Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: A Practical Showdown
Here’s a real-world comparison of two mid-range phones with distinct philosophies: Sony’s compact precision versus Samsung’s feature-packed value.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Xperia is more pocket-friendly, while A35 offers a larger screen at the cost of bulk. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | Xperia feels significantly lighter—better for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has better drop resistance (Victus > Glass 6). |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted (fast) | Basic under-display | Xperia’s sensor is quicker and more reliable. |
Verdict:
- For compactness & ergonomics → Xperia 10 III
- For durability & modern design → Galaxy A35
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.6" AMOLED | A35’s larger screen = better media consumption, Xperia’s = sharper. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2340 (390 PPI) | Xperia is noticeably sharper (67 PPI difference). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 feels smoother (scrolling, gaming). |
Verdict:
- For clarity & color accuracy → Xperia 10 III
- For smoothness & size → Galaxy A35
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | A35 is ~110% faster (Antutu 578K vs. 275K). |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 handles games better (Genshin Impact at medium vs. low). |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 6GB / 8GB | A35’s 8GB variant = better multitasking. |
Verdict:
- For basic tasks → Both suffice
- For gaming & future-proofing → Galaxy A35
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | A35 captures more detail (better for cropping). |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar quality, but A35 has OIS for steadier shots. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | ❌ None | Xperia wins for zoom versatility. |
| Selfie | 8MP (f/2.0) | 13MP (f/2.2) | A35’s selfies are sharper but slightly worse in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no EIS) | 4K@30fps (w/ EIS) | A35 stabilizes footage better. |
Verdict:
- For zoom & manual control → Xperia 10 III
- For point-and-shoot ease → Galaxy A35
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 lasts longer (~1-2 hours extra). |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 25W | A35 charges ~20-30 mins faster. |
Verdict:
- For endurance → Galaxy A35
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths
✔ Sharper display (higher PPI)
✔ More compact & lightweight (better for small hands)
✔ Telephoto lens (for zoom shots)
✔ Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (faster unlock)
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths
✔ Faster performance (Exynos 1380 vs. Snapdragon 690)
✔ 120Hz display (smoother scrolling)
✔ Better main camera (50MP + OIS)
✔ Larger battery + faster charging
✔ Newer software (Android 14 vs. 11)
Trade-Offs
- Xperia’s software is outdated (Android 11 vs. A35’s 14).
- A35 feels bulkier (+40g, larger footprint).
3. User Recommendations
Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III if you:
✅ Prefer a compact, lightweight phone.
✅ Want a sharper display for reading/media.
✅ Use telephoto zoom occasionally.
✅ Don’t care about high refresh rates.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 if you:
✅ Want better performance (gaming/multitasking).
✅ Prefer smoother scrolling (120Hz).
✅ Need longer battery life.
✅ Prioritize point-and-shoot photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- "Do I prefer a compact phone or a larger screen?"
- Compact → Xperia | Bigger → A35
- "Is camera versatility or performance more important?"
- Zoom shots → Xperia | Speed/gaming → A35
- "Do I need the latest software?"
- Yes → A35 | No → Xperia
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Samsung Galaxy A35.
- It’s faster, has better battery life, a smoother display, and superior main camera—all for a likely similar price (given the Xperia is older). The Xperia 10 III’s compact size and telephoto lens are appealing, but the A35’s modern specs make it the better long-term choice for most users.
But if you hate big phones? The Xperia is still a great compact option—just know you’re sacrificing performance and updates.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what matters most to you in a phone? 🚀
