Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Realme 12 Pro+. These are two very different phones, each with its own set of strengths and target audience. I'll break it down for you, focusing on how these specs translate into real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a look at the key specifications, presented in a way that's easy to digest and understand:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Sony is taller, Realme is wider and thicker. Sony feels more slender, Realme has a more substantial feel. |
| Weight | 186g | 196g | Sony is slightly lighter; Realme has slightly more heft. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme has a marginally larger screen; more screen for your media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2412 | Sony's display is incredibly sharp; noticeably crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 643 | 394 | Sony offers significantly higher pixel density; incredibly detailed visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; similar fluidity for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness; this is likely a placeholder for actual brightness figures. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Sony has a flagship processor from 2021; Realme's is a newer, upper-mid-range chip. Sony offers greater processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 603,400 | Sony handles demanding tasks and multitasking much more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Sony's Adreno 660 is a slightly more powerful GPU for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme's larger battery will likely result in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges significantly faster; less time plugged in. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | Sony can bypass battery charging when plugged in, reducing heat build-up while gaming or performing intensive tasks. | |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme's main camera captures more detail; Sony captures more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme's selfie camera captures more detail; Sony’s wider aperture allows better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme’s telephoto captures significantly more detail; Sony has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | - | Sony offers a dedicated ultra-wide angle lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | - | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme offers a dedicated ultra-wide + macro lens |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | - | Sony’s depth sensor aids in portrait photos; improved depth perception |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Sony records high-quality videos up to 4k 120fps, with more versatility; Realme is limited to 4k 30fps. |
| DXOMARK Score | 105 | - | Only the Sony camera has been tested by DXOMARK, showing its capability |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme has a newer version of Android; more up-to-date features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Realme supports MiMO; slightly better wireless speeds in supported networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (More Profiles) | 5.2 | Sony’s Bluetooth has more advanced profiles for enhanced audio connections. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Fewer Satellite Systems | Sony offers more precise and stable location tracking due to more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer plenty of storage options; Realme has a 128GB starting option. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/12GB | Sony is only available with 12GB, while Realme offers both 8 and 12GB options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Realme has added microphones with noise cancellation; slightly better audio quality, more immersive audio. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Sony has an advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor; more secure and ergonomic. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony offers advanced screen protection with GG Victus; Realme’s screen protection is unspecified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Sony has additional environmental sensors; better for advanced sensor-based applications. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Strengths: The Sony Xperia 1 III is a powerhouse of raw performance, boasting a flagship-level Snapdragon 888 chipset and a staggering 643 PPI display. It has superior video recording up to 4K 120fps, a more comprehensive sensor suite, and advanced audio profiles. It also offers more precise GPS and a better build with GG Victus.
- Competitive Advantages: The display on the Xperia is on a different level than any phone I have used, its sharpness and vibrancy are unmatched. If you want the best video camera from a smartphone, the Xperia is a great option.
- Trade-offs: It's an older device and you'll see it in the software, and it lacks the battery capacity and charging speed of the Realme. It also lacks a dedicated macro camera.
Realme 12 Pro+
- Strengths: The Realme 12 Pro+ shines with its excellent camera system, offering greater detail and a more versatile photography experience. It also has a newer Android version, faster charging, a bigger battery, and a more affordable price. It excels in capturing macro shots, has better audio quality and wireless speeds.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a more contemporary device, it provides a solid performance with its mid-range chipset. It has impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities and a more versatile camera system,
- Trade-offs: It won’t compete with the Xperia in terms of raw processing power or display quality. The display resolution is considerably lower and its video capabilities aren't as versatile.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, professionals who need a powerful device for demanding tasks, videographers looking for top-notch recording and content creators who appreciate high-fidelity visuals.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, professional photography, enjoying crisp, detailed video content.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal For: Casual users, mobile photographers, individuals seeking a modern and balanced device.
- Use Cases: Everyday photography, social media content creation, media consumption, regular day-to-day usage with long battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that you can ask yourself to help choose:
- Are you a visual enthusiast? If yes, Sony's sharp display is going to be a must, but if you don’t value screen quality that much, Realme can offer a modern screen experience.
- Do you need raw power or a well-rounded experience? If you need the best processing power for heavy tasks and gaming, go with Sony. If you need a balance between performance and great battery life, go with Realme.
- Is price a big factor? If yes, the Realme will be a more wallet-friendly option, offering many of the same key features as the Sony.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Ultimate Visual Experience and Power
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 III
- Reason: Prioritizes processing speed, a better build, and a display with unmatched quality. If you want the best screen and processing power, this is the better option, despite its age.
- Scenario 2: Excellent Camera and Long Battery Life
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+
- Reason: Provides a versatile camera system and a long-lasting battery, with a modern Android experience that is hard to ignore.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious and Balanced
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+
- Reason: Offers a modern smartphone experience with good performance at a more affordable price.
What I would choose and why:
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Realme 12 Pro+. Here's why:
While the Sony Xperia 1 III has an incredible display and top-tier performance, the Realme offers a more balanced and contemporary experience. The camera is excellent, it has a long-lasting battery, and it has a more modern version of Android.
As someone who values a reliable daily driver, the Realme ticks the right boxes. I tend to be on the go a lot and I need to take photos on the spot, and the Realme is capable of doing all of it and for longer. While the Sony was very tempting for its screen and camera capabilities, the practicality and balance that the Realme 12 Pro+ provides makes it the winner for me.
