Alright, let's dive into this matchup between the Sony Xperia 1 III and the TCL 50 SE. On paper, they seem like they're in different leagues, and after a closer look, that's definitely the case. But, as always, the devil is in the details, so let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty with a detailed comparison table. I've tried to keep this as practical as possible, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm | The TCL is slightly larger and wider, may feel less comfortable in hand, especially for smaller hands. Both are relatively thin. |
| Weight | 186g | 195g | Sony is slightly lighter, a subtle difference but might feel less tiring during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | TCL has a marginally larger screen, slightly more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2460 | Sony's display is significantly sharper. Expect much finer detail and text clarity, resulting in crisper images and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 643 PPI | 396 PPI | Sony has a much higher pixel density, providing a noticeable increase in sharpness and detail. Great for looking at photos or fine text. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. LCD is more affordable but not as visually rich. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Sony provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the overall experience more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight. Sony's figure here is strange and probably incorrect. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | The Snapdragon 888 is a high-end processor, expect much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance compared to the G88. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 250,000 | Sony scores much higher, indicating drastically better overall performance - a difference you'd really feel in everyday use. The difference is dramatic. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 660 is much more powerful, enabling smoother and higher frame rates during gaming, and faster image processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The TCL has higher megapixel count, but Sony's larger pixels and wider aperture often translate to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both phones have comparable selfie cameras on paper, but real-world performance can vary. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Sony has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which is great for capturing subjects from a distance without loss of quality, whereas the TCL is limited to digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | None | Sony has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing more of a scene, making it better for landscapes or group shots. |
| ToF 3D sensor | Yes | None | Sony has a time of flight sensor, which can be used for augmented reality and improved depth sensing in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL includes a macro lens to capture close-up shots of very small objects, while Sony lacks it. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps | 1080p at 30fps | Sony supports much higher video quality, including 4K resolution and high frame rates, which is excellent for content creation and recording memories. |
| DxO Mark Score | 105 main/107 photo/92 video | None | Sony has a tested camera system, scoring well, indicating good all-around quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K, Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom, PDAF, Dual Camera | Sony offers OIS, Optical zoom and 4K video recording, whereas the TCL is much more basic. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5010mAh | TCL has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | TCL has slightly faster charging, although this difference is unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | None | Sony features bypass charging which reduces the wear on the battery during extended use while plugged in, for instance during gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | TCL has a newer OS out of the box, whereas the Sony may no longer get software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Sony features WiFi 6, offering better speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Sony uses a newer Bluetooth version, which is more efficient and may support higher audio quality codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS | Standard GPS | Sony supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in a range of environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB | Sony offers higher max storage, which can be important for media files. |
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB or 6GB | Sony has significantly more RAM, which is better for smooth multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, which is something to consider if you have an extensive media library. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Stereo | Sony has better audio features, which should result in more immersive, higher-quality audio for music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted finger print | Side-mounted finger print | Both feature side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a standard and convenient security feature. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony features better screen protection, offering more durability against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer | Sony features a complete suite of sensors, enabling more advanced features and better gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 1 III – The Power User’s Choice: This phone is a powerhouse. The display is incredibly sharp, the performance is top-tier (even for 2021), and the camera system is versatile and high-quality. It’s the clear winner if you want the best possible performance, display and camera experience in a more traditional phone. The build quality is also premium and is more durable.
- TCL 50 SE – The Budget-Conscious Performer: The TCL is more about getting the job done without breaking the bank. It offers a larger display, a decent camera, and very good battery life for its price range. This is going to be more attractive to cost-conscious users who prioritize screen size and battery life over cutting edge performance. It has a good screen that gets bright, but it lacks the visual richness and sharpness of the Sony.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Sony: Older OS, non-expandable storage, brightness is lower than its competition.
- TCL: Much lower performance, lower-quality display (compared to OLED), and very limited video recording features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Content Creators: The 4K video, advanced camera features, and high-quality display make this ideal for anyone who shoots and edits videos on the go.
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful processor and high refresh rate display provide a much better gaming experience.
- Media Enthusiasts: The OLED display, high-res audio, and top-tier performance make it great for consuming content.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate premium technology and don't mind the price will enjoy this phone.
- TCL 50 SE:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If value is your priority, this will give you a decent smartphone experience without spending a fortune.
- Everyday Users: Those who just need a reliable phone for calls, social media, and light media consumption will be satisfied with this phone.
- Those who prioritize battery life: This phone has a larger battery and it gets very bright, which is great for outdoor use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and speed to you?
- If you need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking, gaming, and other demanding tasks, the Sony is the only logical option.
- If you're primarily focused on basic tasks, then the TCL will likely be sufficient and save you some money.
- How much do you value display quality?
- If you want a high resolution, vibrant display with deep blacks and incredible sharpness, the Sony is unmatched here.
- If you need a big screen that gets bright for outdoor use and are okay with a more ordinary display, then the TCL may be a better value for you.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and video quality?
- If you are into photography or want high quality video, the Sony is a clear winner thanks to the telephoto, wide and 4k video recording capabilities.
- If you mostly do basic point and shoots, then the TCL will probably suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want a phone for gaming and watching movies on the go": Sony Xperia 1 III. Its combination of performance and high-end display is unmatched at its price point.
- "I need a phone that won't die on me during the day, and I don't want to spend too much": TCL 50 SE. It offers the best battery life and value for the money in this matchup.
- "I take lots of pictures and videos and want the best quality": Sony Xperia 1 III. Its camera is more versatile and has better image quality, particularly video.
- "I just need a reliable phone for everyday tasks": Both phones will perform the daily tasks, it depends on how much you are willing to spend. The TCL 50 SE will likely provide great value and will be suitable, but you may enjoy the features of the Sony, particularly its performance and display.
My Choice
Personally, I would go with the Sony Xperia 1 III. While it is an older phone, the sheer gap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities is too significant to ignore. I value a smooth user experience, and the Snapdragon 888 paired with the incredible OLED display is a combo I can't resist. The camera system is also far more versatile and performs better in a variety of scenarios. Yes, the TCL has better battery life and a newer OS out of the box, but the premium feel and performance of the Sony wins me over in the end. It's like choosing between a finely tuned sports car and a reliable but basic commuter – both serve their purposes, but one is definitely more exciting and capable.
