| DXOMark Score | 105 | Not Tested | Only the Xperia 1 III is tested, resulting in a good camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ has a larger battery and will have more endurance |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia 1 III offers bypass charging (charging without degrading the battery for long periods) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ comes with the latest Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support WiFi 6 for faster wireless connections |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both support Bluetooth 5.2 for efficient connectivity |
| GPS | Multiple systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xperia 1 III has more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both are great for multi tasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer great audio capabilities, Realme 12+ is slightly better |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia 1 III has a more convenient finger sensor position |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III has stronger screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia 1 III includes more environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse when it comes to display quality and processing muscle. The 4K OLED display with its high pixel density is the best in the market, providing exceptional sharpness and clarity. It also has a very powerful GPU, making it a top performer for gaming and media creation.
- Competitive Advantages: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, and better video recording capabilities makes it more versatile for photography enthusiasts. Also, the additional environmental sensors are useful for various applications.
- Trade-offs: It's a bit older, meaning the Android version is slightly outdated. The brightness of the screen is also pretty low compared to newer devices.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: This phone offers a larger screen, a more recent version of Android, and better battery life, alongside a faster charging speed. Its primary camera is also better in terms of the detail it can capture.
- Competitive Advantages: It's the more budget-friendly device with very high brightness, making it excellent for outdoor usage.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the high-end display and processing power of the Xperia 1 III, and its camera system is not as comprehensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Power users, mobile gamers, photographers, and videographers who prioritize display quality and performance. Users who need the best display quality, the best video quality, and the most processing power.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, photo/video editing, watching 4K content, professional use.
- Considerations: It is an older device, with an older Android version, and lower battery life.
Realme 12+:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, those needing a reliable daily driver, and those who want a bigger, brighter screen.
- Use Cases: General daily tasks, social media, content consumption, casual gaming, long battery life, outdoor usage.
- Considerations: It does not have the same level of raw power as the Xperia 1 III and the camera quality is not as good for videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize display quality and raw performance or value and battery life?
- If display quality and raw performance are your priority, the Xperia 1 III will suit you.
- If you prefer a balance of price, battery life, and screen brightness, the Realme 12+ is better.
What is your main use for your phone: gaming/content creation or general use/social media?
- If you need high-end gaming, content creation or professional camera usage, the Xperia 1 III is the best option.
- If you need a device for daily tasks and media consumption, the Realme 12+ works well.
Do you mind the lack of support for expandable storage?
- If you need expandable storage, neither option offers this feature.
- If you can work with the available internal storage, both devices are excellent in this regard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the Xperia 1 III for its superior display, performance, and camera system.
- The Everyday User on a Budget: The Realme 12+ offers a better value proposition with a solid all-around performance, long battery, and a bright screen.
- The Photographer: The Xperia 1 III is a good choice for its telephoto lens, RAW capture, and high-end video performance.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Realme 12+ will work well for its brightness and battery life.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would go for the Sony Xperia 1 III, despite its age. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value the best display quality, the most processing power, and versatility in camera options. The Xperia 1 III's 4K OLED display with its high pixel density is something that I want in a smartphone.
While the Realme 12+ offers a good value, the Xperia 1 III is still one of the best in terms of build quality, and I value the telephoto lens that the Realme lacks. I also prefer the side-mounted fingerprint scanner of the Sony. The additional environmental sensors are an added bonus. I'm a power user, and I need a phone that can handle multiple demanding apps and games. Therefore, the Xperia 1 III makes more sense for me personally.
