Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Nokia X30: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | Xperia is more compact; X30 is slightly bulkier. |
Weight | 169g | 185g | Xperia is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use. |
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus | X30 has better drop & scratch resistance. |
Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic (likely rear/side) | Xperia’s placement is more convenient. |
Takeaway: The Xperia 10 III is sleeker and lighter, while the X30 has a tougher screen.
Display
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.43" AMOLED | X30 has a larger screen for media. |
Resolution | 1080 × 2520 | 1080 × 2400 | Xperia has slightly sharper text (457 vs. 409 PPI). |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | X30 feels smoother in scrolling/gaming. |
Brightness | Not specified | Not specified | Neither has an advantage here. |
Takeaway: The X30’s 90Hz display makes motion smoother, while the Xperia has a slight edge in sharpness.
Performance & Storage
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | X30 is newer, more power-efficient. |
AnTuTu Score | ~275,000 | ~410,072 | X30 is 49% faster—better for multitasking. |
RAM Options | 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | X30’s 8GB variant is better for heavy users. |
Storage Options | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB or 256GB | X30 offers more storage flexibility. |
Takeaway: The Nokia X30 is the clear winner in performance and future-proofing.
Camera
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | X30 captures more detail in good lighting. |
Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.4) | X30 has a higher-res ultrawide. |
Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Xperia has better zoom. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.4) | X30’s front cam is sharper. |
Video | 4K@30fps (no stabilization) | 1080p@60fps (with OIS) | Xperia has 4K, but X30 has smoother footage. |
Night Mode | No | Yes | X30 handles low light better. |
Takeaway:
- X30: Better for casual shooters (higher res, OIS, night mode).
- Xperia: Better for videographers (4K) and zoom users.
Battery & Charging
Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4200mAh | Xperia should last longer, but efficiency matters. |
Charging Speed | 18W | 33W | X30 charges almost twice as fast. |
Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Lithium | Minor difference in longevity. |
Takeaway: The Xperia has a slightly bigger battery, but the X30’s faster charging is a big plus.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact & lightweight – Best for small hands & portability.
✅ Sharper display – Slightly better for reading/text clarity.
✅ 4K video & telephoto lens – Good for content creators.
✅ Hi-Res Audio – Better for wired headphones.
Nokia X30 Strengths
✅ Faster performance – Smoother multitasking, better future-proofing.
✅ 90Hz display – More fluid animations & gaming.
✅ Better cameras (main & selfie) – Higher resolution, OIS, night mode.
✅ Faster charging (33W vs. 18W) – Less waiting at the outlet.
Trade-Offs
- Xperia 10 III has a telephoto lens but lacks stabilization and night mode.
- Nokia X30 has no zoom lens but compensates with OIS and better low-light shots.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Media consumers who prefer a compact phone with a sharp screen.
- Videographers needing 4K recording.
- Music lovers who use wired headphones (Hi-Res Audio).
Who Should Buy the Nokia X30?
- Performance seekers – Gamers & heavy app users.
- Casual photographers – Better main & selfie cams.
- Fast-charging fans – 33W is a big upgrade over 18W.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I care about performance or portability more?
- Performance → Nokia X30
- Portability → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Do I prioritize camera versatility or battery life?
- Camera → Nokia X30 (better main & selfie cams)
- Battery → Sony Xperia 10 III (slightly bigger, but slower charging)
- Do I want a smoother display or higher resolution?
- Smoother → Nokia X30 (90Hz)
- Sharper → Sony Xperia 10 III (457 PPI)
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nokia X30—it’s the better all-rounder.
- Why?
- Faster chipset, smoother display, better cameras, and 33W charging make it more future-proof.
- The Xperia’s 4K video and telephoto lens are niche advantages, but most users will appreciate the X30’s superior performance and photography.
However, if you really want a smaller phone or 4K video, the Xperia 10 III is still a solid choice.
Best for most users: Nokia X30 ✅
Best for niche needs: Sony Xperia 10 III 🎥