Sony Xperia 10 III vs Motorola Moto G22: The Ultimate Mid-Range Showdown
Let’s break down these two mid-range contenders—one from Sony's refined Xperia lineup and the other from Motorola’s budget-friendly G series—to see which balances performance, features, and value best for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.5 mm | Xperia is more compact and pocket-friendly. G22 is larger, better for media but harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 169g | 185g | Xperia feels significantly lighter for extended use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has better scratch/drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Type | 6" OLED, 1080p (457 PPI) | 6.5" IPS LCD, 720p (268 PPI) | Xperia’s OLED delivers richer colors, deeper blacks. G22’s bigger but lower-res LCD looks pixelated in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G22 feels smoother in scrolling/games, but Xperia’s OLED panel still looks better. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm) | Helio G37 (12nm) | Xperia’s chip is more efficient and faster (72% higher Antutu score). |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB | 4GB/64GB or 128GB | Xperia is better for multitasking; G22’s base 64GB variant may feel cramped. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xperia handles gaming better (Genshin Impact on low vs. G22 struggling). |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, Samsung sensor) | G22’s high-MP sensor captures more detail in daylight, but Xperia’s processing is more consistent. |
| Extra Lenses | 8MP telephoto + 8MP ultrawide | 8MP depth + 2MP macro | Xperia offers better zoom/wide shots; G22’s macro is a gimmick. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.45) | G22’s higher res but worse aperture means softer low-light selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, no slow-mo | Xperia wins for vloggers; G22 is basic. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G22 lasts ~10% longer, but Xperia’s OLED and efficient chip help it compete. |
| Charging | 18W (Li-Polymer) | 15W (Li-Ion) | Xperia charges slightly faster, though both are slow by modern standards. |
Extras
- Audio: Xperia has Hi-Res Audio support, better for wired headphones.
- Sensors: G22 adds a gyroscope (better for AR/VR) but lacks Xperia’s Gorilla Glass.
- Software: G22 ships with Android 12, Xperia on Android 11 but upgradable to 13.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Wins On:
✅ Display Quality – OLED vs. G22’s low-res LCD is night and day.
✅ Performance – Faster chip, more RAM, better GPU.
✅ Camera Versatility – Telephoto and ultrawide lenses are genuinely useful.
✅ Build Quality – Gorilla Glass 6 and lighter design.
Motorola Moto G22 Wins On:
✅ Battery Life – 5000mAh lasts longer for heavy users.
✅ Refresh Rate – 90Hz feels smoother (though held back by the weak GPU).
✅ Higher-MP Main Camera – In daylight, 50MP can capture more detail.
3. User Recommendations
Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III if you:
- Prioritize display quality and performance.
- Want better cameras (especially for zoom/wide shots).
- Prefer a lighter, more premium-feeling phone.
- Need faster app loading and better gaming performance.
Choose the Motorola Moto G22 if you:
- Need longer battery life above all else.
- Just want a big screen for videos (even if it’s lower resolution).
- Are on a tighter budget (assuming lower storage variant pricing).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- "Do I care more about screen quality or battery life?"
- Xperia for OLED brilliance, G22 for endurance.
- "Will I use zoom/ultrawide cameras or just point-and-shoot?"
- Xperia for photography, G22 for casual snaps.
- "Is performance (gaming/multitasking) a priority?"
- Xperia’s Snapdragon 690 is the clear winner.
Scenario Picks:
- Media Lover on a Budget? → Moto G22 (big screen, decent battery).
- Photography & Performance Seeker? → Xperia 10 III (OLED, better chip, versatile cams).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 10 III.
Why?
- The OLED display alone makes daily usage more enjoyable.
- Better performance means it’ll stay smooth for years.
- Camera versatility (telephoto + ultrawide) is rare in this price range.
- Lighter, more compact design fits better in hand and pocket.
The Moto G22 is a fine budget phone, but the Xperia 10 III offers a more premium experience without a massive price gap. If you can overlook the slightly smaller battery, it’s the better all-rounder.
Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III 🏆
