Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Xiaomi Poco F4. These two phones are interesting contenders, each offering a unique set of strengths. I'm going to break down their specs, explain what they mean in real-world use, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Xperia 1 III is taller/thicker, Poco F4 is wider; slight difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 186g | 195g | Xperia 1 III is slightly lighter, may be better for prolonged usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco F4 has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 1 III has much sharper detail. |
| Pixel Density | 643 PPI | 395 PPI | Xperia 1 III's display is noticeably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality but different marketing terms (OLED vs AMOLED). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 870 5G | Xperia 1 III uses a flagship chipset, Poco F4 uses a slightly older but high-performing one. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 861,200 | Both are close in performance, noticeable in heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | Slight performance differences, but both handle demanding games very well. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 64MP | Poco F4 captures more detail but not always better images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.79 | Xperia 1 III captures more light in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP | 20MP | Poco F4 takes higher resolution selfie photos. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Xperia 1 III might be better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Xperia 1 III offers a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Wide-angle Lens | 12MP | 8MP | Xperia 1 III takes more detailed wide shots |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Poco F4 offers macro photography feature. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120FPS | Up to 4K 60FPS | Both offer high quality video with stabilization, Xperia 1 III has a slight edge in recording fps. |
| DXOMark Score | 105 | N/A | Xperia 1 III has a pretty good score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer same battery capacity, should have similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Poco F4 charges much faster, less downtime. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | None | Xperia 1 III allows to bypass charging when gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 up to 13 | Android 12 up to 13 | Poco F4 runs on a more updated android version by default. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar fast wifi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support similar audio codecs with differences in profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Poco F4 has more satellite navigation support for better location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Xperia 1 III offers more internal storage option. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both have 12 GB RAM variants, but base model varies. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have great audio with Dolby Atmos, but Poco F4 has microphones for better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar side mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocks. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia 1 III has a more durable display with Victus glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xperia 1 III has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Display Brilliance: Its 4K OLED screen with a 643 PPI pixel density is genuinely stunning and noticeably sharper than the Poco F4.
- Camera Prowess: The telephoto lens, paired with 4K 120fps video, puts it in the lead for photography and videography with features like OIS.
- Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection, along with added features like a ToF 3D sensor for depth, makes it a more premium device.
- Additional Audio: Sony Xperia 1 III has more features when it comes to bluetooth profiles.
- Better Sensors More environmental sensors, like a barometer.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is much quicker than the Xperia 1 III's 30W, ideal for those who need a quick top-up.
- More Modern OS Comes with Android 12 compared to the 11 of the Sony.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: A 20MP selfie camera is great for high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Macro Camera: The dedicated macro lens enables taking close-up photos, a feature missing on the Xperia.
- More navigation systems support: Support for GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) for a faster and more accurate location services.
- Better Audio Better mic setup for clearer audio.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xperia 1 III: Its battery life is just okay for a 4500mAh, and the charging speed is quite slow compared to the competition.
- Poco F4: The display lacks the sharpness of the Xperia 1 III, which may be noticeable to users who prioritize display quality. It also lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is best for:
- Content Creators: High-end video recording and camera flexibility are essential to you.
- Visual Enthusiasts: You demand the sharpest, most detailed display possible.
- Premium Experience Seekers: You want a flagship phone with advanced camera features, good build and a robust experience.
Xiaomi Poco F4 is best for:
- Power Users: You prioritize performance, fast charging, and overall practicality.
- Outdoor Users: You need a bright screen that is easily visible in sunlight.
- Budget Conscious Users: You want the best bang for your buck with excellent features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is display sharpness to you? If it's very important, the Xperia 1 III's 4K screen is a clear winner.
- Do you need fast charging and a brighter screen? If so, the Poco F4 is the better option.
- Do you need an optical zoom lens or a macro lens? If you need a telephoto lens, go with the Sony, if you need a macro go with the Xiaomi.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: I am a mobile photographer who shoots in varied conditions. The Xperia 1 III with its telephoto lens and camera features is a better pick.
- Scenario 2: I am a heavy gamer/multitasker who needs a fast charging phone with high performance. The Poco F4 is best here, thanks to its excellent performance and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: I watch lots of movies and want a sharp display but also need a good camera for taking family photos.. This one is tough, but it will go to the Sony Xperia 1 III, because it will satisfy your need for a very high quality display and the camera is also very good with more features.
- Scenario 4: I need a phone that takes good quality selfies and offers the best location services for navigation. The Xiaomi Poco F4 is a clear winner.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. While the Poco F4’s faster charging and brighter screen are tempting, I'm a sucker for display quality and camera capabilities. The 4K screen of the Xperia 1 III is breathtaking, and the addition of a telephoto lens gives me far more flexibility when it comes to photography. Plus, I appreciate the build quality and the additional sensors. For a tech journalist who values high-fidelity experiences, the Xperia 1 III edges out the Poco F4, even if it requires more patience while charging. It's a more premium experience that speaks to my specific needs and preferences, but of course, everyone has a different focus, and I tried to give a balanced review for you to decide better.
