Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Nothing Phone (2): A Practical Showdown
These two phones cater to different audiences despite being in the same general category. Let’s break down their strengths, weaknesses, and which users they best serve.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Xperia is more compact and easier to handle; Nothing is bigger but more immersive. |
| Weight | 169g (lighter) | 201.2g (heavier) | Xperia is better for one-handed use; Nothing feels more premium but bulkier. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has better drop protection; Nothing’s durability is unclear. |
Verdict:
- Xperia 10 III = Compact, lightweight, durable (better for small hands/pockets).
- Nothing Phone (2) = Larger, more premium feel, but heavier.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" OLED | Nothing’s bigger screen is better for media; Xperia is sharper. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2412 (394 PPI) | Xperia is noticeably sharper, but Nothing’s size gives better immersion. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing is smoother for scrolling/gaming; Xperia feels dated. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 1600 nits (peak) | Nothing is vastly superior in sunlight—Xperia struggles outdoors. |
Verdict:
- Nothing Phone (2) wins—bigger, smoother, brighter.
- Xperia 10 III has a sharper display but lacks modern fluidity.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Nothing is 3x faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing handles heavy apps better; Xperia may stutter. |
| Storage | 128GB (fixed) | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Nothing offers more storage flexibility. Neither has expandable storage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 275,000 | 1,135,786 | Nothing is in flagship territory; Xperia is mid-range. |
Verdict:
- Nothing Phone (2) crushes it—far superior performance for power users.
- Xperia 10 III is fine for basics but shows age in 2024.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88, Sony IMX890) | Nothing takes sharper, more detailed photos—better in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (dedicated) | 50MP ultrawide + macro | Xperia has a true ultrawide lens, but Nothing’s is higher-res and more versatile. |
| Telephoto | 8MP telephoto | None | Xperia has an edge for zoom shots (2x optical-like). |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Nothing’s selfies are significantly better—higher detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS) | 4K@60fps (OIS + EIS) | Nothing’s footage is smoother with stabilization. |
Verdict:
- Nothing Phone (2) wins overall—better main cam, selfies, and video.
- Xperia 10 III has a telephoto lens, making it better for zoom shots.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Slightly better endurance on Nothing. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 45W (wired), 15W (wireless) | Nothing charges 2.5x faster—huge convenience boost. |
| Extras | None | Reverse charging | Nothing can top up earbuds/smartwatches. |
Verdict:
- Nothing Phone (2) is the clear winner—faster charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Compact and lightweight—ideal for small hands.
✅ Telephoto lens—better zoom shots.
✅ Sharper display (457 PPI vs. 394 PPI).
✅ Better drop protection (Gorilla Glass 6).
Nothing Phone (2) Strengths:
🔥 Far better performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs. 690).
🔥 Bigger, smoother 120Hz display—great for gaming/media.
🔥 Much better cameras (50MP main, 32MP selfie, 4K60 video).
🔥 Faster charging (45W) + wireless charging.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 10 III feels outdated (60Hz, slower chip, worse cameras).
- Nothing Phone (2) is bigger and heavier—not as pocket-friendly.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the Xperia 10 III?
- Small-handed users who prioritize compact size.
- Budget-conscious buyers (if found at a steep discount).
- Casual users who don’t need high performance.
Who Should Get the Nothing Phone (2)?
- Power users who want flagship-level performance.
- Photography enthusiasts (better main cam, selfies, video).
- Gamers & media lovers (120Hz, large screen).
- Tech enthusiasts who love unique design (Glyph lights).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prioritize performance and camera quality?
→ Nothing Phone (2). - Do I want a compact, lightweight phone?
→ Xperia 10 III. - Do I care about fast charging & modern features?
→ Nothing Phone (2).
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best overall experience? → Nothing Phone (2).
- Best budget compact phone? → Xperia 10 III (if heavily discounted).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nothing Phone (2) without hesitation.
Why?
- The performance gap is massive (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs. 690).
- 120Hz OLED + bigger screen = better media consumption.
- Cameras are significantly better (50MP main, 32MP selfie).
- 45W charging + wireless charging = no battery anxiety.
The Xperia 10 III is a decent phone, but it’s outclassed in almost every way—unless you really need a smaller device.
Final Thought: Unless you find the Xperia 10 III at a deep discount, the Nothing Phone (2) is the smarter long-term buy.
