Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Oppo Reno8: Which Mid-Range Phone Wins?
Both the Sony Xperia 10 III and Oppo Reno8 offer compelling features in the mid-range segment, but they cater to different priorities. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Oppo Reno8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 160.6 × 73.4 × 7.7 mm | Xperia is more compact (easier one-handed use), Reno8 is slightly bigger. |
| Weight | 169g | 179g | Xperia is noticeably lighter, better for long sessions. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has better drop resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic in-display | Xperia's side sensor is faster and more reliable. |
Takeaway:
- Xperia 10 III wins for ergonomics & durability, ideal for those who prioritize build quality and one-handed use.
- Oppo Reno8 is slightly bulkier but offers a more modern in-display fingerprint sensor (though it may be less reliable).
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Oppo Reno8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.4" AMOLED | Reno8 offers more screen real estate for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2400 (411 PPI) | Xperia has sharper text (higher PPI). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Reno8 feels smoother in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | Unspecified | 800 nits (peak) | Reno8 is far better outdoors in sunlight. |
Takeaway:
- Oppo Reno8 wins for media consumption (larger screen, 90Hz, better brightness).
- Xperia 10 III has a higher PPI, making it slightly sharper for reading.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Oppo Reno8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Dimensity 1300 (6nm) | Reno8 is significantly faster in CPU/GPU. |
| Antutu Benchmark | 275,000 | 699,576 | Reno8 is 2.5x faster—better for gaming & heavy apps. |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 8GB / 12GB | Reno8 handles multitasking better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB / 256GB | Reno8 offers more storage options. |
Takeaway:
- Oppo Reno8 is the clear winner for performance, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Xperia 10 III is fine for basics but struggles with demanding tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Oppo Reno8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.7, IMX766) | Reno8 has better low-light and sharper details. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Comparable quality. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Xperia offers optical zoom—Reno8 relies on digital. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.4, IMX709) | Reno8 has superior selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 4K@30fps (with EIS), 240fps slow-mo | Reno8 has better stabilization and smoother slow-mo. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 112 (Photo: 121) | Reno8 is one of the better mid-range cameras. |
Takeaway:
- Oppo Reno8 wins overall camera performance, especially for low-light, selfies, and video.
- Xperia 10 III has a telephoto lens (useful for zoom shots) and better aperture for selfies.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Oppo Reno8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance in daily use. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 80W | Reno8 charges over 4x faster (80W vs. 18W). |
| Wireless Charging? | No | No | Neither supports it. |
Takeaway:
- Oppo Reno8 is the clear winner—80W charging means a full charge in ~30 mins vs. ~2 hours on the Xperia.
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Compact, lightweight design (better for one-handed use)
✅ Higher PPI display (text looks sharper)
✅ Telephoto camera (better zoom shots)
✅ Better build quality (Gorilla Glass 6)
Oppo Reno8 Strengths:
✅ Much faster performance (2.5x benchmark score)
✅ Superior display (90Hz, brighter, larger)
✅ Better camera system (50MP main, 32MP selfie, better night shots)
✅ Blazing-fast charging (80W vs. 18W)
Trade-Offs:
- Xperia 10 III struggles with gaming & heavy apps (weaker chipset).
- Oppo Reno8 lacks telephoto zoom (only digital crop).
3. Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Sony Xperia 10 III is Best For:
- Users who prefer a compact, lightweight phone with good ergonomics.
- Those who prioritize durability (Gorilla Glass 6, side fingerprint sensor).
- Casual users who don’t need top-tier performance (no heavy gaming).
Oppo Reno8 is Best For:
- Power users & gamers (Dimensity 1300 crushes the Snapdragon 690).
- Content creators (better camera, especially for video & selfies).
- Media lovers (bigger, brighter, smoother 90Hz display).
- People who hate slow charging (80W is a game-changer).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance and charging speed? → Oppo Reno8
- Do you prefer a compact, durable phone with a telephoto lens? → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Do you take lots of photos/videos? → Oppo Reno8 (better camera system)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → Oppo Reno8 (faster, better battery life, more future-proof).
- Photography enthusiast? → Oppo Reno8 (better main & selfie cameras).
- One-handed phone lover? → Sony Xperia 10 III (more comfortable).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Oppo Reno8.
Why?
- Performance is king, and the Dimensity 1300 is in a different league.
- 80W charging is a major convenience—no more overnight charging.
- Camera quality is simply better for social media, video, and low-light shots.
The Xperia 10 III is a solid phone (especially for its compact size), but the Reno8 is more future-proof, faster, and offers better overall value for most users.
If you’re dead set on a smaller phone, the Xperia is a good pick—but for sheer performance and usability, the Reno8 wins.
