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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£380RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.5 inchesMain camera megapixels:12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP

Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB)
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

90%

7.6

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 77% of smartphones
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

â–²Better than 83%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

25%

7.3

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.3

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

8.0

Connectivity

4%

9.4

Audio

3%

7.9

Design

â–²Better than 77%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 70%
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Best rankings
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

25%

7.3

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.3

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

8.0

Connectivity

4%

9.4

Audio

3%

7.9

Design

7.6
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Popularity:
Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 7.6 points, which is higher than 70.5% of smartphones.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

7.9
Brand name
Sony
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor which is faster than processors in 75.5% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.84 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.84 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 68.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
This smartphone runs Android version Android 11 which is older than that found in 80.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
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Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP which is lower than that of 95% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.8% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.3
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.3 which is wider than that of 85.9% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
38.9 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 38.9 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 51.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.8 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.8 µm which is larger than in 98.4% of smartphones and equal to the size in 1.4% of smartphones.
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Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
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Screen size
6.5 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.5 inches which is smaller than the screens of 80% of smartphones and equal to those of 3.9% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1644x 3840 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1644x3840 px which is higher than that of 99.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Pixel density
643 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 643 ppi which is higher than that of 99.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 78.5% of smartphones and equal to those in 5.9% of smartphones.
Charging speed
30 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 30 W which is slower than in 61.1% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 4.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
?
Show more
Height
165 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 165 mm which is taller than 67.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Width
71 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 71 mm which is narrower than 96.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.2 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.2 mm which is thinner than 51.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
186 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 186 g which is lighter than 75.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.5% of smartphones.
Device volume
93,720 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 93,720 cm³ which is smaller than 63.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
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Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 4.4 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (4.4 x vs 0 x).
    4.4 x vs 0 x
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1644x3840 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1644x3840 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 1 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 62.8% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (643 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    643 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x120 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 7.6% better value for money
    Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (7.89 vs 7.3).
    7.89 vs 7.34
  • 1.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony Xperia 1 III
    the average smartphone
    Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.13 vs 8.000).
    8.13 vs 8
  • 39.5% more popular
    Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.58 vs 5.4).
    7.58 vs 5.44
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 58.7% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,495 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,495 vs 942
  • 18.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.84 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 33.3% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (8 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    8 W vs 6 W
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (5 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    5 nm vs 6 nm
  • 78.4% higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (5,557 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    5,557 vs 3,115
  • 3x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (768 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    768 vs 256
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 48.5% higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (5,679 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    5,679 vs 3,825
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 21.9% higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (1,495 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    1,495 vs 1,226
  • 4.4 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (4.4 x vs 0 x).
    4.4 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 1 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x120 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports laser autofocus
    This smartphone features laser autofocus, the average smartphone does not. 21.4% of smartphones include laser AF.
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This smartphone allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.8% of smartphones include this.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.3 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.3 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 21.6% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (38.9 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    38.9 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.1 vs 2.0
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1644x3840 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1644x3840 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 62.8% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (643 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    643 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports Dolby Vision support
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision, the average smartphone does not. 17.3% of smartphones are Dolby Vision compatible.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 5 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (71 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    71 mm vs 76 mm
  • 5.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (186 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    186 g vs 196.2 g
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (82 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    82 vs 99.5
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 0.17 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • 440 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (560 nits vs 1000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    560 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 46.2% more expensive
    Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£380 vs £260).
    £380 vs £260
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    12 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • 4.2% lower DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (115 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    115 vs 120
  • 0.17 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 440 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (560 nits vs 1000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    560 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 15.2% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (560 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    560 nits vs 660 nits
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (82 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    82 vs 99.5
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 9.1% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (30 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    30 W vs 33 W
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    April 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    Japan vs China
  • 1.4 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (165 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    165 mm vs 163.6 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pocket-lint.com
09/08/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: In a world of its own
Z
zdnet.com
16/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: An expensive flagship phone with a superb...
A
androidauthority.com
26/07/2023
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review revisited: The good and bad over two years later - Android Authority Would you like a breakdown of how the camera performance...
A
androidauthority.com
14/07/2022
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: Elegant, exhilarating, expensive - Android Authority
9
9to5google.com
15/12/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: Android enthusiast excellence - 9to5Google
E
engadget.com
27/10/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: Fine control for camera obsessives - Engadget
W
wavelength.focuscamera.com
01/09/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Hands-On Review | So Much More Than A ... - Focus Camera
T
techradar.com
20/08/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review - TechRadar
C
cnet.com
07/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: It could have been magnificent - CNET
S
stuff.tv
05/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review - Stuff
C
consumerreports.org
2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Cell Phone Review | Consumer Reports Would you like a summary of the pros and cons identified across these specific reviews to help...
W
whathifi.com
05/10/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review | What Hi-Fi?
G
gsmarena.com
05/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review - GSMArena.com tests
5
5g.co.uk
19/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Review - 5G.co.uk Would you like to compare the camera performance of this model against the newer Xperia 1 IV or V?
E
ephotozine.com
15/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Smartphone Review - ePHOTOzine
D
dxomark.com
20/12/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Camera review: A slight improvement over its...
L
laptopmag.com
06/11/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: For the creators
C
clubic.com
16/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III review: A smartphone in progress, but still overpriced
(Translated)Show original
J
journaldugeek.com
24/08/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Review: The ultimate smartphone for geeks
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
19/07/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 1 III Review: Plenty of strengths, but the price tag hurts
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB)

  • Stunning and unique 4K HDR OLED 120Hz display (though often runs in upscaled 1080p for most content)
  • Excellent, versatile rear cameras with professional-level manual controls (Photography Pro and Cinema Pro apps)
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable microSD card storage, which are rare in flagship phones
  • Great build quality and a slim, narrow 21:9 form factor that is comfortable to hold for one-handed use and media consumption
  • Front-facing stereo speakers that provide immersive and clear audio quality
  • Fast and smooth performance with the Snapdragon 888 processor and 12GB of RAM
  • Presence of a dedicated, physical two-stage camera shutter button
  • Relatively clean, near-stock Android operating system experience
  • Durable build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and an IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance rating
  • Support for wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

What we don't like about Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB)

  • High initial price tag, which makes its flaws harder to ignore
  • Prone to overheating, especially during sustained heavy use like gaming, recording video, or use in warm weather
  • Subpar or average front-facing (selfie) camera performance
  • Mediocre to poor battery life, particularly when using the 120Hz refresh rate and 4K display features constantly
  • Display is not bright enough for comfortable outdoor viewing in direct sunlight
  • Camera software can be complex and requires a learning curve to get the best results; basic point-and-shoot photos can be blurry
  • Some users report the fingerprint sensor can become unreliable or stop working after a year or more of use
  • Accidental activation of the dedicated Google Assistant button is a common complaint
  • Relatively slow charging speed compared to other flagships

Verdict

The Sony Xperia 1 III (12GB + 256GB) is a flagship smartphone focused on multimedia enthusiasts and creatives, featuring the world's first smartphone 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED 120Hz refresh rate display and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor. Its main pros include an exceptional, professional-grade triple-camera system with a unique variable telephoto lens (70mm/105mm), a 3.5mm audio jack, a dedicated two-stage camera shutter button, and expandable storage via microSD card, all within a sleek, IP65/IP68 water-resistant build. Key cons are its high price tag, a display that is not very bright in direct sunlight, and a comparatively poor battery life that can drain quickly with the 120Hz refresh rate or heavy use.

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