Alright, let’s dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. These two phones represent very different philosophies, so understanding where they excel (and where they compromise) is crucial.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Xperia 1 III is narrower and easier to handle; Poco X4 Pro is slightly wider & thicker |
| Weight | 186g | 205g | Xperia 1 III is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco X4 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 1 III has a significantly sharper display, finer detail & clarity |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 395 | Xperia 1 III delivers crisper visuals; noticeable sharpness difference |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X4 Pro is vastly brighter, more suitable for outdoor viewing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xperia 1 III offers significantly more processing power, better for gaming and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 395,978 | Xperia 1 III benchmark scores over twice as high, indicates raw power |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Xperia 1 III is better for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.7µm | Poco X4 Pro has much higher resolution; Xperia 1 III has a brighter aperture |
| Telephoto lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | - | Xperia 1 III offers optical zoom capabilities lacking on Poco X4 Pro 5G |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 8MP f/2.2 | Xperia 1 III offers higher resolution, Poco X4 Pro offers slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie (Front) | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Poco X4 Pro has a higher resolution, Xperia 1 III has a brighter aperture |
| ToF 3D sensor | Yes | - | Xperia 1 III better depth perception for AR/portrait photography |
| Macro Lens | - | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Poco X4 Pro has a macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 1 III offers significantly more recording flexibility |
| DxOMark | 105 (main) | Not Available | Xperia 1 III has solid overall camera capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco X4 Pro has a larger battery, potentially longer runtime |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco X4 Pro charges much faster |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | - | Xperia 1 III can power the device directly without charging the battery |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Xperia 1 III has longer support with updates to Android 13 |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB or 512GB | 64 GB, 128GB, 256GB | Xperia 1 III offers more storage capacity |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | Xperia 1 III has a larger RAM, better for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers SD card support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xperia 1 III supports the newest WiFi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both supports same bluetooth version, Xperia 1 III offers more features |
| GPS | More Satellites | Less Satellites | Xperia 1 III offers better accuracy via multi satellite support |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have same audio features, Poco X4 Pro also has 2 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have side-mounted fingerprint readers for biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia 1 III offers superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More | Less | Xperia 1 III has more features and more sensors |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths:
- Display Superiority: The 4K OLED display with a staggering 643 PPI provides unmatched sharpness and clarity, ideal for media consumption and creative work.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 combined with 12GB of RAM delivers top-tier performance, handling demanding games and heavy multitasking with ease.
- Advanced Camera System: Boasts a versatile quad-camera system with features like a dedicated telephoto lens (with variable zoom), a ToF 3D sensor, and superior video capabilities.
- Premium Audio: Enhanced connectivity, Hi-Res audio, and Dolby Atmos delivers superior audio experience
- Durability: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Trade-offs:
- Higher Price: It comes at a premium price point
- Lower Battery Capacity: Battery capacity is smaller compared to the Poco X4 Pro
- Less Bright Display: Lower brightness may be a problem in direct sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G:
- Strengths:
- Display Brightness: 1200 nits of brightness make the screen highly legible outdoors, perfect for on-the-go use.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery, combined with fast 67W charging, ensures long usage time and quick replenishment.
- Higher-Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor allows for detailed photos
- More Affordable: It provides a more budget-friendly option.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 695 can struggle with more demanding games and heavy multitasking, as compared to the Xperia 1 III.
- Standard display: Has a lower pixel density and lacks the finer detail offered by the Sony display.
- Less Versatile Camera: Lacks a telephoto lens and dedicated 3D ToF sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Target User:
- Media Consumers: Those who value the best possible display and audio for streaming movies, videos, and games.
- Content Creators: Ideal for photographers and videographers due to its superior camera system, versatile shooting modes, and 4K video capability.
- Power Users: Individuals needing top-tier processing power for demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and smooth gaming experiences.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography: The telephoto lens and manual controls give photographers greater flexibility.
- Mobile gaming: Smooth 120Hz, powerful processing, and graphics handle demanding titles effectively.
- Immersive Media Viewing: 4K resolution and HDR for stunning clarity and visual fidelity.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G:
- Target User:
- Everyday Users: Ideal for individuals who value essential features, long battery life, and screen visibility for regular phone use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Great for those seeking a reliable, capable phone without breaking the bank.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Suited for users who frequently use their phone in bright environments.
- Specific Use Cases:
- All-day productivity: Long battery life for uninterrupted work and communication.
- Casual Photography: For capturing daily moments with acceptable quality and detail.
- On-the-go media: High screen brightness for better outdoor viewing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
What matters more to you: Top-Tier Performance and Visual Fidelity or Battery Life and Value for Money?
- Choose Xperia 1 III if: You prioritize a superior display, powerful performance, and camera versatility and are willing to pay the extra.
- Choose Poco X4 Pro 5G if: Long battery life, value for money, and outdoor visibility are paramount.
Are you heavily involved in Photography and/or Video?
- Choose Xperia 1 III if: You need a versatile camera system with 4K video recording.
- Choose Poco X4 Pro 5G if: You are not a serious photographer, or a content creator.
What is your budget?
- Choose Xperia 1 III if: Price is not the primary concern and you want the absolute best.
- Choose Poco X4 Pro 5G if: You are looking for a cost-effective phone with a solid feature set.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Professional Photographers: Sony Xperia 1 III. Its dedicated telephoto lens, 3D ToF sensor, and manual controls make it a better fit.
- For Mobile Gamers: Sony Xperia 1 III. The Snapdragon 888, Adreno 660, and 12GB of RAM will handle even the most demanding games with ease.
- For Casual Everyday Users: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. It offers great value with long battery life, fast charging, and a very bright screen.
- For Outdoors Enthusiasts: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. The high screen brightness makes it easy to use in direct sunlight.
- For Heavy Media Consumers: Sony Xperia 1 III. The 4K display, combined with Hi-Res Audio will enhance the media experience.
What would I choose and why?
For me, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear winner, despite the compromises with battery life and price. I value the absolute visual fidelity of the 4K display (as a media enthusiast) and the raw power for multitasking and gaming (I do enjoy games with high graphics demand). I am also a keen photographer and I always prefer a flexible camera setup with a telephoto lens. I don’t mind having to charge it more frequently, and I see the premium price as an investment in high-quality features I will use daily. I believe that the trade-offs are acceptable for my particular use case, and the Xperia 1 III provides me with an unparalleled experience in visual quality, performance and camera flexibility.
