Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Huawei Mate X3: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Form Factor | Standard (Non-foldable) | Foldable (Inward fold) | Mate X3 offers multitasking flexibility; Xperia 10 III is more pocket-friendly. |
Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm | Mate X3 is much wider when unfolded but slimmer when folded. |
Weight | 169g | 239g | Xperia 10 III is lighter for one-handed use; Mate X3 feels heavier but justifies it with larger screen. |
Durability | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown protection | Xperia 10 III has better screen protection, while Mate X3’s foldable screen may be more fragile. |
Display
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.0" OLED | 7.85" (Unfolded) | Mate X3 is better for media consumption and multitasking; Xperia 10 III is more compact. |
Resolution | 1080 × 2520 (457 PPI) | 2224 × 2496 (426 PPI) | Mate X3 has more pixels, but Xperia 10 III has slightly sharper text. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Mate X3 offers smoother scrolling and animations, great for gaming. |
Performance
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Mate X3 is far faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
RAM | 6GB | 8GB / 12GB | Mate X3 handles heavy apps better; Xperia 10 III is sufficient for light usage. |
Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB - 1TB | Mate X3 offers much more storage, great for power users. |
Camera
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8, IMX766) | Mate X3 captures sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) + Macro | Mate X3 has better ultrawide and macro capabilities. |
Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/3.4) | Mate X3’s periscope zoom is superior for distant shots. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Xperia 10 III has a slightly better selfie aperture. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps (No EIS) | 4K@60fps (EIS & OIS) | Mate X3 has better stabilization & smoother video. |
Battery & Charging
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Mate X3 has slightly more capacity, but folding screen may consume more power. |
Charging | 18W wired | 66W wired, 50W wireless | Mate X3 charges much faster and supports wireless charging. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Lightweight & Compact – Easier one-handed use, great for portability.
✅ Better Screen Protection – Gorilla Glass 6 vs. unknown on Mate X3.
✅ Headphone Jack & Hi-Res Audio – Better for wired audio lovers.
Huawei Mate X3 Strengths
🚀 Superior Performance – Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 crushes the 690 in speed.
📱 Foldable Screen Advantage – Bigger display for multitasking & media.
📸 Much Better Cameras – 50MP main, periscope zoom, better stabilization.
⚡ Faster Charging – 66W wired + 50W wireless vs. slow 18W on Xperia.
Trade-Offs to Consider
- Mate X3 is heavier (239g vs. 169g) and bulkier when unfolded.
- Xperia 10 III lacks high refresh rate and wireless charging.
- Huawei’s Software Limitations – No Google Services (unless sideloaded).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight phone.
✔ Casual users who don’t need extreme performance.
✔ Wired audio lovers (3.5mm jack & Hi-Res Audio).
Who Should Buy the Huawei Mate X3?
✔ Power users who want top-tier performance & multitasking.
✔ Photography & videography enthusiasts (better cameras & stabilization).
✔ Tech enthusiasts who want a foldable experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
Do I need a foldable screen?
- If yes, Mate X3 is the clear winner.
- If no, Xperia 10 III is more compact and cheaper.
How important is performance?
- If gaming, multitasking, or future-proofing matters, Mate X3 wins.
- If basic tasks & media are enough, Xperia 10 III suffices.
Do I need Google apps?
- Xperia 10 III has full Android support.
- Mate X3 runs HarmonyOS (no Google Play by default).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Best for Productivity & Multitasking: Huawei Mate X3 (big screen, faster chip).
- Best for Portability & Simplicity: Sony Xperia 10 III (lightweight, clean Android).
- Best for Photography: Huawei Mate X3 (higher-end sensors, better zoom).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Huawei Mate X3.
Why?
- The foldable screen is a game-changer for multitasking and media.
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is leaps ahead of the Xperia’s weaker 690.
- Better cameras, faster charging, and more storage make it a powerhouse.
The only drawbacks?
- Heavier & bulkier when unfolded.
- No Google Play (unless you sideload).
If those aren’t dealbreakers, the Mate X3 is the far more advanced device—ideal for power users who want innovation.
But if you want a simple, lightweight phone with a headphone jack?
The Xperia 10 III is still a solid choice, especially at a lower price.