Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between the Sony Xperia 1 III and the vivo X100 Pro. We're not just looking at numbers; we're going to explore how these specs translate into real-world experiences. Let's get to it!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, broken down into categories that matter for user experience:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | vivo X100 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | Xperia 1 III is slimmer; X100 Pro is wider and thicker, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 186g | 221g | Xperia 1 III is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | X100 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1260x2800 | Xperia 1 III has a dramatically sharper display, offering crisp text and images. |
| PPI | 643 | 452 | Xperia 1 III is noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display quality, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | X100 Pro has vastly superior outdoor visibility, easily viewable under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | X100 Pro has a newer and more powerful chip for faster overall performance. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,881,325 | X100 Pro significantly outperforms the Xperia 1 III in benchmarks, leading to a snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | X100 Pro offers superior graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm, Exmor RS | 50MP, f/1.75, 1", 1.60µm, IMX989 | X100 Pro captures more detail with a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm, S5K4H7 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.80µm, S5KGD2 | X100 Pro captures more detail with larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Exmor RS | None | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3, Exmor RS | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | X100 Pro has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia 1 III has a ToF sensor for depth information. |
| Telephoto + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2", 0.70µm, OV64B | X100 Pro has a dedicated telephoto + macro lens for versatile photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 8K 30fps | X100 Pro supports higher resolution video, while Xperia excels in 4k at higher frame rates. |
| DxOMark | Main: 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | Main: 150 (Photo: 149, Video: 145) | X100 Pro's camera significantly outperforms the Xperia 1 III based on DxOMark scores. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, EIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus etc. | Triple camera, Cinematic Mode, Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Digital zoom, Gimbal, Optical zoom, OIS, EIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus etc. | X100 Pro features a gimbal for superior stabilization; Xperia 1 III boasts a Quadruple camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5400mAh | X100 Pro has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | X100 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Wireless 50W, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | X100 Pro offers Wireless and Reverse charging; Xperia 1 III offers Bypass Charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 15) | X100 Pro runs a newer OS, with likely extended software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | X100 Pro supports the newest WiFi standard with higher throughput. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | X100 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | X100 Pro has better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | X100 Pro offers eSIM support for flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | X100 Pro offers a 1TB storage option for heavy media users. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16 GB | X100 Pro offers a higher RAM option for improved performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Both provide excellent audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia 1 III has a more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 1 III offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Xperia 1 III provides additional Environmental sensors including a barometer for detailed weather information |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths
- Display Sharpness: The Xperia 1 III's 4K OLED display is exceptionally sharp, making it a great choice for those who value image fidelity and crisp text.
- Telephoto Lens: The dedicated telephoto lens gives it an advantage for optical zoom, allowing for better shots from a distance.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The sensor is more convenient to use in a variety of scenarios, especially one handed.
- Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass Victus is a premium feature, offering more robust protection against scratches and impacts.
vivo X100 Pro Strengths
- Performance Powerhouse: The Dimensity 9300 chipset, paired with the Immortalis-G720 GPU, delivers superior performance in demanding tasks.
- Camera Excellence: The larger camera sensors, combined with features like a gimbal and higher DxOMark scores, position it as the superior camera phone.
- Display Brightness: The 3000 nits display is a game-changer for outdoor visibility, and its larger screen offers an immersive viewing experience.
- Fast Charging & Battery: The combination of a larger battery and 100W fast charging provides all-day reliability with extremely rapid charging times.
- Modern Software: Runs on Android 14, giving users the most recent features, security updates and potentially longer support.
- Connectivity: Offers cutting edge Wifi 7 for the highest download speeds.
Trade-offs
- Xperia 1 III: Compromises on performance, camera versatility, and battery life for a sharper display, a more compact design and more robust screen protection.
- vivo X100 Pro: Is a larger and heavier phone compared to the Xperia 1 III, and lacks telephoto lens, a ToF 3D sensor and better screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a sharp, visually stunning display, love the classic Sony aesthetics, and need a lighter, pocketable device. Photographers who want a true optical zoom may prefer it as well.
- Use Case: Ideal for media consumption, photo editing on the go, and users who value the refined Sony design.
- vivo X100 Pro:
- Best for: Users who need a top-performing camera system, want an immersive multimedia experience with excellent outdoor visibility, and value the latest software and battery tech.
- Use Case: Perfect for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and those who demand top-tier performance and battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is more important: Display sharpness or screen brightness and camera quality? If you want the sharpest display, go with the Xperia 1 III. If you want more outdoor visibility and camera excellence, the vivo X100 Pro is the better option.
- Do you prioritize performance or a slim profile? The X100 Pro is a performance champion; the Xperia 1 III is a slimmer, more compact device.
- Is a modern operating system and faster charging important to you? The X100 Pro offers the latest Android OS, and fast 100W charging with reverse wireless capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Choose the vivo X100 Pro for its superior camera system, gimbal stabilization, and high DxOMark score.
- The Media Consumer: The vivo X100 Pro offers a better display experience with improved brightness, though the Xperia 1 III has a sharper display
- The Power User: The vivo X100 Pro is the clear winner thanks to its powerful chipset, large battery, and fast charging.
- The Minimalist: The Xperia 1 III is slimmer and lighter, making it ideal for users who want a phone with a smaller footprint.
My Choice
If it were up to me, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro. While I appreciate the stunning display of the Xperia 1 III and the side mounted fingerprint sensor, the overall package offered by the vivo X100 Pro is just too compelling to pass up. Its camera is a generation ahead of Sony's, especially with the addition of the gimbal, the superior brightness ensures no matter the environment the screen is easily visible, and the faster chip will keep this device speedy for years. The 100W fast charging and 5400mAh battery give it the reliability to last the whole day. For these reasons, the vivo X100 Pro is the more future proof, powerful, and compelling device.
