Sony Xperia 10 III vs Samsung Galaxy A03s - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date June 11, 2021 August 18, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 86.92 cm³ 113.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.32 "/g
Weight 169 g 196 g
Height 154 mm 164.2 mm
Width 68 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Pink
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White

Display

Screen Size 6 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 80.3 % 81.8 %
Pixel Density 457 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 125.00 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.77 mAh/cm³ 44.09 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 619 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 12

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Samsung Galaxy A03s: A User-Centric Comparison

These two phones cater to different audiences, with the Xperia 10 III leaning toward a premium mid-range experience and the Galaxy A03s focusing on affordability. Let’s break down their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world implications.


1. Specifications Breakdown

Design & Build Quality

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIISamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
Dimensions154 × 68 × 8.3 mm164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mmXperia is more compact and lighter (169g vs. 196g), making it easier to handle. A03s feels bulkier.
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 6Basic (unknown)Xperia is more durable against scratches/drops. A03s may need a case.
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedSide-mountedBoth are convenient, but Xperia’s is likely more responsive.

Key Takeaways

  • Xperia 10 III wins for portability and durability with a slimmer body and Gorilla Glass 6.
  • A03s is larger, which may appeal to users who prefer bigger devices but at the cost of ergonomics.

Display Comparison

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIISamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
Size & Type6" OLED6.5" PLS LCDXperia has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast (OLED advantage). A03s is bigger but lower quality.
Resolution & PPI1080x2520 (457 PPI)720x1600 (270 PPI)Xperia is sharper (136% more pixels)—better for reading, videos, and gaming. A03s is noticeably grainier.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzNeither supports high refresh rates—smoothness is comparable.

Key Takeaways

  • Xperia 10 III has the superior display—OLED + higher resolution makes it better for media consumption.
  • A03s has a bigger screen, but the lower resolution and LCD panel hurt clarity and vibrancy.

Performance & Hardware

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIISamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
ChipsetSnapdragon 690 5GHelio P35Xperia is faster and more efficient (8nm vs. 12nm). A03s struggles with heavy apps.
RAM & Storage6GB + 128GB3/4GB + 32/64GBXperia multitasks better—more RAM means smoother app switching. A03s may lag under load.
GPUAdreno 619LPowerVR GE8320Xperia is better for gaming (more capable GPU). A03s is fine for casual games.
AnTuTu Score275K117KXperia is over twice as powerful—better for demanding apps and future-proofing.

Key Takeaways

  • Xperia 10 III is far more powerful, making it better for gaming and multitasking.
  • A03s is basic but functional—fine for calls, social media, and light browsing.

Camera Comparison

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIISamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
Main Camera12MP f/1.8 (Exmor RS)13MP f/2.2Xperia has better low-light performance (wider aperture). A03s is slightly sharper but weaker in dim light.
Ultrawide8MP f/2.2❌ NoneXperia offers versatility for landscapes and group shots. A03s lacks this flexibility.
Telephoto8MP f/2.4❌ NoneXperia can zoom optically—better portraits and distant shots.
Selfie Camera8MP f/2.05MP f/2.0Xperia selfies are more detailed. A03s is passable for video calls.
Video4K@30fps1080p@30fpsXperia records higher-quality video—better for content creators.

Key Takeaways

  • Xperia 10 III has a more versatile camera setup—great for photography enthusiasts.
  • A03s has a basic camera system, suitable only for casual snapshots.

Battery & Charging

FeatureSony Xperia 10 IIISamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhA03s has longer endurance (11% bigger battery).
Charging18W Fast ChargingNo fast chargingXperia refuels faster—better for quick top-ups.
Battery TypeLi-PolymerLi-IonXperia’s battery is more heat-resistant.

Key Takeaways

  • A03s lasts longer due to the bigger battery but charges slower.
  • Xperia balances capacity and charging speed better.

2. Key Insights

Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:

Far better performance (2x benchmark score)
Superior OLED display (sharper, more vibrant)
More versatile camera system (ultrawide, telephoto, 4K video)
Faster charging (18W vs. no fast charging)
More premium build (Gorilla Glass 6, lighter design)

Samsung Galaxy A03s Strengths:

Larger screen (6.5" vs. 6")
Bigger battery (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh)
Lower price (entry-level budget option)

Trade-Offs:

  • Xperia is better overall but more expensive.
  • A03s is cheaper but compromises on performance, display, and cameras.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?

📌 Power users (gaming, multitasking)
📌 Photography lovers (better cameras, 4K video)
📌 Media consumers (OLED screen, high resolution)
📌 Those who want a premium mid-range phone

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s?

📌 Budget-conscious buyers
📌 Casual users (calls, social media, light browsing)
📌 Big-screen lovers (6.5” display)


4. Buying Decision Framework

Ask Yourself:

  1. Do I need performance for gaming or multitasking?Xperia 10 III
  2. Is battery life my top priority?Galaxy A03s
  3. Do I care about camera quality and display sharpness?Xperia 10 III

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • "I want a phone for gaming and photography."Xperia 10 III
  • "I need a big-screen budget phone for basic use."Galaxy A03s
  • "I want a balanced mid-range phone with good battery life."Xperia 10 III

Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?

I’d go with the Sony Xperia 10 III because:
It’s significantly faster (Snapdragon 690 vs. Helio P35).
The OLED display is superior (better colors, contrast, and sharpness).
The cameras are more versatile (ultrawide + telephoto).
It feels more premium (lighter, Gorilla Glass 6).

While the Galaxy A03s has a bigger battery and screen, the Xperia 10 III wins in nearly every other category, making it the better long-term investment. Unless budget is the #1 priority, the Xperia is the clear choice.

Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III 🏆

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.