Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 1 III and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. It's a classic match-up: a premium powerhouse from Sony versus a value-packed contender from Xiaomi. Here’s the detailed analysis:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2023-04-26 | The Redmi Note 12S is significantly newer, meaning it likely benefits from more recent software and hardware improvements. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Xperia is taller, Redmi is slightly wider. The Xperia might feel more premium, the Redmi Note 12S might be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 186g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S is lighter by 10g, noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Very similar screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2400 | Xperia has a vastly superior, sharper display, ideal for media consumption and detailed viewing. |
| Pixel Density | 643 PPI | 409 PPI | The Xperia's display is significantly sharper with much higher detail. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use quality OLED tech, but AMOLED is slightly more modern. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia has a smoother display, making scrolling and animations appear more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S is much brighter, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Helio G96 | Xperia’s Snapdragon 888 is a flagship-level chip, offering superior speed and performance, while the Helio G96 is mid-range. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 412,400 | Xperia is dramatically faster; expect better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xperia’s Adreno 660 offers significantly better graphics performance for high-end gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12S should offer slightly longer battery life due to a larger battery. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12S charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse Charging | Xperia's bypass charging is great for gamers, while Redmi's reverse charging is handy for topping up other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 108MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 12S has a much higher resolution sensor for more detailed images, but Xperia has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S offers higher resolution for selfies, while Xperia has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Xperia has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Redmi lacks. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.3 | 8MP f/2.2 | Xperia’s wide-angle offers higher resolution, while Redmi has a slightly wider aperture. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | Xperia provides depth sensing for enhanced portrait mode and AR apps. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the Xperia lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | 1080p 30fps | Xperia offers higher video recording quality with up to 4K 120fps, including OIS & EIS, whereas the Redmi records in 1080p with digital stabilization only. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 105 | Not Tested | Xperia's camera performance is officially rated, offering a good indicator of quality. Redmi Note 12S has no public score. |
| Features | More | Fewer | Xperia offers more advanced camera features like 4K video, optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture, etc. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S has a newer operating system out of the box, though the Xperia does get updates to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi technology with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi display. Xiaomi supports Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have Bluetooth 5.2 LE. The Xperia offers a wider range of codecs such as APT-x, LDAC, SBC and AAC. |
| GPS | More Systems | Fewer Systems | Xperia supports more satellite systems, offering more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Xperia offers more internal storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6/8 GB | Xperia has significantly more RAM, which helps with multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Hi-Res Audio | Xperia offers Dolby Atmos with its stereo speakers providing more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xperia uses much newer, tougher Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection. |
| Sensors | More | Fewer | Xperia has a more comprehensive set of sensors, including Barometer, Hall and Proximity. Xiaomi has a unique Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Superior Display: Sharper, higher refresh rate, better color accuracy.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 is much faster than the Helio G96.
- Advanced Camera: Offers a telephoto lens, better video recording capabilities, and a wider range of features.
- Premium Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with more RAM and storage.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Strengths:
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better for outdoor visibility with its 1000 nits peak brightness.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for more uptime.
- Reverse Charging: Useful for topping up other devices.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro camera for close-up shots.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 1 III: Older, less bright display, slightly smaller battery, no macro lens.
- Redmi Note 12S: Significantly weaker chipset and GPU, less sophisticated camera features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and high-end gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, optical zoom, and advanced video recording features.
- Media Consumers: Those who want the best possible display for watching videos and consuming content.
- Tech Aficionados: Those who appreciate premium build quality and innovative features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a solid mid-range phone with good battery life and a capable camera system at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a screen that can handle bright sunlight.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Users who want to spend more time using their phone and less time plugged into an outlet.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you need top-tier speed and smooth multitasking, the Xperia is the clear choice. If your needs are more basic, the Redmi will suffice.
- Do you prioritize display quality or brightness? For the best sharpness and color accuracy, go for the Xperia. For superior outdoor visibility, the Redmi is better.
- Are you an avid photographer or videographer? The Xperia has a vastly superior camera system. The Redmi is good, but not for enthusiasts.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming/Heavy Use: Go for the Xperia 1 III. Its Snapdragon 888 and extra RAM will handle demanding tasks much better.
- Budget-Friendly Use: The Redmi Note 12S offers excellent value for everyday tasks and casual photography at a lower cost.
- Photography Focused: The Xperia 1 III offers a more sophisticated, flexible, and capable camera system for better image and video quality.
- Outdoor Use: The Redmi Note 12S is significantly better for outdoor use due to its very high peak brightness.
My Choice and Why
If I had to pick between these two, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. While it's an older phone, its strengths in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are crucial for my needs. As a tech journalist, I constantly find myself in situations where having a top-tier camera, and a display that can handle detailed work is a must. Additionally, the sheer power offered by the Snapdragon 888 makes a noticeable difference in my daily workflow. Yes, the Redmi Note 12S is the newer device, and has some really nice features, but the raw power and quality of the Xperia just make it a better fit for my needs. For me, it’s about raw power and the ability to handle heavy tasks, which the Xperia 1 III delivers effortlessly.
