Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Realme 9 Pro+: A Practical Comparison
The Sony Xperia 10 III and Realme 9 Pro+ are two mid-range smartphones with distinct strengths. While the Xperia 10 III leans into Sony’s signature design and camera versatility, the Realme 9 Pro+ delivers superior performance, faster charging, and a more modern feature set. Below, we break down how these differences play out in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Xperia is more compact and easier for one-handed use. Realme is slightly bulkier but not unwieldy. |
| Weight | 169g | 182g | Xperia is noticeably lighter, better for long-term comfort. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia has better drop resistance, but Gorilla Glass 5 is still decent. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic (under-display?) | Xperia’s side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more reliable. |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.4" AMOLED | Realme offers a larger screen, better for media. |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2520 (457 PPI) | 1080 × 2400 (411 PPI) | Xperia has slightly sharper text but negligible in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme’s 90Hz makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm) | Dimensity 920 (6nm) | Realme’s Dimensity 920 is significantly faster (~80% higher benchmark score). |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 6/8GB | Realme’s 8GB variant is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128/256GB (non-expandable) | Realme offers more storage options. |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony Exmor RS) | 50MP (f/1.8, Sony IMX766) | Realme’s larger sensor and higher resolution capture better detail. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar performance, but Realme uses a better sensor (IMX355). |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | ❌ None | Xperia offers better zoom shots; Realme lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Realme’s higher resolution helps in daylight, but Xperia’s wider aperture is better in low light. |
| Video Stabilization | No OIS | OIS + EIS | Realme’s stabilization is far superior for smooth videos. |
| Extra Features | Standard modes | Night Mode, RAW, Ultra Stable Video | Realme offers more versatility for photographers. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance, but Realme’s efficient Dimensity chip may help. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 60W | Realme charges 3x faster—full battery in ~30 mins vs. ~90 mins. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme is more up-to-date. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme’s Dolby Atmos gives better spatial sound. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme has newer, faster wireless standards. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✅ Compact, lightweight design – Easier to handle and more pocket-friendly.
✅ Better zoom capability – The telephoto lens is rare in this price range.
✅ Superior fingerprint sensor – Side-mounted is quicker and more reliable.
Realme 9 Pro+ Strengths
🚀 Much faster performance – Better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing.
📸 Superior main & selfie cameras – Larger sensor, better stabilization, Night Mode.
⚡ 60W fast charging – A game-changer for heavy users.
🔄 90Hz display – Smoother scrolling and animations.
Trade-Offs
- Sony lacks fast charging – 18W feels outdated in 2024.
- Realme lacks a telephoto lens – No optical zoom option.
- Xperia’s older chipset – Struggles with demanding apps over time.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for Xperia 10 III:
- One-handed users – Compact size fits better in small hands.
- Zoom photography lovers – The 8MP telephoto lens is a rare mid-range feature.
- Minimalist Android fans – Sony’s near-stock software is clean and efficient.
Best for Realme 9 Pro+:
- Performance seekers – Faster chipset, 90Hz display, and 8GB RAM for smoother usage.
- Content creators – Better main camera, stabilization, and 60W charging.
- Media consumers – Larger AMOLED screen and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do you prioritize speed and modern features? → Realme 9 Pro+
- Do you prefer a compact phone with a telephoto lens? → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Is fast charging important? → Realme 9 Pro+ (60W vs. 18W is huge).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual user who wants long-term performance? → Realme 9 Pro+
- Photographer needing zoom? → Sony Xperia 10 III
- Gamer or power user? → Realme 9 Pro+ (better chipset and RAM).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Realme 9 Pro+, and here’s why:
- Performance gap is too large – The Dimensity 920 is way ahead of the Snapdragon 690.
- 60W charging is a game-changer – No more waiting hours for a full charge.
- Better main camera & software – Night Mode and OIS make a real difference.
While the Xperia 10 III is more compact and has a telephoto lens, the Realme 9 Pro+ simply offers more value for most users with its superior speed, charging, and display. Unless you really need Sony’s compact form factor or zoom camera, the Realme is the smarter buy.
