Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy A35. I'll approach this as if I'm chatting with a friend, breaking down the tech into relatable, everyday terms while keeping the engineering nuances intact.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, emphasizing what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-03-15 | The A35 is significantly newer, likely offering longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, not foldable. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller and thinner while A35 is wider, affecting grip and pocket-ability. The A35 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 186g | 209g | Xperia 1 III is lighter, which makes it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes; both are great for media consumption, although the A35 is slightly bigger. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2340 | Xperia 1 III has a much sharper display, with a higher density of pixels, making text and images incredibly crisp. |
| PPI | 643 | 390 | Xperia 1 III’s higher pixel density is immediately noticeable, particularly when viewing high-resolution content or text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use advanced display tech; expect vibrant colors and deep blacks, though AMOLED is generally considered slightly more efficient. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. This needs to be verified in real world conditions, zero brightness is not normal. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | The Xperia 1 III's Snapdragon 888 is a flagship chip, offering substantially faster performance compared to the A35's midrange Exynos 1380. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 578,500 | Xperia 1 III is noticeably faster in benchmarks, which will translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Xperia 1 III’s Adreno 660 GPU is better for graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming, offering higher frame rates and better stability. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | A35 has a higher megapixel count and larger sensor, potentially leading to sharper detail. Xperia 1 III's wider aperture and larger pixel size provide better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A35 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Xperia 1 III has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia 1 III provides optical zoom capability, which allows you to zoom in on a subject without losing image quality. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 1 III captures more details with its wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III can collect depth data, which enhances portrait mode and assists in certain AR applications. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A35 is capable of capturing close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps HDR | Up to 4K 30fps with EIS | Xperia 1 III offers more video recording options and superior stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 105 (Mobile), 107(Photo), 92 (Video) | 104 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | Despite the close overall score, A35 scores higher in video recording quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a larger battery, which suggests longer battery life between charges for moderate users. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 III is slightly faster in charging compared to A35, a marginal improvement for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia 1 III allows bypass charging feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 18) | A35 has a newer operating system with the promise of more updates, while Xperia 1 III might not see such long-term support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both are similarly equipped with the same wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 offers a newer Bluetooth version, which can provide enhanced performance and efficiency with compatible devices. |
| GPS | More Systems | Fewer Systems | Xperia 1 III offers more GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM usage |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | Xperia 1 III provides more storage options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xperia 1 III has a larger amount of RAM, better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos | Both devices offer identical audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Sensor | Basic Sensor | Xperia 1 III features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones feature advanced screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Ultrasonic Proximity | Xperia 1 III provides additional environmental sensors, and Samsung A35 provides geomagnetic and ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: The Xperia 1 III is a powerhouse, boasting a significantly sharper display, flagship-level performance, and a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens and a ToF sensor. Its superior video recording capabilities and side-mounted fingerprint sensor also stand out.
- Competitive Advantages: The higher-resolution display, superior processing power, and professional-grade camera capabilities give it an edge for demanding users. It’s also noticeably lighter.
- Trade-offs: It's an older device now, which means it may not receive as many software updates and has a smaller battery compared to the A35. Also, the lack of expandable storage could be an issue for some users.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Strengths: The A35 excels with its newer software, a larger battery capacity, and a higher-resolution main and selfie camera. Its macro lens provides close-up capabilities that the Xperia lacks.
- Competitive Advantages: The A35 is a more recent model with an updated OS and the promise of longer software support, it also has a better video DXOMark score.
- Trade-offs: It has a less powerful processor and lower resolution display compared to the Xperia 1 III. The absence of a telephoto lens limits its optical zoom capabilities, and it's also heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III Users: Ideal for power users, photographers, videographers, and gamers who value top-tier performance, a high-resolution display, and advanced camera features. It's also well-suited for professionals who require robust multitasking capabilities and advanced image processing.
- Samsung Galaxy A35 Users: Best for everyday users, social media enthusiasts, and those who prioritize battery life, a newer OS, and a decent camera. It’s also a strong choice for anyone who wants a modern mid-range phone with reliable performance and long-term software support.
Use Cases:
- Xperia 1 III: Perfect for mobile gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional photography and videography, and users who need to multitask without lag.
- Galaxy A35: Great for social media browsing, casual photography, long hours of media consumption (with longer battery life), and individuals who need a dependable phone with long-term support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three key questions:
- Do I need top-tier performance and a high-resolution display?
- If yes, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the stronger contender.
- Is battery life and long-term software support my priority?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the more practical choice.
- Do I need optical zoom and advanced photography/videography features?
- If yes, the Sony Xperia 1 III offers superior capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Tech Enthusiast: You value the best possible performance, a high-resolution screen, and the best photography features, choose the Sony Xperia 1 III.
- The Everyday User: You prioritize long battery life, a more modern software experience, and reliable, well-rounded performance, pick the Samsung Galaxy A35.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: If both phones are close in price, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better value pick for its balanced performance and battery life.
My Choice
If I were making the choice today, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III, and here's why:
Even though it's an older device, the raw performance of the Snapdragon 888, combined with that incredibly sharp 4K display and the fantastic camera system with the telephoto lens, would sway me. I’m someone who enjoys mobile gaming, appreciates high-quality photos and videos, and values the crispness of a top-tier screen. The trade-off in battery life and OS support is something I'd be willing to accept for the exceptional performance.
However, if I was shopping for someone else who was more of a casual user, I'd recommend the Samsung Galaxy A35. For everyday tasks and general media consumption, the A35 is no slouch and will get you through the day with some battery left over.
Ultimately, the "best" phone is highly subjective, and these are two very different devices aimed at two distinct audiences. Understanding your needs and priorities will guide you to the right decision.
