Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 1 IV, two phones that showcase Sony's commitment to a unique, creator-focused experience. As a tech journalist with a penchant for the nuts and bolts of these devices, I'm excited to break down the key differences and what they mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table that goes beyond the numbers and explains what each specification means for real-world usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Identical size; both phones should feel the same in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 185g | Virtually identical weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer a spacious, cinematic viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1644x3840 | Ultra-sharp; both displays are incredibly detailed, ideal for media consumption. |
| PPI | 643 | 643 | Exceptionally crisp; text and images appear very clear. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, a premium feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | While listed as 0, this is likely a data error; both have high brightness, with the IV potentially being brighter. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | The IV's newer chip provides a noticeable performance boost for gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,076,100 | The IV has a 21% performance advantage, which translates to a snappier and more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The IV has better graphics, essential for graphically demanding games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 12MP f/1.7 | Both phones are solid shooters, but image processing differs. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.0 | The IV offers more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto | 12MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.3 | The III has a slightly wider aperture for low-light zooming. The IV boasts a sensor model Sony IMX650 Exmor RS |
| Wide-Angle | 12MP f/2.3 | 12MP f/2.2 | The IV has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light wide shots. |
| ToF 3D sensor | Present | Present | Both phones are evenly matched in ToF 3D sensor capabilities |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Both record high-quality video and offer slow-motion. |
| DxoMark Score | Main: 105/Photo: 107/Video: 92 | Main: 105/Photo: 107/Video: 92 | Equal performance |
| Camera Features | Rich feature set | Rich feature set | Both offer identical features, including manual controls and RAW support |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The IV should offer a longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 30W Fast | Both support 30W fast charging. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass Charging | Allows for gaming while plugged in without heating issues. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 13) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | The IV ships with a newer base Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both offer similar features and functionalities. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS | Both offer precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The IV is more flexible with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both offer ample storage space, but neither support expandable storage via SD Cards. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB/16GB | The IV can come with a RAM boost for better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer immersive and detailed audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide easy access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both feature durable glass. |
| Sensors | Rich set | Rich set | Both feature a comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths
- Proven Performer: The Xperia 1 III, while a generation older, still boasts a fantastic display, solid cameras, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable option.
- Slight Edge in Low Light Telephoto: Its wider aperture telephoto lens might offer marginal advantages in low-light zoom shots.
- Potentially More Affordable: As an older model, the Xperia 1 III is likely to be more affordable, providing excellent value.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Strengths
- Performance Leap: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a clear performance advantage, resulting in smoother operation and better gaming.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 12MP front-facing camera will capture higher detail in selfies.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery offers longer battery life, important for power users and photographers.
- eSIM Support: The addition of eSIM adds flexibility for international travelers.
- Better Wide-Angle Aperture: Its wider aperture offers more light in wide angle photos.
Trade-Offs
- Cost: The Xperia 1 IV is likely to be pricier due to its newer hardware.
- Marginal Telephoto Aperture Difference: While the III has a wider telephoto aperture, it may not be noticeable in most conditions.
- No Expandable Storage: Neither phone offers the option to expand storage via SD card, so choose your storage variant wisely.
- Both phones use Android 13 as the latest operating system
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Content Consumers: Great for those who enjoy movies, TV, and social media, thanks to its excellent display.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: A capable camera system, offering good image quality without breaking the bank.
- Reliable Daily User: A dependable phone for everyday tasks with a smooth user experience.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU offer an edge for demanding mobile games.
- Professional Content Creators: The enhanced camera features, combined with the extra power, are excellent for professionals.
- Power Users: The increased battery life and available 16GB of RAM make the phone ideal for intense multitasking.
- Frequent Travelers: eSIM support adds flexibility for international roaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- Do you need the absolute best performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks? If yes, the Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
- Is long battery life a top priority? The larger battery in the Xperia 1 IV makes it ideal for long days.
- Are you looking for the best value, without compromising on quality? If yes, the Xperia 1 III offers excellent value now that it's an older model.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 1 IV's superior chipset and RAM will provide a better and smoother gaming experience.
- The Photographer: The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a better choice because of its upgraded selfie lens and wider aperture in its wide-angle lens.
- The Budget-Minded User: The Sony Xperia 1 III provides great performance and camera quality at a more affordable price.
- The Professional Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 1 IV with its combination of performance, and enhanced camera features is the ideal choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the III is a fantastic phone and now more affordable, the performance jump from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, combined with the larger battery and more flexible eSIM support in the IV, tips the scales for me. As someone who pushes their phone with demanding games, photo editing, and content creation, the added power and battery longevity are worth the investment. The small upgrades in the camera lenses and the upgraded selfie camera make it even more appealing to me.
Ultimately, both of these Sony flagships are excellent phones that are aimed at different audiences. If you are on a budget and still want the high-quality features, then the III is a better choice for you. If, however, you want the latest and greatest that Sony can offer, then the IV is the right choice.
