Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022): A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Xperia is taller & thicker; iPhone SE is more compact and pocket-friendly. |
Weight | 169g | 144g | iPhone SE is 25g lighter, better for one-handed use. |
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown (likely basic) | Xperia has stronger glass, more drop-resistant. |
Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Touch ID (Home button) | Xperia’s sensor is faster; iPhone’s is still reliable. |
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone SE (2022) wins in ergonomics with a smaller, lighter design—ideal for those who prefer a compact phone.
- Xperia 10 III offers better durability (Gorilla Glass 6) and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is convenient but makes the phone slightly bulkier.
Display
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.0" OLED | 4.7" IPS LCD | Xperia’s larger screen is better for media, gaming. |
Resolution | 1080×2520 (~457 PPI) | 750×1334 (~326 PPI) | Xperia has sharper visuals and better contrast (OLED). |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has high refresh rate; both smooth for basic use. |
Key Takeaways:
- Xperia 10 III has a far superior display—larger, OLED panel, and higher resolution—making it better for movie watching and gaming.
- iPhone SE (2022) sticks to a small, dated LCD, which is fine for basic tasks but lacks vibrancy.
Performance
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | iPhone SE is 3-4x faster (benchmarks show 346% higher score). |
RAM | 6GB | 4GB | More RAM helps Xperia with multitasking, but A15’s efficiency compensates. |
Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 64/128/256GB (no SD) | iPhone SE offers more storage options (up to 256GB). |
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone SE (2022) dominates with A15 Bionic—faster app load times, smoother gaming, and better longevity.
- Xperia 10 III has more RAM but is held back by a mid-range chipset—fine for casual use but struggles with heavy tasks.
Camera
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) + 8MP ultrawide + 8MP telephoto | 12MP (f/1.8) single lens | Xperia has more versatility (ultrawide + telephoto). |
Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 7MP (f/2.2) | Xperia has a slightly better front camera. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps (no OIS) | 4K@60fps (OIS + HDR) | iPhone SE has far better stabilization and dynamic range. |
DxOMark Score | Not tested | 100 (Main: 126) | iPhone SE has better processing despite fewer lenses. |
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone SE (2022) wins in video quality (OIS, HDR, better stabilization).
- Xperia 10 III has more lenses (ultrawide + telephoto), but image processing lags behind Apple’s.
Battery & Charging
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 2018mAh | Xperia lasts significantly longer per charge. |
Charging | 18W wired (no wireless) | 18W wired (no wireless) | Both charge at the same speed. |
Key Takeaways:
- Xperia 10 III has a much bigger battery—expect 1.5-2x longer battery life than iPhone SE.
- Neither supports wireless charging, but iPhone SE’s efficiency helps offset its small battery.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Better display (OLED, larger, higher resolution)
✅ Bigger battery (much longer usage per charge)
✅ More camera lenses (ultrawide + telephoto)
✅ Expandability (Dual SIM, side fingerprint sensor)
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Strengths:
✅ Faster performance (A15 Bionic destroys Snapdragon 690)
✅ Better video recording (OIS, HDR, 4K@60fps)
✅ More compact & lightweight
✅ Longer software support (iOS updates for years)
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Media consumers who want a bigger, sharper OLED screen.
- Long battery life seekers (4500mAh vs. 2018mAh).
- Casual photographers who want ultrawide & telephoto lenses.
- Android fans who prefer expandability (Dual SIM, side fingerprint sensor).
Who Should Buy the iPhone SE (2022)?
- Performance-first users (A15 Bionic is way faster).
- iOS loyalists who want long-term updates.
- Small phone lovers (one-handed usability).
- Video shooters (better stabilization, HDR).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Help You Decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and longevity? → iPhone SE (2022)
- Do you want a bigger battery and better display? → Xperia 10 III
- Are you deep into the Apple ecosystem? → iPhone SE (2022)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Best for Power Users: iPhone SE (A15 Bionic is a beast).
- Best for Media & Battery Life: Xperia 10 III.
- Best Budget Long-Term Pick: iPhone SE (better software support).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone SE (2022).
Why?
- Performance is king—the A15 Bionic ensures smoothness for years.
- Better video recording (OIS + HDR makes a huge difference).
- Longer software support (Apple updates for 5+ years).
- Compact size fits better in pockets and hands.
If I Preferred Android:
I’d still hesitate on the Xperia 10 III because of its mid-range chipset—there are better Android options for a similar price.
Final Thought:
The iPhone SE (2022) is the smarter long-term buy, while the Xperia 10 III is best for those who prioritize battery and display size.
Your choice depends on what matters most to you! 🚀