Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
These two phones cater to very different audiences—the Xperia 10 III is a compact mid-ranger, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro is an uncompromising gaming beast. Below, we break down how they stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown (With Real-World Implications)
| Category | Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Sony is much more pocketable (lighter at 169g vs. 225g). ROG Phone is bulkier but built for gaming ergonomics. |
| Build Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone is more durable, especially against drops. | |
| Display | Size | 6" OLED (1080x2520, 457 PPI) | 6.78" AMOLED (1080x2400, 388 PPI) | Sony has a sharper display, but ROG has a smoother 165Hz refresh rate (vs. 60Hz), making gaming and scrolling much better. |
| Brightness | No data (likely ~700-800 nits) | 2500 nits (peak) | ROG Phone excels outdoors—far better visibility in sunlight. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ROG Phone obliterates Sony in speed (benchmark: 2M vs. 275K). Future-proof for years. |
| RAM & Storage | 6GB RAM, 128GB (non-expandable) | Up to 24GB RAM, 1TB storage | ROG Phone destroys multitasking—great for gamers and power users. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 4500mAh, 18W charging | 5500mAh, 65W charging | ROG lasts longer and charges 3.5x faster. Sony’s battery life is decent but not exceptional. |
| Camera | Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) + 8MP ultrawide + 8MP tele | 50MP (f/1.9) + 32MP tele + 13MP ultrawide | ROG Phone has higher-res sensors but lacks Sony’s telephoto. Sony is better for zoom shots. |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (1/3.2") | ROG’s selfie camera is far superior—better for streaming/vlogging. | |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, no stabilization | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS + OIS | ROG is a videographer’s dream. Sony’s video is basic. | |
| Audio | Speakers & Mics | Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | DTS:X stereo speakers, 3 mics | ROG has louder, more immersive sound—better for gaming. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.3 | ROG supports next-gen Wi-Fi for faster speeds. |
| Software | OS & Updates | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | ROG gets longer software support—more secure in the long run. |
| Extras | Cooling & Gaming Features | None | AirTriggers, cooling vents, RGB lighting | ROG is built for hardcore gaming with physical controls. |
2. Key Insights: Strengths & Trade-Offs
Sony Xperia 10 III
✅ Pros:
- Compact and lightweight (great for one-handed use).
- Sharper display (higher PPI).
- Better telephoto lens (8MP vs. ROG Phone’s missing ultrawide).
❌ Cons:
- Slow charging (18W).
- Outdated chipset (Snapdragon 690).
- No high-refresh-rate display.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
✅ Pros:
- Best gaming performance on the market.
- 165Hz display + 2500-nit brightness.
- Huge battery + rapid charging (65W).
- Superior cameras (8K video, 50MP main sensor).
❌ Cons:
- Bulky and heavy.
- No expandable storage (but 1TB option exists).
- Overkill for casual users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Casual users who want a sleek, pocketable phone.
- Photographers prioritizing zoom shots (thanks to its telephoto lens).
- Budget-conscious buyers (likely much cheaper now).
Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro?
- Hardcore mobile gamers (best performance + cooling).
- Content creators (8K video, great selfie cam).
- Power users needing 24GB RAM & Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
4. Buying Decision Framework (3 Key Questions)
- Do you game heavily or need extreme performance?
→ ROG Phone 8 Pro. - Do you prefer a compact, lightweight phone?
→ Xperia 10 III. - Do you care about camera versatility (zoom vs. high-res)?
→ Sony for zoom, ROG for resolution.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
If I were a gamer or power user, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner—it’s faster, has a better display, and charges way quicker.
But if I wanted a lightweight, daily driver, I’d pick the Xperia 10 III—it’s easier to handle and has a sharper screen.
My Pick?
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro—it’s a beast in every category, and unless you hate big phones, it’s the better long-term investment.
What about you? Which fits your needs better? 🚀
