Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A04. It's a bit of a David vs. Goliath scenario here, but let's see what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | Xperia is slimmer and narrower, more comfortable in hand. A04 is bulkier and wider. |
| Weight | 186g | 192g | Xperia is slightly lighter, noticeable during long use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia has superior screen protection; A04's screen protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer a similar screen size for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 720 x 1600 | Xperia has a much sharper display; A04's resolution is lower and less detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 270 | Xperia's display is incredibly sharp and detailed; A04's is less sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | Xperia's OLED provides better colors, contrast, and black levels than A04's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xperia has smoother scrolling and animations; A04's display appears less fluid. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Mediatek Helio P35 | Xperia has much faster performance; A04 struggles with demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 124,000 | Xperia is significantly faster and better for gaming, multitasking; A04 is slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xperia provides better graphics performance for gaming and media; A04 is basic. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm pixels | A04's camera has more megapixels but Xperia has larger pixels for better low-light shots |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2, pixels | Xperia's selfie cam is higher resolution with a wider aperture for better low-light |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia offers optical zoom; A04 has no telephoto capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | None | Xperia allows for ultra-wide shots; A04 has no wide-angle capabilities. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia has 3D depth sensing for enhanced AR and photography features. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which is missing on Xperia. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia records much higher quality videos; A04 is limited to 1080p. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, RAW, 4K video | Digital zoom, basic modes | Xperia offers high-end camera features; A04 is basic. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 105 | Not Tested | Xperia has a DXOMARK score of 105; A04 hasn't been evaluated. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | A04 has a slightly larger battery; likely better battery endurance. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Xperia supports fast charging; A04 has basic charging. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia can bypass charging when plugged in while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Both are upgradable to the same Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia has faster Wi-Fi capabilities with dual-band; A04 is limited to Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with extensive codecs | Bluetooth 5.0 with basic codecs | Xperia has newer Bluetooth and better audio codecs; A04 is limited. |
| GPS | L1+L5 Dual Frequency | Basic GPS (L1) | Xperia offers more precise GPS location with dual-frequency. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Xperia offers more storage space. |
| RAM | 12GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Xperia has significantly more RAM, allowing for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Xperia has far superior audio features; A04 is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic security features | Xperia has biometric fingerprint security; A04 has basic security features. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Advanced suite, incl. barometer, gyroscope, compass | Basic suite, proximity sensor, accelerometer | Xperia has a complete sensor suite for advanced functionality; A04 is very basic. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The OLED display with 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent pixel density (643 PPI) offers an incredibly sharp, smooth, and vibrant visual experience, unmatched by the A04.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 5G chipset ensures blazing-fast performance for all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, far surpassing the A04.
- Professional-Grade Camera: The versatile triple-lens camera system, featuring a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, a ToF sensor, and advanced features like 4K HDR video at 120fps, OIS, EIS, and RAW support, outclasses the A04 in every way.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers provide a significantly enhanced audio experience compared to the A04.
- Connectivity & Features: Faster Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-frequency GPS, Bypass Charging, and an expansive sensor suite contribute to a more complete and feature-rich experience.
- Build Quality: The use of Gorilla Glass Victus and higher quality design materials provide greater durability.
- More RAM: Having 12 GB of RAM versus 3, 4 or 6 GB allows for faster and more fluid multitasking and app usage.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: With a 5000mAh battery, the A04 may offer slightly better battery life than the Xperia 1 III.
- Price Point: The A04 is a budget-friendly phone, while the Xperia is a premium device with a much higher price tag.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: It includes a 2MP depth sensor for portrait photos, which the Xperia 1 III lacks.
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 1 III: The Xperia’s high-end specs come at a much higher cost. It also lacks expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy A04: Its low-resolution display, basic performance, and basic camera make it suitable only for very light usage. It also lacks expandable storage, higher audio codecs and is not as durably built.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is ideal for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate cutting-edge tech, top-tier performance, and high-fidelity experiences.
- Content Creators: Professionals or hobbyists who need advanced camera features for photo/video, a vibrant screen for accurate color grading, and robust processing.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want the best possible gaming experience with a high refresh rate display, powerful performance, and high quality audio.
- Multitaskers: Users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, multiple apps, and have advanced software features without any lag.
- Audiophiles: Users who are looking for an immersive audio experience.
Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a very affordable smartphone for basic communication and light use.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Individuals or groups just entering the world of smartphones or technology.
- Users with Simple Needs: People who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, basic social media, and browsing.
- Users seeking long battery life: The larger battery will likely allow for longer periods of use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Xperia 1 III is significantly more expensive than the A04.
- Primary Use Case: What will you mostly use your phone for (e.g., gaming, content creation, basic communication)?
- Prioritized Features: What features matter most to you (e.g., display quality, camera performance, battery life, overall performance)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and want an exceptional display and camera, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and your needs are basic, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a more affordable option.
- Scenario 3: User Looking For Multimedia Consumption: If you are primarily looking to watch videos and listen to music, then the Sony Xperia 1 III is the better choice due to its high resolution screen and advanced audio capabilities.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. While the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a budget-friendly option, it simply doesn't meet my needs for a smooth and responsive daily experience. The Xperia 1 III's advanced display, top-tier performance, high-quality camera system, enhanced audio capabilities and feature set are unparalleled for my use case, I am willing to pay the premium price tag to get the most out of my device and have all those features.
