Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Nothing Phone (1): A Practical Showdown
Two mid-range contenders with distinct personalities—Sony’s refined engineering meets Nothing’s bold experimentation. Here’s how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Nothing is slightly taller/wider; Sony is more compact for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 193.5g | Sony is 24.5g lighter—better for pockets and long sessions. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Sony wins with tougher glass (GG6 > GG5). |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic (under-display) | Sony’s side sensor is faster and more reliable. |
Verdict: Sony wins for ergonomics; Nothing feels more modern but bulkier.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.55" OLED | Nothing’s larger screen is better for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing’s 120Hz makes scrolling/gaming smoother. |
| Brightness | Unspecified (likely ~700nits) | 1200 nits (peak) | Nothing dominates in sunlight visibility. |
| Resolution/PPI | 1080×2520 (457 PPI) | 1080×2400 (402 PPI) | Sony’s display is slightly sharper. |
Verdict: Nothing wins for fluidity and outdoor use; Sony for pixel density.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Nothing’s chip is 2x faster (Antutu: 624K vs. 275K). |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing handles heavy apps/games better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB | More options on Nothing. |
Verdict: Nothing is the clear winner for power users and gamers.
Cameras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony sensor) | 50MP (f/1.88, IMX766) | Nothing’s larger sensor captures more detail. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.2, macro) | Nothing’s ultra-wide doubles as a macro lens. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Sony wins for zoom versatility. |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.2) | Nothing’s front cam is sharper. |
| Video Features | 4K30, no stabilization | 4K30 with HDR + EIS/OIS | Nothing stabilizes footage better. |
Verdict: Nothing excels in low light and stabilization; Sony offers telephoto flexibility.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 4500mAh (Li-Po) | 4500mAh (Li-Ion) | Similar endurance. |
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired + 15W wireless | Nothing charges ~2x faster and adds wireless charging. |
Verdict: Nothing is far ahead in charging convenience.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact, lightweight design – Easier to handle one-handed.
✅ Sharper display (457 PPI) – Better for reading/text clarity.
✅ Telephoto lens – Rare in this price range for zoom shots.
Nothing Phone (1) Strengths
✅ 120Hz display + brighter panel – Smoother and more visible outdoors.
✅ 50MP main sensor + OIS – Better low-light and stabilized video.
✅ Faster chip (Snapdragon 778G+) – Handles gaming/multitasking effortlessly.
✅ 33W wired + 15W wireless charging – More convenient top-ups.
Trade-Offs
⚠️ Sony’s 60Hz display feels outdated next to Nothing’s 120Hz.
⚠️ Nothing lacks a telephoto lens—Sony wins for zoom shots.
⚠️ Sony’s slower charging (18W) is a letdown in 2024.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Compact phone lovers – Prefer smaller, lighter devices.
- Telephoto users – Need zoom for travel/photography.
- Minimalists – Want a no-nonsense Android experience.
Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone (1)?
- Performance seekers – Need speed for gaming/multitasking.
- Media consumers – Bigger, smoother 120Hz display.
- Night photographers – Better low-light camera performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I prioritize performance or portability?
- Speed? → Nothing Phone (1)
- Compact size? → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Do I need a telephoto lens or better low-light shots?
- Zoom? → Sony
- Night shots? → Nothing
- Is fast/wireless charging important?
- Yes? → Nothing
- No? → Sony
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Student/Media Lover: Nothing Phone (1) (better display, performance).
- Travel Photographer: Sony Xperia 10 III (telephoto + lightweight).
- Tech Enthusiast: Nothing Phone (1) (faster chip, unique design).
Final Verdict: What I’d Choose
Winner: Nothing Phone (1) 🏆
Why? It’s the more future-proof device—with a 120Hz display, superior chipset, faster charging, and better cameras. The Sony Xperia 10 III is still a solid compact phone, but its slower performance and charging hold it back.
Unless you really need a telephoto lens or a super lightweight phone, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better all-rounder.
What’s your pick? Let me know in the comments! 👇
