Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. I'll break down the specs, offer real-world insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2022-08-25 | The Z Fold4 is a year newer, benefitting from newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold4 offers a unique tablet-like experience; the Xperia 1 III is a more conventional slab. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 165 x 71 x 8.2 | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 | Xperia 1 III is taller and thinner; Z Fold4 is significantly wider when unfolded and a bit thicker when folded. |
| Weight (g) | 186 | 263 | Xperia 1 III is significantly lighter, more pocketable and comfortable for prolonged use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" | Z Fold4's display offers a considerably larger surface for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1812 x 2176 | Xperia 1 III has a sharper display overall with notably higher pixel density (60.1% more pixels). |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 373 | Xperia 1 III offers incredibly crisp text and visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | Xperia 1 III has superior display technology offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but high pixel density on the Sony sets it apart. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Z Fold4 has a newer and more powerful chip, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 is noticeably faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4's GPU offers a significant boost in graphics performance. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4400 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, expect similar runtime. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 III charges faster; Z Fold4 gains additional value from wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Reverse charging | Z Fold4 offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Z Fold4 offers higher resolution for more detailed photos. Xperia 1 III has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Z Fold4's selfie is of slightly higher resolution, with a larger sensor but a narrower aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 1 III has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for more effective zooming. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold4 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better field of view. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III has ToF sensor for depth sensing capabilities, potentially for better bokeh effects. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Z Fold4 supports higher video resolution, while Xperia 1 III captures 4K up to 120fps. |
| DXOMark | 105 | 124 | Z Fold4 has significantly better camera capabilities overall, according to DXOMark scores |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus | Triple camera, Manual focus, Laser AF, Under display camera, Night Mode | Xperia 1 III emphasizes video and autofocus, while Z Fold4 focuses on versatile shooting modes and a unique under display camera. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 13 | Android 12, max 16 | Z Fold4 comes with a newer version of Android and longer software support. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Z Fold4 supports additional Wi-Fi MIMO for improved connectivity in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, advanced codecs | 5.2, standard codecs | Xperia 1 III offers a more comprehensive set of audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band, QZSS | Dual-band, GLONASS L1, BeiDou B1 | Both offer accurate location services, but vary slightly in satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Fold4 supports eSIM for more flexible carrier options. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold4 offers a 1TB storage option for those needing maximum space. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | Both are excellent for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Xperia 1 III has enhanced spatial audio and high-quality audio features. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer side-mounted fingerprint readers for quick access. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer high protection against scratches, Z Fold4 slightly better glass. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Z Fold4 features additional sensors related to motion and environment, useful for gaming and VR |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: Its main strengths lie in its superior display sharpness (643 PPI), excellent color accuracy, and high-end audio features like Hi-Res Audio and advanced Bluetooth codecs. It has a unique continuous autofocus for video and its 4K 120fps capability. It also has a ToF sensor and a more compact form factor with a lightweight design.
- Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 1 III appeals to those looking for a traditional, highly refined smartphone experience with top-notch display and audio quality, without the bulk or compromises of a foldable.
- Trade-offs: Its older chipset and slightly less advanced camera performance are a noticeable drawback compared to the Z Fold4. Its battery features are also less versatile.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Strengths: The Z Fold4 excels with its foldable design, providing a tablet-like screen for immersive content consumption and multitasking. Its performance is significantly better due to its newer chipset, plus it offers more camera features and higher DXOMark scores. It also offers reverse charging, 1 TB storage, eSIM, and better software support.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s perfect for power users who want a versatile device for both productivity and entertainment. The large screen and powerful chipset make it an excellent multi-tasking device.
- Trade-offs: It is heavier and bulkier, has lower pixel density screen, and comes with a premium price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Media enthusiasts, content creators focused on video, audiophiles who appreciate quality, those who prefer a traditional smartphone design, users who value a sharper display.
- Use Cases: Watching movies in high resolution, editing video, listening to high-fidelity music, photography, daily use where portability and lightweight design is needed.
- Consider: If you're not after the folding gimmick and prefer a traditional phone with top notch media consumption features, the Xperia 1 III makes a strong case.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Best for: Power users, business professionals, frequent multitaskers, gamers, those who want a device that can act as both a phone and a mini-tablet, early adopters who want the latest tech.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, gaming, working on the go, content creation, reading and note taking, taking advantage of the under-display camera for seamless visuals, showcasing presentations, video conferencing.
- Consider: If you need a larger screen for productivity and media consumption, and are fine with a heavier, bulkier device, the Z Fold4's added flexibility is highly appealing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Form Factor: Do you prioritize a compact, lightweight, and traditional smartphone design (Xperia 1 III), or do you want the flexibility of a foldable device with a large display (Z Fold4)?
- Performance vs. Media: Are you looking for raw power and extensive productivity features (Z Fold4), or do you value the best possible audio and video experience (Xperia 1 III)?
- Budget: Is the higher price of the foldable Z Fold4 justified by its larger screen, newer tech, and advanced features or do you value the price-to-value ratio of a more traditional phone like the Xperia 1 III?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Movie Buff/Audio Connoisseur: The Xperia 1 III’s superior display, high-resolution audio, and video capabilities make it the winner.
- For the Business Power User: The Z Fold4’s large display, multitasking features, and S Pen support are hard to beat for productivity and on-the-go work.
- For the Content Creator: Both offer valuable features, but the Z Fold4 offers more modern camera tech and raw power for a variety of creative tasks, unless your priorities are specific to video, in which case the Sony would be the better choice.
- For the Gamer: Z Fold4's newer GPU and larger display make it a better choice.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While I appreciate the Sony's incredible screen sharpness and audio prowess, the Z Fold4's versatility ultimately wins me over.
The power of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, coupled with that expansive display, feels like a genuine leap forward in how I'd use a smartphone. I find myself frequently multitasking between documents, research, and communication apps, and the Z Fold4's folding screen just makes that experience much more immersive and productive. Plus, the ability to charge other devices wirelessly? That's a feature I'd use often.
While I would miss the audiophile-grade features of the Sony and its sharper screen, I have other dedicated devices that can fill those gaps. The versatility, modern features, and productivity advantages of the Z Fold4 would improve my everyday workflow and content consumption habits. It's a pricier and bulkier investment, but for my specific use cases, the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks, and that is why the Z Fold4 is the winner for me.
