Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Buckle up, because this is going to be a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of these two fascinating smartphones.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Xperia is taller but narrower, Z50S Pro is wider and a bit thicker. Consider hand size/pocket. |
| Weight | 186g | 228g | Xperia is significantly lighter, feels less tiring for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Z50S Pro has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1260x2800 | Xperia boasts significantly sharper text and images, ideal for detail-oriented tasks. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 452 | Xperia's display is noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Z50S Pro is substantially better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 | Z50S Pro's newer chip offers substantially faster processing speeds, better for gaming/multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,579,720 | Z50S Pro provides a noticeably snappier experience in all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Z50S Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, handles complex graphics better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7) | 54MP (f/1.6) | Z50S Pro captures much more detailed shots with a significantly higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Xperia has a dedicated telephoto lens, while the Z50S pro offers a telephoto + portrait lens. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.3) | 50MP (f/2.0) | Z50S Pro's wide-angle captures much more detail, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.5) | Z50S Pro's selfie camera captures higher resolution pictures. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K @120fps | Up to 8K @ 30fps | Z50S Pro can record in 8K. Both have stabilization but the Xperia includes 4K recording options at 24, 25, 30, 60, and 120 fps, giving more control. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 105 | N/A | Xperia has been rated for camera quality, but not the Z50S Pro. |
| Additional Features | ToF 3D sensor, Quadruple Camera | Flicker Sensor, 8K Video, Triple Camera, Gimbal, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Z50S Pro includes more modern video and shooting features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5100 mAh | Z50S Pro's larger battery should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Z50S Pro charges much faster. |
| Additional Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia allows to charge the phone without charging the battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | Z50S Pro has a more recent version of Android OS, potential for extended support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Z50S Pro's WiFi 7 supports newer speeds, reduced latency and interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Z50S Pro has newer bluetooth capabilities, while Xperia has more profiles. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/1024 GB | Z50S Pro has a much bigger storage option and is a much better option for users needing storage space. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12/16 GB | Z50S Pro offers more RAM, especially in it's 16GB configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 1 III
Strengths:
- Display Sharpness: The Xperia's 4K OLED display is a standout, offering unmatched clarity and pixel density, ideal for media consumption and editing.
- Lightweight Design: Its lighter build is more comfortable for prolonged use, an advantage for those who value portability.
- Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a telephoto lens and dedicated ToF sensor adds versatility, appealing to photography enthusiasts.
- Audio Quality: It has Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for great sound quality.
- Bypass Charging: Ability to charge and use the phone without charging the battery.
Competitive Advantages:
- The unique 21:9 aspect ratio display, ideal for watching cinematic content and multitasking.
- A comprehensive suite of connectivity profiles for various devices.
- A lightweight, premium feel in the hand, appealing to users valuing design elegance.
- The Xperia provides multiple 4K recording options at 24, 25, 30, 60, and 120fps, offering more control over recording speeds.
Trade-Offs & Limitations:
- The older Snapdragon 888 chip means it lags behind in raw performance and efficiency compared to newer rivals.
- Lower brightness display makes it less ideal for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Less internal storage and no expandable option.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro
Strengths:
- Raw Power: Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset delivers class-leading performance, suitable for heavy gaming and demanding applications.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1500-nit display is fantastic for outdoor visibility, essential for anyone on the go.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: A larger battery paired with rapid 80W charging offers exceptional all-day battery life and quick top-ups.
- High-Resolution Cameras: The 54MP main sensor and 50MP wide-angle camera capture more detail, leading to higher quality shots.
- 8K Video: Offers professional grade video recording.
- Larger Storage Option: Up to 1TB of storage is available for users needing a large library.
Competitive Advantages:
- Cutting-edge performance at a competitive price, making it ideal for power users.
- The large battery and fast charging is great for those who need their phone to last the entire day.
- The modern camera features such as Flicker sensor, Gimbal, manual focus and night mode.
Trade-Offs & Limitations:
- A significantly heavier design makes it less portable and potentially tiring for extended use.
- The lower pixel density display means less sharp images and text compared to the Xperia, however it is negligibly so for most users.
- No expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Ideal For: Media enthusiasts, detail-oriented users, and those who value a lightweight design and advanced audio.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, editing photos, content creation, and enjoying Hi-Res music.
- Why: The incredibly sharp display is perfect for consuming and editing content, while the lightweight form factor enhances daily portability and comfort.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, photography lovers, and those who prioritize fast performance, all-day battery life, and quick charging.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, shooting detailed photos and videos, and demanding productivity tasks.
- Why: The superior performance and the large battery provides a smooth and long lasting experience, while its high-resolution cameras enable better photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a super sharp display (Xperia) or one that's easily visible outdoors (nubia)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the best possible performance for gaming and demanding tasks (nubia) or is solid performance enough (Xperia)?
- Physical Attributes: Do you prefer a lightweight and portable device (Xperia) or one that's more robust and has larger battery capacity (nubia)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Consumer: If you primarily watch movies or consume visual media and care about sharp display quality, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the better choice.
- For the Mobile Gamer: If you play demanding games and want the best possible performance and long battery life, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the superior option.
- For the Photographer: If you need versatility, both phones offer great options, however the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro’s 54 MP main camera, and 50MP wide angle camera, along with more modern camera features, give it an edge.
- For the Outdoor User: If you need to use your phone in bright sunlight, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the obvious choice.
- For the User Who Needs Battery Life: If all-day battery life is a must, and quick charging, the Z50S Pro takes the crown.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro.
Here's why:
While I appreciate the incredible display of the Xperia 1 III, the Z50S Pro’s performance and modern capabilities are too compelling to ignore. I'm a big fan of fast performance, quick charging, and love taking pictures on the go, which the Z50S Pro does exceptionally well. I find myself doing a lot of tasks on my phone that require good performance, and the Z50S Pro delivers on that. I also appreciate the more modern camera setup and the larger battery and faster charging of the Z50S Pro. It’s also a newer device and has the better wifi capabilities, providing better future proofing. Yes, it is heavier, but the trade off for such a great experience is one I'm willing to make.
The Z50S Pro has a good balance of modern and high end features that are crucial to daily phone usage, and makes it the better option in my eyes.
