Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Realme C35. It’s a fascinating match-up, as we're looking at two phones with very different priorities. The Xperia 1 III, released back in mid-2021, aims for the high-end enthusiast, while the Realme C35, a more recent 2022 offering, targets a budget-conscious audience. Let’s break down what that means in real-world terms.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table that goes beyond just listing specs, explaining what they mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Xperia is slightly narrower, making it easier for single-hand use; both are comparable in terms of height and thickness. |
| Weight | 186g | 189g | Both feel similar in hand; minimal difference in weight is unlikely to be a deciding factor. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes; not a noticeable difference to the user. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2408 | Xperia has a much sharper display, resulting in crisp text, vivid images, and detailed videos. |
| PPI | 643 | 401 | Xperia's higher pixel density translates to a noticeably clearer and more refined visual experience; much better for detailed viewing |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia's OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. LCD is more basic. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xperia's 120Hz display feels significantly smoother, especially when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Both missing brightness data. We need this info to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Xperia’s Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, better multitasking, and higher gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 230,726 | A massive difference. The Xperia will handle any app or game you throw at it with ease, while the Realme C35 will be more suited to light tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xperia’s GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks far more effectively; better for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life for everyday tasks. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xperia charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia can bypass the battery when plugged in for gaming, minimizing heat and battery degradation. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Standard) | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | Realme captures more megapixels for detailed images, but Xperia boasts a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Similar front-facing cameras. Performance will depend on processing and software. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Xperia has optical zoom capability for taking detailed photos from a distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.3 | None | Xperia's wide-angle lens allows for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia can do better portrait-mode effects by capturing more depth info |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP f/2.8 | Realme includes a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p 30fps | Xperia has much more video recording flexibility, and better stabilization features |
| DxOMark Score | 105 | N/A | Note: Only Xperia has DxOMark scores, indicative of overall quality |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11 | Xperia has Android 13 support. Realme C35 might be stuck on Android 11 and does not have future update information. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | Advanced | Basic | Xperia has better accuracy in location tracking with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | Xperia has much more storage capacity for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB | Xperia has 3 times the RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and handling demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Xperia has superior sound quality, making media consumption more immersive. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia offers superior scratch and impact resistance for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic Sensors | Xperia includes Barometer, Fingerprint, Hall for advanced environmental sensing and biometric needs |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths
- Display Masterclass: The OLED 4K 120Hz display is simply stunning, offering a visual feast with unparalleled clarity and smoothness.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers exceptional speed and fluidity, perfect for power users and gamers.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto and wide-angle lens, coupled with 4K 120fps video recording and comprehensive features, makes it a creative powerhouse.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio make for an immersive media experience, a key advantage for music and movie lovers.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast and reliable wireless connections.
- Bypass Charging: Useful feature to help extend battery life
Realme C35 Strengths
- Bigger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery promises longer endurance, which is great for daily users not wanting to frequently plug in.
- High-Resolution Main Camera: A 50MP primary camera is useful for capturing detailed images, which is good for some users.
- More Affordable: The C35 is a much more budget-friendly phone.
- Macro and Black & White Lenses: This provides more photographic tools for creative shots.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xperia 1 III: Its biggest drawbacks are its price and its lack of expandable storage and larger battery.
- Realme C35: The Unisoc chipset is significantly less powerful, the screen is a basic LCD with 60Hz refresh rate, and it lacks advanced camera and audio capabilities, along with connectivity and no future operating system updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III: Best for tech enthusiasts, photographers, gamers, and anyone who prioritizes top-notch performance and multimedia experience, willing to pay a premium price.
- Use Cases: Video editing on the go, high-end mobile gaming, immersive movie watching, professional photography.
Realme C35: Ideal for budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like social media, communication, and casual photography.
- Use Cases: Browsing the web, texting, social media, casual mobile gaming, capturing basic photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What do I value most: performance or affordability? If it's speed and high-end features, the Xperia 1 III is the clear choice. If you're on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is more appropriate.
- How important are camera features to me? For creative and professional needs, the Xperia’s multi-lens system is superior, while the Realme C35 offers basic photography.
- How much do I care about audio and screen quality? If you want an immersive visual and audio experience, the Xperia is far better, the Realme C35 is very basic
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Multimedia Creator: If you're creating videos and need high-resolution recording and editing tools, or a serious photographer that wants to be able to take great pictures, the Xperia 1 III is the way to go.
- The Casual User: If you need something reliable for basic daily tasks and don’t want to break the bank, the Realme C35 is a very practical option.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Xperia 1 III’s powerful processor and 120Hz refresh rate make it a much more pleasurable gaming experience. The Realme C35 would have a much less enjoyable experience for gaming.
- The Value-Oriented Buyer: If cost is the primary factor, the Realme C35 is the most affordable option; however, this is at the cost of overall performance and usability.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Realme C35, I would go with the Sony Xperia 1 III. While it's an older phone, its performance, display, camera system, and audio quality are so significantly better than the Realme C35 that it represents a more valuable overall experience for my personal needs. The significantly faster processor and the high refresh rate screen is essential for fluid animations and responsiveness, especially if you are someone who uses their phone frequently like me. As someone who enjoys photography, the ability to take quality images with the optical zoom, and wide-angle lens and record 4k videos at 120fps is an advantage that I feel is worth the premium price. While the lack of a larger battery might require more frequent charges, the advanced features and quality of the device mean that I am much more likely to use and enjoy the phone. I value high-end components and features over the very basics that the Realme C35 offers.
