Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Xiaomi 12X. I’ll break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
Smartphone Showdown: Sony Xperia 1 III vs. Xiaomi 12X
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Xiaomi 12X | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | The Xperia 1 III is noticeably taller and slightly wider, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 186g | 176g | The Xiaomi 12X is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.28" | The Xperia 1 III offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2400 | The Xperia 1 III's significantly higher resolution results in an incredibly sharp display, better for detail-oriented tasks. |
| PPI | 643 | 419 | The Xperia 1 III's higher pixel density provides noticeably sharper visuals and text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use excellent display tech, with deep blacks and vibrant colors, although subtle differences may be visible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery smooth scrolling and animations, creating a highly responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Xiaomi 12X has significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight thanks to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 870 | The Xperia 1 III's chipset offers marginally higher benchmark performance, useful for demanding apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 889,100 | 815,210 | The Xperia 1 III has a higher Antutu score, indicating slightly better overall performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | The Adreno 660 in the Xperia 1 III provides slightly better graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.88 | The Xiaomi 12X captures higher resolution photos, while the Xperia 1 III's wider aperture might perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45 | The Xiaomi 12X takes much higher resolution selfies with a smaller pixel size while Xperia's sensor has larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while the Xiaomi 12X does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Both have wide-angle lenses, with similar functionality, though Xiaomi's provides slightly more resolution. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia has a ToF sensor to measure the depth information, potentially useful for portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a macro camera for closeup shots of very small objects. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Xiaomi 12X captures 8K video which offers greater resolution, while the Xperia 1 III has 120 fps at 4K, but 8k is not an option. |
| DxOMark Score | 105 | N/A | The Xperia 1 III's camera has a DxOMark Mobile score of 105 (107 photo and 92 video) indicating better camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | The Xiaomi 12X charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Bypass charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have Non-removable battery. Sony Xperia 1 III exclusively offers bypass charging which is suitable for gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Xperia 1 III is upgradable to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones are equipped with Wi-Fi 6 for high speed connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Sony has slightly newer version of Bluetooth than Xiaomi. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | More Satellite Systems | Both phones offer high accuracy but Xiaomi has a slight advantage in terms of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality for both personal and professional lines |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | The Xperia 1 III offers a 512 GB version, useful for users needing extensive storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both have 12 GB option, but Xiaomi also offers 8 GB RAM which may be limiting for some users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, therefore, users should choose model with high capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12X has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture by having 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side mounted fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | The side mounted fingerprint sensor of the Xperia may be preferable to some users over the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have top of the line protection against scratch and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer, Hall Sensor | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Sony has environmental sensors while Xiaomi has ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Superior Display: The 4K OLED display with a high pixel density is noticeably sharper and more detailed than the Xiaomi 12X, making it ideal for content creation, detail-oriented tasks and watching high-quality videos.
- Telephoto Camera: The inclusion of a telephoto lens provides true optical zoom, enhancing flexibility when capturing images at varying distances.
- Bypass Charging: Gamers or heavy users will appreciate the bypass charging feature which reduces overheating and extends battery longevity when used in direct charging.
- Enhanced Audio Capabilities: A more robust suite of Bluetooth profiles and Hi-Res audio support provide a richer sound experience.
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to use outdoors.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging capability drastically reduces charge times, appealing to users who are constantly on the go.
- Higher Resolution Camera: A 50MP primary camera captures more detail, good for those who prioritize high-resolution photographs.
- 8K Video Recording: The Xiaomi 12X supports 8K video recording which is a great feature for videographers who need to make professional-grade videos.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens which can capture closeup images of very small objects.
- Audio Quality: 2 microphones provides better recording capabilities.
- Better Value: The Xiaomi 12X typically offers more features for its price, making it more accessible to users looking for value.
Trade-offs:
- Sony Xperia 1 III: While the screen is excellent, the phone is bulkier and its lower brightness may be an issue outdoors. It also lacks the faster charging of the 12X.
- Xiaomi 12X: While it offers a better price, its display resolution and camera capabilities are not on par with the Xperia. It also lacks a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III is ideal for:
- Content Creators: Users who need the sharpest display and most camera features (telephoto lens, 4k Video at 120 fps).
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who value the best possible visual and audio experience while watching videos and movies.
- Gamers: Bypass charging will ensure longer playing periods and reduced heating.
- Xiaomi 12X is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize speed, display brightness and fast charging while having a capable camera.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a feature-rich phone but prefer a slightly more affordable price tag.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight will appreciate the significantly brighter display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Quality vs. Brightness: Do you prioritize an incredibly sharp display (Xperia) or one that is bright and easily readable in sunlight (Xiaomi)?
- Camera Flexibility vs. Resolution: Do you need a telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities (Xperia) or a high-resolution main camera (Xiaomi)?
- Charging Speed vs. Battery Longevity: Is fast charging your biggest need (Xiaomi) or would you be comfortable with a slightly slower charge for a potentially more balanced battery longevity (Xperia)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a content creator or a media lover: Go for the Sony Xperia 1 III. The superior display and telephoto lens make it a better fit.
- If you are an everyday user with a focus on practicality: The Xiaomi 12X is the more well-rounded phone with its brighter display, faster charging, and higher resolution primary camera.
- If you are a professional videographer: The 8K video support of the Xiaomi 12X should be highly considered.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III, despite its drawbacks. My reasoning lies in my own use-case priorities as a tech journalist. The higher resolution display is far more crucial for my detail-oriented content work, and the telephoto lens offers greater creative flexibility. Although the brightness of the display is inferior, and the charging speed isn't the greatest, the overall user experience, the superior display quality, and the more flexible camera system make it a more compelling device for my specific needs. Furthermore, features such as the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, bypass charging, a more recent Bluetooth version, and a more capable environmental sensor set are advantages that the Xiaomi 12X does not offer, making the Xperia 1 III a compelling device for a heavy user. While the Xiaomi 12X is an excellent device, the Xperia 1 III better serves the needs of a user who requires a display that can show high detail and a camera system that offers more flexibility.
