Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the newer Xperia 1 VI. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm eager to see how these two stack up, not just on paper, but in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key specs, presented in a way that emphasizes how they translate to your daily experience:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 162 × 74 × 8.2 mm | 1 III taller, 1 VI wider; both same thickness; may impact pocket comfort and handling. |
| Weight | 186g | 192g | 1 III is slightly lighter, may be noticeable during long usage. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones (not foldable). |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size on both; no change in display area. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2340 | 1 III has much sharper visuals and more screen detail due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 643 | 396 | 1 III has a noticeably sharper display; text and images will look crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Same vibrant color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, but it's likely the display technology is updated in 1 VI. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | 1 VI is significantly faster, leading to quicker app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 2,110,000 | 1 VI offers much better performance for intensive tasks like gaming, by ~137% |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | 1 VI has a much more powerful GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm, Exmor RS | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", 1.17µm, IMX888 | 1 VI's main camera has more resolution, but smaller pixels and narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm, S5K4H7 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", 1.22µm, IMX663 | 1 VI has higher resolution and larger sensor selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Exmor RS | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.00µm, IMX650 | 1 III has a marginally wider aperture on its telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3, Exmor RS | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm, IMX563 | 1 VI's wide-angle lens has a wider aperture and bigger pixel size |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | 1 III has ToF sensor for better depth sensing and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Both offer similar high-quality video recording capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Not Tested | Only the 1 III was tested for DxoMark; useful reference point for its camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, Digital/Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, HDR, RAW,... | Triple, Noise reduction, Time-Lapse, Digital/Optical zoom, OIS, CDAF, PDAF, Night Mode, HDR, RAW, ... | 1 VI brings a more diverse camera feature set, 1 III has an extra lens and dedicated depth sensor |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 1 VI should offer noticeably better battery life due to higher capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer same fast charging speeds. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass, Reverse, Reverse Wireless Charging | 1 VI offers reverse and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | 1 VI will receive newer OS versions and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | 1 VI supports latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | 1 VI has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | 1 III has slightly more accurate satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | 1 VI supports eSIM for easy carrier switching, 1 III has the option to use 2 physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both have same internal storage options; sufficient for most users. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | Adequate for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 1 III provides better audio quality due to Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use reliable biometric security for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both are relatively scratch-resistant, 1 VI has a slightly better version of gorilla glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Pedometer | 1 VI includes a pedometer for tracking fitness and activity levels. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 VI's Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides significantly faster processing and gaming performance.
- Better Battery Life: A larger 5000mAh battery and reverse charging features offer extended usage and convenience.
- Updated Software: Ships with Android 14, ensuring longevity with future updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for more efficient connections.
- Improved Camera: Better image processing, more versatile camera features, better main and selfie camera sensors, and a wider aperture wide-angle lens.
- Latest Gorilla Glass Version: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers enhanced screen protection.
Sony Xperia 1 III's Competitive Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI offer unmatched visual clarity.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support and slightly better audio features.
- ToF 3D Sensor: Depth sensor enhances photography and AR applications.
- Galileo (E1+E5a): Slight edge in location accuracy through satellite systems.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Display Resolution: 1 VI trades the incredibly sharp display of the 1 III for improved processing power and battery life.
- Camera Versatility: The 1 III has a ToF sensor which is not present on the 1 VI, which in turn, has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better photos on main and ultrawide cameras.
- Software Support: The 1 III is limited to Android 13, while the 1 VI has longer software support with Android 17.
- Expandability: Neither phone supports expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is ideal for:
- Media Connoisseurs: Users who prioritize ultra-sharp image quality and high-fidelity audio and who need a dedicated ToF sensor.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who use AR applications and need a ToF 3D sensor.
- Those who Prefer Visuals: Someone who needs the best viewing experience and is fine with the lack of software updates or slightly worse performance.
Sony Xperia 1 VI is ideal for:
- Mobile Gamers: Users needing the best performance and graphics capabilities.
- Heavy Smartphone Users: Who require great battery life and need reverse charging capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Always seeking the newest features and software, and need access to Wifi 7.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who need a versatile camera and the best image processing capabilities, and take lots of selfies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's more important to you: display sharpness or raw performance? If you prioritize visual fidelity above all else, the 1 III's screen may suit you. If performance and battery are important, the 1 VI is the clear choice.
- How important is battery life and software support? If you frequently find yourself with a low battery, the 1 VI's larger battery is a better option. For long-term software updates and security, the 1 VI also prevails.
- Do you need the best camera features or do you prefer superior audio quality? If you need a more versatile camera, the 1 VI would suit your needs. If you are an audiophile, then the 1 III might be a slightly better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Gamer: The Xperia 1 VI is the clear choice with its superior processing power, better graphics, and longer battery life for extended gaming sessions.
- For the Media Consumer: If you primarily watch movies and videos, or want to do photography, the 1 III has the better display; however, if you want a better and more versatile camera, the 1 VI is the better choice.
- For the All-Around User: The Xperia 1 VI offers a more balanced package, excelling in performance, battery life, and software support, making it the better choice for everyday use.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given the options, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI. While I appreciate the incredibly sharp display of the Xperia 1 III, the improved performance, significantly better battery life, versatile camera, and more up-to-date software of the Xperia 1 VI make it a more compelling choice for my everyday usage and needs. As someone who often juggles multiple tasks, values quick app loading, and is often away from a charger, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the larger battery make a significant difference. Additionally, the expanded camera features, Wi-Fi 7, and the newest Bluetooth version add to the appeal. While the 1 III’s display is stunning on paper, the real-world improvements offered by the 1 VI are more impactful for my lifestyle.
