Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Honor Magic4 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Category | Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor Magic4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions (mm) | 154 × 68 × 8.3 | 163.6 × 74.7 × 9.1 | Xperia is more compact and lighter (169g vs. 209g), easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight (g) | 169 | 209 | Honor is bulkier but feels more premium and substantial. | |
| Display | Size | 6" OLED (1080x2520, 457 PPI) | 6.81" OLED (1312x2848, 460 PPI) | Honor has a much larger, sharper screen—better for videos, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor’s 120Hz offers smoother scrolling and gaming. | |
| Brightness (nits) | Unspecified | 1000 nits | Honor wins in sunlight visibility—far easier to read outdoors. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Honor is significantly faster (245% higher AnTuTu score) and more power-efficient. |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB (non-expandable) | 8GB-12GB/256GB-512GB | Honor is better for heavy multitasking and future-proofing. | |
| Camera | Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX766) | Honor’s sensor is larger, sharper, and better in low light. |
| Ultra-Wide & Telephoto | 8MP UW + 8MP Tele | 50MP UW + 64MP Tele (3.5x zoom) | Honor has superior zoom and macro capabilities. | |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/2.4) + ToF 3D | Honor’s selfie cam is sharper but has a narrower aperture. | |
| Video | 4K@30fps, no stabilization | 4K@60fps, EIS/OIS, 960fps Slo-Mo | Honor is far better for video—stabilized, HDR, high frame rates. | |
| Battery & Charging | Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar endurance, but Honor charges at 100W (vs. 18W) + wireless charging. |
| Audio | Speakers & Features | Hi-Res Audio, 3.5mm jack | Stereo Speakers (DTS:X) | Xperia is better for wired headphones; Honor has louder, more immersive speakers. |
| Connectivity | WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS | WiFi 5, BT 5.1, Standard GPS | WiFi 6, BT 5.2, Multi-band GPS | Honor has faster WiFi, better Bluetooth, and more precise location tracking. |
| Software | OS & Updates | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (Magic UI 6) | Honor is newer but has uncertain update support; Xperia’s Android 13 is confirmed. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Under-display | Xperia’s side sensor is faster and more reliable. |
2. Key Insights
Honor Magic4 Pro Wins On:
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 demolishes the Xperia’s mid-range 690.
- Display: Bigger, brighter, 120Hz.
- Camera: Higher-res sensors, better zoom, and video features.
- Charging: 100W wired + wireless (Xperia lacks both).
- Future-proofing: More RAM, storage, and WiFi 6.
Sony Xperia 10 III Wins On:
- Compactness: Lighter, easier to handle.
- Headphone Jack: Rare in 2022 flagships.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Faster side-mounted scanner.
- Gorilla Glass 6: Better screen protection (Honor’s is unspecified).
Trade-offs:
- Honor’s size/weight may be cumbersome for some.
- Xperia’s performance lags for gaming and heavy apps.
- Honor’s software updates are less predictable than Sony’s.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
| User Type | Best Choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Photographers & Creators | Honor Magic4 Pro | Superior cameras, 4K60 video, and pro-level stabilization. |
| Gamers & Power Users | Honor Magic4 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz display, and better cooling. |
| Compact Phone Lovers | Sony Xperia 10 III | Lightweight, slim, and easier to use one-handed. |
| Budget-Conscious Buyers | Sony Xperia 10 III | Likely cheaper (though Honor offers better value for its specs). |
| Audio Enthusiasts | Sony Xperia 10 III | Hi-Res Audio + 3.5mm jack (Honor lacks wired audio support). |
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance & cameras? → Honor Magic4 Pro.
- Do you prefer a compact, lightweight phone? → Sony Xperia 10 III.
- Are fast charging and wireless charging important? → Honor Magic4 Pro.
Scenario Recommendations:
- "I want the best specs for the money." → Honor (better chipset, display, charging).
- "I need something pocket-friendly with a headphone jack." → Xperia.
- "I take lots of photos and videos." → Honor’s cameras are leagues ahead.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Honor Magic4 Pro.
While I love the compact design of the Xperia 10 III, the Honor’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz display, and pro-grade cameras make it a far more future-proof device. The 100W charging is a game-changer, and the larger screen is better for media consumption.
Exception: If I really prioritized portability and wired audio, I’d consider the Xperia—but the performance gap is too big to ignore. For most users, the Honor is the better long-term investment.
Would you prefer raw power or compact convenience? Let me know in the comments!
