Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Huawei Pura 70: A Practical Showdown
Two phones from different eras – Sony’s 2021 mid-ranger versus Huawei’s 2024 flagship – battle it out. Let’s see how they stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8 mm | Pura 70 is slightly larger, while Xperia 10 III is lighter (169g vs. 207g) – better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 207g | 38g difference makes the Xperia more pocket-friendly. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Sony offers better drop protection. |
Verdict: If you prefer compactness and durability, Xperia 10 III wins. If you can handle a bigger device, Pura 70 feels more premium.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Resolution | 6" OLED, 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 6.6" OLED, 1256x2760 (460 PPI) | Pura 70 has a bigger, sharper screen – better for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling/gaming on Pura 70. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 2500 nits (peak) | Pura 70 crushes sunlight visibility. |
Verdict: Pura 70 dominates here – 120Hz + ultra-bright OLED makes it a media powerhouse.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Pura 70’s chip is 3 years newer and far more powerful. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 275,000 | 768,000 | 2.8x faster – smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB | Pura 70 handles heavy apps and future-proofing better. |
Verdict: Pura 70 is a beast in performance, while Xperia 10 III is for basic tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP, f/1.8 (Sony Exmor) | 50MP, f/1.4 (OV50H) | Pura 70 captures more detail and light – better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70’s ultrawide is sharper. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (2x zoom) | 12MP (periscope, better zoom) | Pura 70 does better zoom shots. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Pura 70 wins in resolution but has a narrower aperture. |
| Video & Extras | 4K@30fps, no OIS | 4K + OIS, 960fps slow-mo, Night Mode | Pura 70 is far more versatile for videography. |
Verdict: Pura 70 is a camera monster – better in every way except selfie aperture.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | Small difference, but Pura 70 lasts longer. |
| Charging Speed | 18W wired | 65W wired + 50W wireless | Pura 70 charges 3x faster + wireless convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes (wired & wireless) | Pura 70 doubles as a power bank. |
Verdict: Pura 70 – faster charging and better longevity.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact & lightweight – better for one-handed use.
✅ Gorilla Glass 6 – more durable screen.
✅ Clean Android experience – no bloatware.
Huawei Pura 70 Strengths
🔥 Flagship-level performance (3x faster CPU/GPU).
🔥 Brighter, smoother 120Hz OLED – superior media experience.
🔥 Versatile camera system (50MP main + periscope zoom).
🔥 65W charging + wireless charging – no battery anxiety.
Trade-Offs
❌ Xperia 10 III – Weak chipset, outdated display tech.
❌ Pura 70 – No Google Play (Huawei AppGallery only), heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight, compact phone.
- Minimalists who prefer stock Android over custom UIs.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end gaming or photography.
Who Should Buy the Huawei Pura 70?
- Photography lovers – its 50MP + periscope zoom is fantastic.
- Power users – 12GB RAM + Kirin 9000S1 crushes multitasking.
- Media consumers – 120Hz OLED + loud stereo speakers make it ideal.
- Those who need fast charging – 65W tops up in ~30 mins.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a compact phone? → Xperia 10 III (if yes).
- Do I prioritize performance & cameras? → Pura 70 (if yes).
- Am I okay with Huawei’s app ecosystem (no Google Play)? → If yes, Pura 70; if no, Xperia 10 III.
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best for media & gaming? → Pura 70 (120Hz, better speakers).
- Best for travel photography? → Pura 70 (50MP + periscope zoom).
- Best for one-handed use? → Xperia 10 III (smaller, lighter).
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Huawei Pura 70.
- Why? The display, performance, and cameras are generational leaps ahead of the Xperia 10 III.
- But… The lack of Google Play is a dealbreaker for some. If you depend on Google apps (Gmail, Maps, YouTube), the Xperia 10 III is the safer (but weaker) choice.
If Huawei’s ecosystem doesn’t bother you, the Pura 70 is the clear winner. 🚀
