Sony Xperia 10 III vs Honor X8b: A Practical Showdown
Let's examine these two mid-range contenders through an engineer's lens, focusing on what truly matters in daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Xperia is more compact; X8b has slimmer profile |
| Weight | 169g | 166g | Negligible difference |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia offers better drop protection |
The Xperia's smaller footprint makes it more pocketable, while the X8b's slimmer profile (6.8mm vs 8.3mm) feels more modern. Sony's Gorilla Glass 6 gives it a durability edge.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" AMOLED | X8b better for media; Xperia more one-hand friendly |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2412 (394 PPI) | Xperia appears sharper, especially with text |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | X8b offers smoother scrolling |
| Brightness | Unknown | 2000 nits peak | X8b vastly superior in sunlight |
The X8b's larger, brighter display excels outdoors, while the Xperia's higher PPI delivers crisper details. The 90Hz refresh rate gives the X8b a fluidity advantage in UI navigation.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Xperia has 5G and slightly better performance |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | X8b better for heavy multitasking |
| Storage | 128GB (fixed) | Up to 512GB | X8b offers more storage options |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 610 | Xperia better for gaming |
Despite the X8b's RAM advantage, the Xperia's more capable GPU and 5G support make it more future-proof. Both handle everyday tasks well, but gamers should prefer the Xperia.
Camera System
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 108MP (f/1.75) | X8b captures more detail in good light |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Xperia's wider lens is more useful |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Xperia offers better zoom capability |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/2.1) | X8b's selfies appear more detailed |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia better for videography |
The X8b's high-resolution main sensor wins in daylight photography, while the Xperia offers more versatility with its triple-camera setup and 4K video.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance |
| Charging | 18W | 35W | X8b charges significantly faster |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer | Comparable battery technology |
While both phones have the same capacity, the X8b's 35W charging is nearly twice as fast as the Xperia's 18W.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Advantages:
- Sharper display (457 PPI vs 394 PPI)
- More versatile camera system with 4K video
- 5G connectivity and slightly better GPU
- Compact, durable design with Gorilla Glass 6
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Larger, brighter AMOLED with 90Hz refresh
- Faster 35W charging
- Higher-resolution selfie camera (50MP vs 8MP)
- More RAM (8GB vs 6GB) and storage options
Trade-offs:
- The X8b's 108MP camera sounds impressive but may struggle in low light without pixel-binning details
- Xperia's telephoto lens adds versatility but lacks the X8b's macro capability
- X8b's Snapdragon 680 is technically a downgrade from the 690 despite being newer
3. User Recommendations
Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III if you:
- Prioritize camera versatility and video quality
- Want a more compact, durable device
- Need 5G connectivity
- Prefer a sharper display for reading/text
Choose the Honor X8b if you:
- Want a larger, smoother display
- Need faster charging
- Take many selfies
- Require more RAM for multitasking
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Display vs Portability: Do you prefer a large media screen or a compact design?
- Camera Priorities: Do you value zoom/4K video or high-res selfies/faster shots?
- Future-Proofing: Is 5G connectivity important for your usage?
Scenario Recommendations:
- Frequent Traveler: Xperia for its durability and GPS accuracy
- Social Media Enthusiast: X8b for its selfie camera and large display
- Casual Gamer: Xperia for its better GPU
- Power User: X8b for its extra RAM
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
As someone who values camera versatility and build quality, I'd lean toward the Sony Xperia 10 III. The ability to shoot 4K video, the useful telephoto lens, and Gorilla Glass protection align better with my needs. While I'd miss the X8b's faster charging and 90Hz display, the Xperia's sharper screen, 5G readiness, and more balanced camera system make it the more capable all-rounder for my usage patterns.
That said, if I were primarily consuming media and taking selfies, the Honor X8b would be tempting for its larger, brighter display and higher-resolution front camera. But for my engineering-minded approach to smartphones, the Xperia's technical advantages in imaging and connectivity ultimately win out.
