Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus: A Practical Comparison
The Sony Xperia 10 III (2021) and Apple iPhone 15 Plus (2023) cater to different audiences—one offers a compact, lightweight Android experience, while the other is a premium iOS powerhouse. Below, we break down how they compare in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone is taller & wider, but Xperia is slightly thicker. Xperia’s narrower design is easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 201g | Sony is 32g lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term holding. |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown protection | Xperia likely has better scratch resistance; iPhone may rely on proprietary glass. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" OLED | iPhone offers more screen real estate for media & multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080×2520 (457 PPI) | 1290×2796 (460 PPI) | Both are sharp, but iPhone packs slightly more detail. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~700nits) | 2000 nits (peak) | iPhone is far superior outdoors—much easier to see in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate; standard scrolling smoothness. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | A16 Bionic (4nm) | iPhone is massively faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 275,000 | 1,470,000 | iPhone is 4.3x more powerful—future-proof for demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB | Adequate for moderate multitasking on both, but iPhone optimizes RAM better. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 48MP (f/1.6) | iPhone captures sharper, brighter photos with better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.4) | iPhone’s ultrawide doubles as macro; Sony’s is just ultrawide. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Sony has an optical zoom lens; iPhone relies on digital crop. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9) | iPhone selfies are clearer and more detailed, especially in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps (HDR) | iPhone records smoother, higher-quality video with better stabilization. |
| DXOMARK Score | N/A | 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 153) | iPhone is objectively one of the best smartphone cameras. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4383mAh | Similar endurance, but iPhone’s efficiency may give it an edge. |
| Charging Speed | 18W wired | 20W wired + MagSafe (15W wireless) | iPhone supports faster wired & wireless charging. |
| Battery Life | All-day | All-day (likely better) | iPhone’s optimized OS should last slightly longer in real use. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 → 13 | iOS 17 → 18 | iPhone gets longer updates (5+ years) vs. Sony’s 2-3 years. |
| Security | Side fingerprint | Face ID (more secure) | iPhone offers superior biometric security with Face ID. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo speakers, noise cancellation | iPhone has better call quality and immersive sound. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Compact & Lightweight – Easier one-handed use.
✅ Telephoto Lens – Better zoom shots.
✅ Cheaper (likely) – Better value if you don’t need premium performance.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Strengths:
🔥 Performance Monster – Blazing fast, future-proof.
📸 Best-in-Class Camera – Better low light, video, and detail.
☀️ Brighter Display – Far more usable in sunlight.
🔋 Better Battery Life – Optimized efficiency.
🔒 Longer Software Support – 5+ years of updates.
Trade-Offs:
- No expandable storage on either phone.
- No high refresh rate on either—both stuck at 60Hz.
- iPhone is much heavier—less comfortable for some.
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Compact phone lovers who prioritize ergonomics.
- Budget-conscious users who don’t need cutting-edge performance.
- Telephoto camera fans who want a dedicated zoom lens.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 15 Plus?
- Performance seekers (gamers, power users).
- Photography & videography enthusiasts.
- Apple ecosystem users (AirPods, Mac, iPad sync).
- Long-term upgraders (5+ years of updates).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prioritize performance & camera? → iPhone 15 Plus.
- Do I want a compact, lightweight phone? → Xperia 10 III.
- Do I care about software updates & ecosystem? → iPhone 15 Plus.
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 15 Plus.
Why?
- The A16 Bionic chipset ensures smooth performance for years.
- The 48MP camera is significantly better for both photos and videos.
- Longer software support means it'll stay updated until 2028+.
- 2000-nit display is a game-changer for outdoor visibility.
While the Sony Xperia 10 III is lighter and more compact, the iPhone 15 Plus is simply the better all-around device—especially if photography, longevity, and performance matter to you.
Winner: 🏆 Apple iPhone 15 Plus (unless you really hate big phones).
