Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Realme 12 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Both phones target different markets—the Sony Xperia 10 III offers a compact, precision-engineered experience, while the Realme 12 Pro leans into performance, versatility, and modern flagship-like features. Below, we break down which device suits which user best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xperia is more compact and pocket-friendly, while Realme is larger for media consumption. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | Xperia is lighter, making it easier for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Sony has better durability against scratches/drops. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Standard under-display | Sony's placement is faster and more ergonomic. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.7" AMOLED | Realme is better for movies/gaming, while Sony is easier to hold. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2412 (394 PPI) | Sony has sharper text and details due to higher PPI. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~700 nits) | 950 nits (peak) | Realme is far better in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Realme is faster and more efficient, better for gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 275K | 574K | Realme is twice as fast—better for heavy apps. |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 8GB / 12GB | Realme multitasks better with more RAM. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB / 512GB | Realme has more space for apps/media. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8, Sony IMX882) | Realme has higher resolution and better low-light performance. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Sony offers more versatile framing for landscapes. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (2x zoom) | 32MP (Sony IMX709, 2x zoom) | Realme's telephoto is higher resolution and sharper. |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Realme has more detailed selfies, but Sony's wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no stabilization) | 4K@30fps (EIS & OIS) | Realme is better for stable video recording. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme lasts longer per charge. |
| Charging | 18W (slow) | 67W (fast) | Realme charges in ~40 mins, Sony takes ~2 hours. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme has newer software with longer support. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, 3.5mm jack | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | Realme is louder and more immersive, Sony has better wired audio. |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2 | Realme has faster connectivity. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✔ Compact & lightweight – Great for one-handed use.
✔ Sharper display – Higher PPI = better text clarity.
✔ Better build quality – Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
✔ 3.5mm jack & audio tuning – Ideal for wired headphones.
Realme 12 Pro Strengths
✔ Faster performance – Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a big upgrade.
✔ Superior cameras – 50MP main + 32MP telephoto for better shots.
✔ 120Hz AMOLED & brighter screen – Smoother and more visible outdoors.
✔ Much faster charging – 67W vs. 18W is a game-changer.
Trade-Offs
- Sony sacrifices performance and charging speed for compactness.
- Realme sacrifices portability for a bigger battery and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Small phone lovers who prioritize ergonomics.
- Audiophiles who use wired headphones.
- Casual users who don’t need top-tier performance.
Who Should Buy the Realme 12 Pro?
- Gamers & power users who want smooth performance.
- Photography enthusiasts who need better zoom and stabilization.
- Media consumers who prefer a big, bright, high-refresh-rate screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Key Questions to Decide:
- Do you prefer a small phone or a big screen?
- Compact → Xperia 10 III
- Big, immersive → Realme 12 Pro
- Do you care more about speed or battery life?
- Speed + fast charging → Realme 12 Pro
- Decent battery, slower charging → Xperia 10 III
- Do you take a lot of photos?
- Yes → Realme 12 Pro (better cameras)
- No → Xperia 10 III is fine for casual shots.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
My Pick: Realme 12 Pro
Even though I love Sony’s compact design and audio quality, the Realme 12 Pro is simply the better all-rounder in 2024. It has:
✅ Faster chipset (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1)
✅ Much better cameras (50MP + 32MP telephoto)
✅ 120Hz AMOLED (smoother experience)
✅ 67W fast charging (huge time-saver)
The only reason to pick the Xperia 10 III is if you must have a small phone or rely on wired headphones. Otherwise, the Realme 12 Pro wins convincingly.
Would you prefer compact convenience or modern performance? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀
