Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: In-Depth Comparison
The Sony Xperia 10 III and Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra represent two different approaches to smartphone design—compact efficiency versus high-end powerhouse. Below, we break down their key differences, strengths, and ideal users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Xperia 10 III is more pocket-friendly, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra is bulkier but offers a larger screen. |
| Weight | 169g | 224g | Xperia feels lighter, better for one-handed use. Zenfone has a premium heft. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is more durable against drops. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Xperia 10 III is for those who prioritize portability, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers a more immersive, premium feel at the cost of added bulk.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.78" AMOLED | Zenfone is better for media & gaming, Xperia is easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080×2520 (457 PPI) | 1080×2400 (388 PPI) | Xperia is sharper, but Zenfone’s larger screen compensates. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone’s 144Hz feels buttery smooth in games & scrolling. |
| Brightness | Unspecified (~600 nits?) | 2500 nits (peak) | Zenfone dominates in sunlight visibility. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Zenfone 11 Ultra wins in fluidity & outdoor visibility, but the Xperia 10 III offers better sharpness in a compact form.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone is 4x faster—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 275,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone destroys the Xperia in benchmarks. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB / 16GB | Zenfone is future-proof for heavy apps & gaming. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is a performance beast, while the Xperia 10 III is limited to light tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX890) | Zenfone captures way more detail in good lighting. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Wider and sharper on Zenfone. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (dedicated) | 32MP (hybrid zoom) | Zenfone offers better zoom, though Xperia has a true telephoto. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.5) | Zenfone’s selfies are much sharper. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Zenfone is a content creator’s dream. |
| DxOMark Score | — | 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Zenfone competes with flagships. |
🔹 Key Insight: Zenfone 11 Ultra is vastly superior in both photo & video. The Xperia 10 III still holds up for casual shooting but lacks high-end features.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone lasts longer despite the powerful chip. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 65W (wired) + 15W (wireless) | Zenfone charges 3x faster, plus wireless convenience. |
🔹 Key Insight: Zenfone wins in battery life & charging, making it better for power users.
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Compact & lightweight – Ideal for small hands/pockets.
✅ Sharper display (457 PPI vs. 388 PPI).
✅ Dedicated telephoto lens (better than digital zoom).
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Strengths:
✅ Flagship performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
✅ Superior 144Hz AMOLED display with 2500-nit brightness.
✅ Much better camera setup (50MP main, 32MP selfie, 8K video).
✅ Longer battery life + ultra-fast 65W charging.
Trade-Offs:
❌ Xperia 10 III – Weak processor, slow charging, mediocre cameras.
❌ Zenfone 11 Ultra – Heavy, large, expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Compact phone lovers who prioritize portability.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Budget-conscious buyers (likely cheaper due to age).
Who Should Buy the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra?
- Power users & gamers needing flagship speed.
- Photography & video enthusiasts.
- Those who want a big, bright screen for media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prefer a compact phone or a large, powerful one?
- Compact → Xperia 10 III.
- Big & powerful → Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- Do I care about camera quality?
- Yes → Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- No → Xperia 10 III is fine for casual shots.
- Am I willing to pay extra for future-proof performance?
- Yes → Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- No → Xperia 10 III.
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
🚀 I’d pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Why?
- Performance gap is massive (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. 690).
- 144Hz AMOLED + 2500 nits is a game-changer.
- Camera system is significantly better (50MP + 8K video).
- Battery & charging are far superior (5500mAh + 65W).
If you can handle the size and potential price premium, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner. The Xperia 10 III is still a decent compact phone, but it’s outclassed in nearly every way by modern standards.
For most users, the Zenfone is the better investment. 🏆
