Sony Xperia 10 III vs. HTC U23 Pro: Detailed Comparison & Recommendation
Both phones cater to different audiences—the Xperia 10 III as a compact, well-balanced mid-ranger, and the U23 Pro as a larger, performance-focused device. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Handling
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 166.6 × 77.1 × 8.9 mm | Xperia 10 III is far more compact and pocket-friendly, ideal for one-handed use. U23 Pro feels bulkier but offers a bigger display. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | Xperia 10 III is noticeably lighter—better for prolonged use, while U23 Pro feels more substantial. |
| Build Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus | U23 Pro has superior drop protection, but both are sturdy. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" OLED | U23 Pro is better for media consumption, while Xperia 10 III is sharper due to higher PPI. |
| Resolution | 1080×2520 (~457 PPI) | 1080×2400 (~393 PPI) | Xperia 10 III has slightly crisper text and details. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | U23 Pro wins for smoother scrolling and gaming. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | U23 Pro is far more powerful (154% higher benchmark score). |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB | U23 Pro handles heavy multitasking and gaming much better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB (non-expandable) | U23 Pro offers double the storage—great for power users. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 108MP (f/1.7) | U23 Pro has higher resolution but lacks a telephoto lens. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Xperia 10 III has a slightly brighter lens. |
| Selfie Cam | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | U23 Pro wins for selfies but has a narrower aperture. |
| Extra Features | No OIS | OIS + 5MP depth sensor | U23 Pro stabilizes video better, while Xperia 10 III lacks depth sensing. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar endurance, but U23 Pro has faster charging (30W vs. 18W). |
| Extras | No wireless charging | 15W wireless + reverse | U23 Pro adds convenience with wireless charging. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | U23 Pro is newer but Xperia 10 III has a confirmed update path. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | U23 Pro offers faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | U23 Pro has slightly better power efficiency. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact & lightweight – Best for small hands and portability.
✅ Sharper display – Higher PPI makes text and images crisper.
✅ Telephoto lens – Offers better zoom than the U23 Pro.
✅ Hi-Res Audio – Better for wired headphones and sound quality.
HTC U23 Pro Strengths
✅ Powerful chipset – Smoother performance for gaming and multitasking.
✅ 120Hz display – More fluid scrolling and animations.
✅ Better cameras (main & selfie) – Higher resolution & OIS.
✅ Faster charging + wireless charging – More convenient for daily use.
Trade-Offs
⚠ Xperia 10 III has slower performance and outdated software.
⚠ U23 Pro is bulkier and lacks a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best For Sony Xperia 10 III
✔ Casual users who prioritize portability and a sharp screen.
✔ Music lovers who appreciate wired audio quality.
✔ Photography enthusiasts who want a telephoto lens.
Best For HTC U23 Pro
✔ Power users who need performance for gaming/work.
✔ Media consumers who want a big, smooth 120Hz screen.
✔ Selfie & social media fans who need a high-res front camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prioritize speed and smoothness over compactness? → U23 Pro
- Do I want better zoom photography? → Xperia 10 III
- Do I need wireless charging? → U23 Pro
Scenario Recommendations:
- Gamer/Heavy User? → U23 Pro (better chipset & RAM).
- Small-Hand User? → Xperia 10 III (easier to hold).
- Photographer? → Xperia 10 III (telephoto lens).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the HTC U23 Pro because:
✔ Faster performance (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a big upgrade).
✔ 120Hz display (once you go high refresh rate, 60Hz feels sluggish).
✔ Better charging options (30W wired + 15W wireless).
While the Xperia 10 III has a sharper screen and telephoto lens, the U23 Pro is the better all-rounder for modern use—especially if you game or watch a lot of media.
However, if you prefer compact phones or need a telephoto lens, the Xperia 10 III is still a solid choice.**
