Alright, let's get into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. It's a classic David versus Goliath scenario, pitting Sony's high-end powerhouse against Samsung's budget-friendly offering. Let's see how these two stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Xperia 1 III is narrower and thinner, potentially more comfortable to hold one-handed, while the A04s is larger overall. |
| Weight | 186g | 195g | Xperia 1 III is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable over extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, Aluminum Frame | Unknown Plastic Construction | Xperia 1 III has premium glass protection, while A04s has a more basic build quality. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have a 6.5-inch screen, offering a similar canvas for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 720x1600 | Xperia 1 III boasts a significantly sharper and more detailed display, perfect for crisp visuals and detailed content consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 643 ppi | 270 ppi | Xperia 1 III offers a far superior display clarity, making text and images incredibly sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | Xperia 1 III’s OLED display offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast compared to the A04s' LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 1 III will have smoother scrolling and animations, contributing to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness ratings which is a strange anomaly, it is important to remember that these are usually dynamic and will change based on the circumstances. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 850 | Xperia 1 III’s Snapdragon 888 offers flagship-level performance, handling demanding tasks with ease, while the Exynos 850 is geared for basic use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 117,300 | Xperia 1 III’s benchmark score is dramatically higher, indicating superior speed, app loading, and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | Xperia 1 III’s Adreno 660 provides much better graphics performance, ideal for demanding gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | A04s has higher megapixel count for more detail in optimal lighting but Xperia 1 III’s wider aperture may offer better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 1 III has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture which results in better photos and videos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | None | Xperia 1 III offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed photos which the A04s can't match.. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.3) | None | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering greater flexibility for capturing landscapes and group shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia 1 III has depth mapping for better portrait effects. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait-style photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | A04s offers a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up details. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 1 III records higher-quality videos and has more advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 105 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Xperia 1 III performs quite well in dxomark tests which translates to better real-world photos and videos. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A04s offers a slightly larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life, however, screen brightness and quality need to be considered. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 III charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia 1 III offers bypass charging which is useful for gaming and other intensive activities |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Samsung offers slightly newer OS than the Xperia out of the box. They are both upgradeable so this isn't a major issue. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia 1 III has newer and faster Wi-Fi standards, offering better performance on modern routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia 1 III has a newer Bluetooth version for better pairing, range and efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1,E1 | Xperia 1 III has dual band GPS for a more accurate and reliable navigation experience |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 32/64/128GB | Xperia 1 III offers significantly more storage, useful for those with lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 12GB | 3/4GB | Xperia 1 III has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better handling of memory-intensive applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | Xperia 1 III has superior audio output quality with additional features such as spatial audio and higher quality audio playback. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology; Provides basic biometric security |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xperia 1 III features a more comprehensive suite of sensors which enable more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse with a top-tier processor, a high-resolution OLED display, a versatile triple-lens camera system, and premium audio capabilities. It's designed for users who demand the best in terms of performance, display quality, and media consumption.
- Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 1 III stands out with its 4K OLED display, advanced camera features (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses), and superior audio. It's built for creative professionals, gamers, and anyone who appreciates top-notch specs.
- Trade-offs: It's expensive, has a smaller battery than the A04s and it lacks expandable storage and has a relatively small market share meaning fewer support options. The camera also prioritizes color accuracy rather than vibrancy, which some users might not prefer.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: The A04s is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a large battery, decent cameras for everyday use, and a smooth 90Hz display. It's designed for users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
- Competitive Advantages: Its key advantages are its lower price point, longer battery life, and the familiarity of the Samsung ecosystem. It's an excellent entry-level smartphone for those on a tight budget.
- Trade-offs: The A04s lags significantly behind in performance, display quality, and camera features. Its processor struggles with demanding tasks, and it lacks premium features like high-resolution displays, telephoto lenses, and advanced video capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best For: Content creators, mobile gamers, audiophiles, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the best possible performance from their smartphone.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, high-end mobile gaming, video editing, immersive media consumption, and anyone who needs top performance for work or play.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best For: First-time smartphone users, budget-conscious consumers, or those who only need basic features.
- Use Cases: Everyday calling, texting, browsing social media, casual photography, and users who prioritize long battery life over high-end performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Xperia 1 III is significantly more expensive than the A04s, placing it in a different market entirely.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If you want top-tier performance, excellent display quality, and the best camera features, the Xperia 1 III is the only option. If these are not your focus, then the A04s may be sufficient.
- What features do you use the most? Do you need a large, vibrant, and sharp display for media consumption, or do you mostly use the phone for basic functions? The answer here will point to the appropriate phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is a primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the more logical choice, offering solid value for its price.
- Performance User: If you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the only choice between the two.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you value a high-quality display, premium audio, and advanced camera features, then the Xperia 1 III is the clear choice for a premium mobile experience.
- Average User: If you mostly do basic tasks such as calling, texting, social media, and light photography, then the A04s will do the job without requiring you to spend a significant sum of money.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A04s, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including video editing, gaming, and creative work, the top-tier performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset is critical. The difference in real-world speed and responsiveness is substantial and cannot be understated.
- Display: The 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a vastly superior viewing experience. The clarity, color accuracy, and fluidity make a huge difference when watching videos, browsing photos, or working on visual tasks.
- Camera: The Xperia 1 III offers far more versatility with its triple-lens camera system, including optical zoom and a wide-angle lens. The dedicated camera features like the time of flight sensor and 4k video features are a boon for any professional mobile user.
- Audio: As an audiophile, the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers on the Sony is a must. This results in a far more immersive and enjoyable audio experience that the A04s simply cannot match.
While the A04s has a slightly larger battery, the Xperia 1 III has a faster charging speed and better software battery optimization. I am more than happy to compromise on a small amount of battery life for the immense amount of functionality that the Sony phone provides.
For me, the Xperia 1 III is a mobile workhorse. It offers the performance and features that I need to stay productive and creative while providing a fantastic experience when relaxing or enjoying multimedia. The Samsung A04s is a capable smartphone for basic tasks, however, it doesn't cater to my requirements as a power user.
