Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Motorola Moto G31: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | Sony is more compact and easier to use one-handed. Moto G31 is larger, offering more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | Sony is lighter—better for prolonged use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Sony has better drop/scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both work similarly; placement depends on personal preference. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.4" AMOLED | Moto G31 has a bigger screen, better for media. Sony's panel is sharper (457 PPI vs. 411 PPI). |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Sony's taller aspect ratio (21:9) is great for cinematic content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate—both feel standard for scrolling. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G | Helio G85 | Sony's chip is more efficient (8nm vs. 12nm). Moto's G85 is tuned for gaming but lacks 5G. |
| Antutu Score | 275,000 | 225,154 | Sony is ~22% faster—better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB | Sony handles more apps in the background smoothly. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony Exmor RS) | 50MP (f/1.8, Samsung JN1) | Moto's higher MP count doesn’t guarantee better quality—Sony's sensor may have better processing. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Similar performance, but Moto's slightly wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Sony has optical zoom; Moto relies on digital crop. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Moto's higher resolution isn’t always better—Sony’s wider aperture may capture more light. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Sony is superior for videography. |
| Extra Features | 4K video, digital zoom | PDAF, LAF, RAW support | Moto has better autofocus for moving subjects; Sony excels in video. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto lasts longer on paper, but Sony's efficiency (smaller screen, 5G chip) may balance it out. |
| Charging | 18W | 10W | Sony charges nearly twice as fast. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer | Both are standard. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both launched on same OS, but Sony has update advantage (supports up to Android 13). |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (LDAC, AptX) | 5.0 (basic) | Sony better for wireless audio enthusiasts. |
| Storage | 128GB (fixed) | 64/128GB (fixed) | No expandable storage on either—Sony's base model is better. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Better performance (Snapdragon 690, 6GB RAM)
✅ Sharper, more cinematic display (21:9 OLED, 457 PPI)
✅ Superior video recording (4K support, better stabilization)
✅ Faster charging (18W vs. 10W)
✅ Better durability (Gorilla Glass 6, lighter build)
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
✅ Larger battery (5000mAh for longer endurance)
✅ Bigger display (6.4" AMOLED, better for media)
✅ Higher-res main camera (50MP sensor, but real-world quality varies)
✅ Cheaper (likely better value if 5G isn’t a priority)
Trade-Offs:
- Sony Xperia 10 III sacrifices battery size for performance and charging speed.
- Moto G31 skips 5G, has slower charging, and a weaker chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the Sony Xperia 10 III?
✔ Multitaskers & power users (better chip, more RAM)
✔ Mobile photographers/videographers (4K video, telephoto lens)
✔ Compact phone lovers (easier one-handed use)
✔ Wireless audio fans (LDAC, AptX support)
Who Should Get the Motorola Moto G31?
✔ Media consumers (bigger screen, good AMOLED)
✔ Casual users (long battery life, decent cameras)
✔ Budget-focused buyers (likely cheaper)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prioritize performance and camera versatility? → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Do I just want a big screen and long battery life? → Moto G31
- Am I willing to trade some speed for better battery endurance? → Moto G31
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For gaming & productivity: Sony (better chip, more RAM)
- For Netflix & YouTube: Moto (bigger screen, decent AMOLED)
- For travel photography: Sony (4K video, telephoto lens)
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 10 III—it's the more balanced device with better performance, a sharper display, and superior video recording. The faster charging, Gorilla Glass protection, and future-proof 5G support make it a better long-term investment.
That said, if battery life and display size are non-negotiable, the Moto G31 is a solid budget-friendly alternative. But for my needs (performance, durability, and versatility), Sony takes the win.
