Okay, let's dive deep into this head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. I’ll approach this as if we're chatting over coffee, breaking down the tech and what it actually means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up on paper, and more importantly, in practice:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | Sony is taller, ZTE is wider and slightly thicker. Sony feels narrower in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 204g | Sony is noticeably lighter, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE offers a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1116 x 2480 | Sony has much sharper text and images, almost 128% more pixels. |
| PPI | 643 | 400 | Sony’s display is significantly denser, resulting in superior clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer great color and contrast, similar tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones will provide smooth scrolling, identical. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE excels in outdoor visibility, significantly brighter in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE’s chip is newer and more powerful, should handle demanding tasks better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,061,300 | ZTE benchmarks higher, suggesting better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ZTE has a more advanced GPU, better gaming performance with higher frame rates. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | ZTE likely offers better battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W | 65W | ZTE charges much faster, which is super handy. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | None | Sony allows power to bypass the battery, useful for intensive tasks while plugged in |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm | 64MP, f/1.6, 0.7µm | ZTE's primary camera has much higher resolution, better low light. ZTE's aperture is only negligibly wider. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm | ZTE offers higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 64MP, f/3.5 | ZTE has significantly higher resolution for telephoto shots; Sony's aperture is much wider, potentially better low-light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | None | Sony allows for ultrawide shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3 | ZTE can take wide angle and macro photos with this lens. |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | Both have depth sensors for effects. | |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ZTE allows for higher video resolution and 8k content capture. |
| DXOMark Camera Score | 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | Not Tested | Sony has received a good DXOMark score, ZTE remains untested. |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus | 8K Video, Laser autofocus (LAF), Under display camera, Night Mode | Sony is geared for video professionals, ZTE for content creation. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Both should get Android 13, but ZTE starts on a newer version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | ZTE has better connectivity options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, Full Features | 5.2 LE, Basic | Sony supports more audio codecs and features than ZTE. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), QZSS, Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | Sony has a broader range of satellite support for accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both are dual SIM |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | ZTE offers larger storage options, including 1TB. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8/12/16/18GB | ZTE offers more RAM for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones | Sony for audiophiles, ZTE for audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Sony fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony’s screen protection is significantly better against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | Gravity | Sony offers a broader set of sensors, good for gaming and environmental data. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III Strengths:
- Display Precision: The 4K OLED display with a 643 PPI is incredibly sharp, offering the best-in-class clarity for a mobile screen. Ideal for detailed work or enjoying high-res media.
- Video Prowess: It has advanced video features like 4K recording up to 120fps with HDR, and the inclusion of OIS and EIS will give you highly stable, professional-looking footage.
- Audio Quality: With Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, this is the choice for audiophiles who care deeply about high quality audio.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: It features a broad range of satellite support, including dual-frequency GPS and advanced Bluetooth codecs, ensuring great audio performance and accurate location.
- Build Quality: The device uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, a superior glass for screen protection against drops and scratches.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1500 nits peak brightness means it's much easier to use in bright outdoor environments.
- Performance King: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and up to 18GB of RAM, it’s designed for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Camera Versatility: The 64MP primary sensor, telephoto, and macro lens give great flexibility for many kinds of photos and videos.
- Fast Charging: The 65W fast charging will recharge your battery super quickly.
- Video Recording: With 8K recording capabilities, it's a versatile option for content creators needing high resolution footage.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Sony: Lower brightness display, older chipset, and slower charging, making it less versatile outside of specific use cases such as content consumption or serious video shooting.
- ZTE: Lack of a dedicated wide-angle lens, and does not have the highest grade display when compared to the 4K panel on the Sony. Lacks some advanced connectivity features, like QZSS and Galileo E1+E5a support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III is Best For:
- Media Consumption: Those who prioritize sharp, high-resolution screens for movies, images, and detailed content.
- Video Professionals: Users who need advanced video recording capabilities, accurate colors, and stable footage.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Individuals who value high-fidelity audio and the best in codec support.
- Users who prefer a compact design: This is the choice if you want a device that is narrower and more comfortable to use in one hand.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is Best For:
- Power Users & Gamers: People who need top performance, multitasking, and fast refresh rates for demanding apps.
- Content Creators: Users who want to record 8K video and need versatility with different lenses.
- Outdoor Use: Those who need a bright display for easy viewing in direct sunlight.
- Users needing flexibility: Those who want a versatile device with strong performance in multiple use cases.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize absolute sharpness and color accuracy over brightness, or do you need a display that can be easily viewed in bright sunlight?
- Performance Needs: Are you a heavy gamer or do you frequently engage in resource-intensive tasks, or do you need a device for more moderate use?
- Camera Usage: Do you need ultra-stable video and high-fidelity audio for professional-grade content, or do you require maximum flexibility and detail in multiple photo scenarios?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Content Creator (Video Focused): The Sony Xperia 1 III is the better choice for those who need pro video features.
- Heavy Gamer or Power User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's superior performance and RAM will likely be a much better option.
- Casual User: If you are a casual user who wants a better viewing experience, the Sony's stunning display might be a better choice.
- Outdoor User: If you frequently use your phone in direct sunlight, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the superior option.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I’d pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, my daily tasks often require me to multitask between various apps, and that’s before I get into my gaming needs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 paired with the potential 18GB of RAM on the Axon makes it the powerhouse that suits my workflow. The higher peak brightness also lets me work anywhere, indoors or out. While I appreciate the 4K display of the Sony, the real world benefit is somewhat diminished outside of specific content creation or viewing scenarios. The ZTE also offers versatility with a greater array of camera sensors for various shooting conditions. Also, fast charging is non-negotiable in my world.
While the Sony Xperia 1 III has its own niche with its incredible display and pro-grade video and audio capabilities, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's balance of power, camera versatility, and screen brightness makes it the more practical and flexible choice for me. It's a device that fits a broader range of use cases and stands out as a better daily driver for a power user like me.
