Sony Xperia 10 III vs Apple iPhone 15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date June 11, 2021 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 86.92 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.57 "/g
Weight 169 g 171 g
Height 154 mm 147.6 mm
Width 68 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Pink
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 80.3 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 457 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 125.00 mAh/in² 90.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.77 mAh/cm³ 40.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 3349 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Adreno 619 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 17
Maximum OS Version 13 18

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Apple iPhone 15: A Practical Comparison

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIIApple iPhone 15Real-World Implications
Design154 × 68 × 8.3 mm, 169g147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm, 171gXperia is taller and slightly thicker, while iPhone is slightly wider. Both feel similar in weight.
Display6" OLED, 1080x2520, 457 PPI, 60Hz6.1" OLED, 1179x2556, 461 PPI, 60HziPhone has slightly sharper text. Xperia's taller aspect ratio may benefit media consumption.
BrightnessNot specified (likely ~700 nits)2000 nits (HDR peak)iPhone is far better in sunlight, making it superior for outdoor use.
PerformanceSnapdragon 690 5G (Antutu: 275K)A16 Bionic (Antutu: 1.47M)iPhone is 4.3x faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity.
Battery4500mAh, 18W fast charging3877mAh, 20W fast chargingXperia has a larger battery, but iPhone’s efficiency may balance this. iPhone supports MagSafe wireless charging.
Camera (Main)12MP (f/1.8)48MP (f/1.6)iPhone pulls ahead in detail, low-light performance, and computational photography.
Camera (Extras)8MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide12MP ultrawide/macroXperia offers a true telephoto lens; iPhone relies on digital zoom but has superior software enhancements.
Selfie Camera8MP (f/2.0)12MP (f/1.9)iPhone’s selfies will be sharper and better in low light.
Video Recording4K@30fps (no stabilization)4K@60fps HDR (Cinematic Mode, OIS)iPhone is far superior with stabilization, HDR, and pro-grade video features.
SoftwareAndroid 11 (up to 13)iOS 17 (up to iOS 18)iPhone gets longer updates and smoother optimization.
Storage128GB (non-expandable)128/256/512GB (non-expandable)iPhone offers more options for power users.
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 5Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6iPhone is faster and more efficient in wireless connections.
AudioHi-Res Audio, 2 micsStereo speakers, 3 micsiPhone has better call clarity and speaker quality; Xperia supports high-res wired audio.
SecuritySide-mounted fingerprint sensorFace ID (no fingerprint)Xperia offers fast unlock, iPhone has seamless Face ID.
DurabilityGorilla Glass 6Unknown (likely Ceramic Shield)Xperia’s glass is confirmed tough, but iPhone likely matches it.

2. Key Insights

Apple iPhone 15 Wins In:

Performance – A16 Bionic is years ahead in speed and efficiency.
Camera – Better sensors, HDR, Night Mode, and computational photography make it superior.
Display2000-nit peak brightness destroys the Xperia in outdoor visibility.
Software Support – iOS updates for 5+ years vs. Xperia’s limited Android support.
Video RecordingCinematic Mode, 4K HDR, and stabilization are pro-grade.

Sony Xperia 10 III Wins In:

Battery Capacity4500mAh may last longer, but real-world gains depend on optimization.
Telephoto Lens – A true optical zoom (unlike iPhone’s digital crop).
Audio OutputHi-Res Audio support for wired headphones.
Fingerprint Sensor – Some prefer it over Face ID.

Trade-Offs:

  • iPhone lacks a telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom.
  • Xperia has weaker performance, limiting gaming and future-proofing.
  • iPhone’s smaller battery is offset by efficiency gains.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Choose the iPhone 15 If You:

  • Want the fastest, longest-lasting phone (performance & updates).
  • Take lots of photos/videos (HDR, Night Mode, stabilization).
  • Use your phone outdoors often (2000-nit display).
  • Prefer iOS’s smooth, long-term software support.

Choose the Xperia 10 III If You:

  • Need a telephoto lens for zoom shots.
  • Use wired headphones (3.5mm adapter needed on iPhone).
  • Prefer Android’s customization.
  • Want a slightly larger battery.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Ask Yourself:

  1. Do you prioritize camera quality and performance?iPhone 15
  2. Do you need a telephoto lens and wired audio?Xperia 10 III
  3. Will you keep the phone for 4+ years?iPhone 15 (better longevity).

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Photographers & Creators: iPhone 15 (better computational photography, video).
  • Budget-Conscious Users: Xperia 10 III (if found at a steep discount).
  • Power Users/Gamers: iPhone 15 (A16 Bionic is vastly superior).

Final Verdict: What I’d Choose

Winner: Apple iPhone 15 🏆

While the Xperia 10 III has some niche advantages (telephoto lens, Hi-Res Audio), the iPhone 15 is the objectively better phone in nearly every meaningful way:

  • Faster performance (A16 Bionic vs. midrange Snapdragon 690).
  • Superior camera system (especially for video and low light).
  • Brighter, higher-res display.
  • Longer software support (5+ years vs. 2-3).

Unless you absolutely need a telephoto lens or prefer Android, the iPhone 15 is the smarter long-term investment.

Would you pick the same? Let me know your thoughts! 📱🔥

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.