Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Nothing Phone (2a): A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Xperia 10 III is more compact and lighter (169g vs. 190g), making it easier to handle one-handed. Phone (2a) offers a larger display at the cost of added bulk. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia 10 III has better drop resistance, but Phone (2a)’s thicker bezels might help in accidental drops. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted (better ergonomics) | Basic (on-screen) | Xperia’s side sensor is faster and more intuitive for power-button unlocks. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size & Resolution | 6" OLED, 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 6.7" AMOLED, 1080x2412 (394 PPI) | Xperia has a sharper screen but Phone (2a)’s larger display is better for media and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Phone (2a) feels smoother in scrolling, gaming, and animations. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~700 nits) | 1300 nits (peak) | Phone (2a) is far superior in sunlight visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) | Phone (2a) is 2.5x faster (Antutu 688K vs. 275K), making it better for multitasking and gaming. |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB (no expansion) | 8GB/12GB + 128GB/256GB | Phone (2a) handles heavy apps better and offers more storage options. |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Mali-G610 MC4 | Phone (2a) supports higher graphics settings in games like Genshin Impact. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony sensor) | 50MP (f/1.88, Samsung GN9) | Phone (2a) captures more detail but Xperia has slightly better low-light performance. |
| Ultra-Wide/Macro | 8MP Ultra-Wide | 50MP Ultra-Wide + Macro | Phone (2a)’s macro mode is useful for close-ups, but Xperia’s ultra-wide is more versatile. |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.2) | Phone (2a)’s higher resolution is better for social media. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, no stabilization | 4K@30fps + EIS, 1080p@120fps | Phone (2a) has better stabilization for vlogging. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Phone (2a) lasts longer, but Xperia’s efficiency helps it compete. |
| Charging | 18W (slow) | 45W (fast) | Phone (2a) charges 2.5x faster, but no charger included. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact and lightweight – Easier to use one-handed.
✅ Sharper display – Text looks crisper (457 PPI vs. 394 PPI).
✅ Better build protection – Gorilla Glass 6 vs. 5.
✅ Telephoto lens – Rare in this price range for portrait shots.
Nothing Phone (2a) Strengths
✅ 120Hz AMOLED – Smoother scrolling and gaming.
✅ 50MP main + ultra-wide cameras – More versatile photography.
✅ Dimensity 7200 Pro – Far better performance for apps/games.
✅ 45W charging – Faster top-ups (though no charger in box).
Trade-Offs
- Phone (2a) is larger and heavier.
- Xperia 10 III’s chipset is outdated for 2024.
- Neither has expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III if you:
- Prefer a smaller phone that’s easy to pocket.
- Want a sharper screen for reading/text clarity.
- Need a telephoto lens for portraits.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) if you:
- Want better performance (gaming/multitasking).
- Prefer a 120Hz display and brighter screen.
- Value fast charging and newer software (Android 14 vs. 11).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize size or performance? → Xperia for compactness, Phone (2a) for power.
- Is camera versatility important? → Phone (2a)’s 50MP setup is more flexible.
- Do you need long-term updates? → Phone (2a) (Android 14, up to Android 17).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nothing Phone (2a). The 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, and 50MP cameras make it a far more future-proof device in 2024. While the Xperia 10 III has a sharper screen and compact design, its slower performance and outdated software (Android 11) hold it back. Unless you really need a small phone, the Phone (2a) delivers better value overall.
