Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Realme C61: A Battle of Compact Refinement vs. Budget Power
Both phones cater to different audiences—Sony’s Xperia 10 III appeals to those who prioritize display quality and camera versatility, while the Realme C61 is a budget-friendly option with a larger battery and faster charging. Let’s break them down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Sony is more compact and pocket-friendly, while Realme is larger for a bigger screen. |
| Weight | 169g | 188g | Sony is lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods. |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass 6 | No official rating | Sony has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Verdict: If you prefer one-handed usability, the Xperia wins. If you like bigger screens, the Realme is the choice.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.74" IPS LCD | Realme offers a bigger screen, but OLED on Sony means deeper blacks & better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 720x1600 (260 PPI) | Sony’s screen is much sharper—text and images look crisper. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme has smoother scrolling, but Sony’s OLED makes up for it in quality. |
Verdict: If you watch movies or read a lot, the Xperia’s OLED is superior. If you prefer fluid animations, Realme’s 90Hz helps.
Performance & Software
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Unisoc T612 (12nm) | Sony’s chip is more efficient and slightly faster in benchmarks. |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 4/6/8GB | Realme offers 8GB option for better multitasking. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 64/128/256GB (non-expandable) | Realme has higher storage options, but neither supports microSD. |
| OS Support | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (newer) | Realme has longer software support due to newer OS. |
Verdict: Sony has better efficiency, but Realme offers more RAM and storage options.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony sensor) | 32MP (f/1.8) | Sony’s better sensor may outperform Realme’s high MP count. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Sony wins for landscapes & group shots. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | Sony offers optical zoom, Realme relies on digital crop. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP | 5MP | Sony’s higher-res front cam is better for video calls. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Sony is much better for video quality. |
Verdict: Sony is far superior for photography—more lenses, better video, and better sensors.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme lasts longer on a charge. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 45W | Realme charges over twice as fast. |
Verdict: If you need all-day battery & fast charging, Realme wins.
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Wins If You:
✅ Want a premium OLED display (better colors, contrast).
✅ Need better camera versatility (ultrawide + telephoto + 4K video).
✅ Prefer a compact, lightweight phone.
Realme C61 Wins If You:
✅ Need a bigger screen & better battery life (5000mAh + 90Hz).
✅ Want faster charging (45W vs. 18W).
✅ Prefer a newer Android version (14 vs. Sony’s 11).
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
- Media lovers (OLED screen + stereo speakers).
- Photography enthusiasts (triple cameras + 4K video).
- One-handed users (compact body).
Who Should Buy the Realme C61?
- Budget-conscious users (likely cheaper).
- Power users (big battery + fast charging).
- Gamers (90Hz screen, bigger display).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I care about camera quality more than battery life? → Sony.
- Do I need fast charging and a bigger screen? → Realme.
- Do I prefer a compact phone or a large display? → Sony for compact, Realme for big.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 10 III because:
✔ OLED display is a huge upgrade for media consumption.
✔ Triple-camera setup is much more versatile.
✔ More premium build with Gorilla Glass 6.
The Realme C61 is great for budget buyers who prioritize battery and screen size, but the Sony offers a more refined experience.
Your move depends on priorities—cameras & display (Sony) or battery & charging (Realme). 🚀