Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. We'll break down the specs, explore what they mean for real-world use, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2021-12-31 | Xiaomi is newer, might have slightly longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are classic smartphone designs. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | Sony is taller and narrower, Xiaomi is wider. Both share same thickness. |
| Weight | 186g | 204g | Sony is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.73" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1440 x 3200 | Sony’s display is much sharper; images and text look significantly clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 521 | Sony's display will look noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi is dramatically better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xiaomi has a newer, faster chip. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi is faster in benchmarks; expect snappier performance, especially in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi has a faster GPU, better for gaming. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both are suitable for multitasking, but more RAM always helps keep things fluid. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar battery life, likely to last a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 120W Fast | Xiaomi charges much faster; a major time saver. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, which manages to obtain fast charging of 120W of a single-cell in a safe and stable way., 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse charging | Sony offers bypass charging, while Xiaomi offers reverse charging and fast wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Xiaomi has higher resolution, Sony has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP | Xiaomi has significantly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Sony offers dedicated optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 50MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has higher resolution, Sony has a wider aperture. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Sony offers depth sensing for improved portrait mode, but missing on Xiaomi 12 Pro. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 50MP, f/1.9 | Xiaomi has dedicated Portrait mode, but missing on Sony Xperia 1 III. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi shoots in higher resolution for professional-grade video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 105 | 129 | Xiaomi has significantly better camera performance in photo and video. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Both provide a full suite of features, but Xiaomi provides 8K and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 12 | Xiaomi has a more recent OS, may get faster and longer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MiMO | Xiaomi has better connectivity with Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Various profiles | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Sony has more profiles for broader compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi is better for precise location tracking with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256 GB / 512GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Sony has larger storage options by 256 GB on both versions. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi has a slight edge in audio features with extra microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Sony's fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed and faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both are highly durable with similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Display Sharpness: The ultra-high resolution display with 643 PPI provides unmatched clarity for detail-oriented users.
- Camera System: The telephoto lens and ToF 3D sensor are valuable for photography enthusiasts, offering versatility and depth.
- Lightweight Design: The 186g weight makes it comfortable for extended handheld use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Offers fast and convenient access to the phone.
- Additional Bluetooth Profiles: Broader compatibility for a wider range of audio devices.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip offers a significant boost in performance, especially for gaming and demanding apps.
- Display Brightness: The 1500 nits of brightness are excellent for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
- Charging Speed: 120W fast charging is incredibly convenient, rapidly replenishing the battery.
- Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores indicate better photo and video quality compared to Sony.
- Video Recording: 8K recording provides more options for professional video enthusiasts.
- Software: The Android 12 provides a modern OS experience.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi MiMO for faster wireless connections and extra satellite systems for precise location tracking.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 1 III: The lower brightness, older processor, and lower DxOMark scores for camera compared to Xiaomi.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lacks the telephoto zoom lens and ToF 3D sensor found on the Sony, and has less internal storage options. It is also heavier and bulkier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a sharp, color-accurate display for movies and photos.
- Photography Buffs: Those who value the telephoto zoom, and depth-sensing capabilities for creative photography.
- Design Conscious Users: Those who appreciate a sleek, lighter device with a focus on ergonomics.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution content like 4K movies on the go.
- Capturing high-quality photos with varying focal lengths.
- Long reading sessions without experiencing eye strain, thanks to the high PPI.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is ideal for:
- Performance Seekers: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for gaming and demanding apps.
- On-the-Go Users: Individuals who prioritize fast charging and a bright display for outdoor use.
- Camera Centric: Users who want the best photo and video performance for casual use.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Taking photos and videos of daily activities.
- Quickly charging the phone while at the office or during travel.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How Important is Display Sharpness vs Brightness? If you often consume media indoors and appreciate pixel-perfect clarity, go with Sony. If you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, Xiaomi is the better choice.
- How much does performance vs Camera versality matter to you? For top-tier mobile performance, the Xiaomi takes the crown. However, if you're more interested in a versatile camera with a telephoto lens and ToF sensor, Sony is the way to go.
- How fast is fast charging for you? If time is crucial, the Xiaomi’s 120W charging is a game-changer. However, if you prioritize bypass charging, Sony is still the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and occasional photos, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a better all-around experience with its brighter screen, faster processor, and faster charging.
- The Power User: If you are into gaming and or demanding applications, the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a much more fluid experience.
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you love to take photos with great zoom and depth, the Sony Xperia 1 III will allow you to achieve the best results.
- The Media Lover: If you want the absolute best experience for detail-rich content, such as movies, Sony is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Sony’s display is incredibly sharp and the telephoto lens is tempting, the overall package of the Xiaomi is more appealing for my typical use. The brighter screen would be more useful in everyday life, and the faster processor and charging would greatly improve the overall experience. Additionally, the significantly better camera performance, as indicated by the DxOMark scores, and higher video capabilities make it a more versatile and satisfying device for me. While I appreciate the Sony’s design and lightweight feel, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s advantages in performance, display brightness, camera quality, and charging speed are hard to overlook.
