Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Motorola Moto G72: A Practical Showdown
Let's cut through the specs and see how these mid-range contenders actually compare in real-world use.
Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Xperia is more compact and easier for one-handed use; Moto has larger screen real estate |
| Weight | 169g | 166g | Negligible difference in hand feel |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia better protected against drops and scratches |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xperia's placement is more natural when holding the phone |
Key Takeaway: The Xperia wins for compactness and premium feel, while the Moto offers more screen in a slightly larger footprint.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.6" P-OLED | Moto better for media consumption; Xperia more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2400 (402 PPI) | Xperia noticeably sharper text and images |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | Not specified | Not specified | Can't compare outdoor visibility |
Key Takeaway: Choose Xperia for pixel density purists, Moto for fluid motion and larger canvas.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G | MediaTek Helio G99 | Moto has newer, more powerful chip |
| Antutu Score | 275,000 | 415,300 | Moto 51% faster - better for gaming and multitasking |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 6GB/8GB | Moto's 8GB option future-proofs better |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB | Moto offers more storage flexibility |
Key Takeaway: The Moto G72 is the clear performance winner, especially for power users.
Camera System
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 108MP f/1.7 | Moto's high-res sensor captures more detail in good light |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/1.9 | Moto's wider aperture better in low light |
| Telephoto | 8MP (2x optical) | None | Xperia maintains quality when zooming |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@60fps | Xperia better for videography; Moto smoother action |
| Selfie | 8MP | 16MP | Moto captures more detail for social media |
Key Takeaway: Xperia offers more versatile zoom and video, while Moto excels in still photography.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto should last longer between charges |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 33W | Moto charges significantly faster |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer slightly safer/longer-lasting |
Key Takeaway: Moto wins for endurance and quick top-ups.
Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
- Sharper, more color-accurate OLED display
- More versatile camera system with telephoto
- Compact, premium design with better protection
- 4K video recording capability
- Superior Bluetooth audio support
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- 51% faster performance (Helio G99 vs SD690)
- 120Hz refresh rate for smoother UI
- Larger battery with much faster charging
- Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras
- More RAM/storage options
Trade-offs to Consider:
- Xperia's superior display tech vs Moto's larger size/higher refresh rate
- Xperia's camera versatility vs Moto's higher megapixel count
- Moto's performance lead vs Xperia's more premium build
User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Xperia 10 III if you:
- Prioritize display quality and compact size
- Need optical zoom for photography
- Want to shoot 4K video
- Favor premium design over raw power
- Use high-end Bluetooth headphones frequently
Opt for the Moto G72 if you:
- Want better performance for gaming/multitasking
- Prefer a larger display with smoother scrolling
- Need all-day battery with quick charging
- Take lots of high-res photos (especially in good light)
- Want more storage/RAM options
Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- What's my priority - multimedia or mobility? (Big screen vs compact)
- Do I care more about camera versatility or performance? (Telephoto vs speed)
- How important is battery life vs premium feel? (Endurance vs build)
Scenario Recommendations:
- Frequent traveler: Xperia - more compact, better Bluetooth codecs
- Mobile gamer: Moto - faster chipset, 120Hz display
- Photography enthusiast: Depends - Xperia for versatility, Moto for megapixels
- Business user: Moto - better battery for all-day use
The Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
After carefully weighing the options, I'd choose the Motorola Moto G72 for my personal use. Here's why:
While I appreciate the Xperia's premium build and sharper display, the Moto G72 delivers where it matters most for my daily needs:
- The Helio G99's performance uplift is substantial for my multitasking habits
- 120Hz makes everyday scrolling noticeably smoother
- That 5000mAh battery with 33W charging solves my battery anxiety
- The 108MP camera, while not perfect, offers more flexibility in post-processing
The Xperia would be my pick if I prioritized videography or needed a more pocketable device, but for most users in 2023, the Moto G72 represents better overall value with its more modern feature set. Its weaknesses (lower PPI, no telephoto) are acceptable trade-offs for the performance and battery life gains.
