Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Realme 12 Pro+: A Practical Comparison
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; Realme is larger and heavier (196g vs. 169g), which may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 196g | Xperia is noticeably lighter, better for long use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has better drop protection and scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | In-display (basic) | Xperia’s side sensor is faster and more ergonomic. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" AMOLED | Realme offers a bigger screen (better for media), while Xperia is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2520 (457 PPI) | 1080 × 2412 (394 PPI) | Xperia’s higher PPI means slightly sharper text and images. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme’s 120Hz makes scrolling and gaming smoother. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme is 2.2x faster in benchmarks—better for gaming, multitasking. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB / 12GB | Realme handles heavy apps and games better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Realme offers more storage options. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony Exmor RS) | 50MP (f/1.8, Sony IMX890) | Realme captures much more detail, with better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2, Macro) | Similar utility, but Realme’s doubles as a macro lens. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (2x zoom) | 64MP (3x optical zoom) | Realme’s periscope lens is far superior for zoom shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.4) | Realme has a sharper front camera but worse low-light due to aperture. |
| Video & Stabilization | 4K/30fps (no EIS) | 4K/30fps (with EIS & OIS) | Realme’s stabilization makes videos smoother. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme lasts longer on a charge. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 67W | Realme charges 3x faster (0-100% in ~40 mins). |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme offers newer software with longer support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme has faster, more stable Wi-Fi in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme has better connectivity for wireless audio. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✔ Compact & Lightweight – Easier one-handed use, better portability.
✔ Sharper Display (457 PPI) – Slightly crisper than Realme’s 394 PPI.
✔ Better Build & Protection – Gorilla Glass 6, side fingerprint sensor.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths
✔ Faster Performance – 2.2x benchmark boost, smoother gaming/multitasking.
✔ Superior Cameras – 50MP main, 64MP periscope zoom, better stabilization.
✔ Bigger Battery, Faster Charging – 5000mAh + 67W vs. 4500mAh + 18W.
✔ Newer Software & Support – Android 14 vs. Android 11 (Xperia).
Trade-Offs
- Xperia 10 III is slower, with weaker cameras, but more compact and durable.
- Realme 12 Pro+ is larger and heavier, but better for power users and media consumption.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Compact phone lovers – Prefer smaller, lighter designs.
- Basic users – Don’t need high-end performance or the best cameras.
- Durability-focused users – Gorilla Glass 6 & side fingerprint sensor are better.
Who Should Buy the Realme 12 Pro+?
- Power users & gamers – Faster chipset, 120Hz display, more RAM.
- Photography enthusiasts – 50MP main, 64MP zoom, OIS, and better video.
- Media consumers – 6.7" AMOLED, Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Decide
- Do you prioritize compact size or a big screen?
- Xperia for compact, Realme for immersive viewing.
- Do you need flagship-level performance & cameras?
- Realme is far ahead in speed and photography.
- Is fast charging & battery life crucial?
- Realme charges 3x faster and lasts longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Best for Travel & Photography → Realme 12 Pro+ (superior zoom, fast charging).
- Best for One-Handed Use → Sony Xperia 10 III (smaller, lighter).
- Best for Gaming & Multitasking → Realme 12 Pro+ (faster chipset, 120Hz).
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Realme 12 Pro+.
Why?
- Performance gap is too big – The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is leagues ahead of the old 690.
- Camera system is superior – The 64MP periscope zoom is a game-changer.
- Modern features win – 120Hz, Wi-Fi 6, and 67W charging make daily use more enjoyable.
The only reason to pick the Xperia 10 III is if you absolutely need a compact phone—otherwise, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner in 2024.
