Asus Snapdragon Insiders vs. Sony Xperia Pro-I: A Clash of Titans

The smartphone landscape is fiercely competitive, and two contenders stand out: the Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders and the Sony Xperia Pro-I. Both pack powerful Snapdragon 888 chips, but cater to different audiences. This review dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Asus Snapdragon Insiders offers blazing-fast charging and potentially a more modern software experience, while the Xperia Pro-I prioritizes exceptional battery life and a professional-grade camera system. For power users and photographers, the Xperia Pro-I is compelling; for those seeking speed and value, the Asus takes the lead.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders Sony Xperia Pro-I
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
Launch
Announced2021, July 082021, October 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 31Available. Released 2021, December 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions173.2 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.82 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)166 x 72 x 8.9 mm (6.54 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)211 g (7.44 oz)
 -IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Built-in strap-hole
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels (~395 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Always-on displayRuns at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal512GB 16GB RAM512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, 12-bit RAW, HDR, eye tracking
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 112˚, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF12 MP, f/2.0-4.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 2.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS (315 PDAF points, 90% frame coverage) 12 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.9", PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 Snapdragon Sound Technology 32-bit/384kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 Illuminated Snapdragon fireball icon on the backNative Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 50 min30W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight blueFrosted Black
ModelsI007DXQ-BE62, XQBE62-B, XQ-BE62-B, XQ-BE62/B, XQ-BE42, XQ-BE42-B, XQ-BE42/B, XQ-BE72, XQ-BE52
PriceAbout 1270 EURAbout 930 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 87h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -28.6 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 725839 (v9) GeekBench: 3540 (v5.1) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders

  • Blazing-fast 65W charging
  • Potential for overclocking and customization (Snapdragon Insiders)
  • Likely higher refresh rate display
  • Competitive price (assumed)
  • Modern software experience

  • Battery life not as impressive as Xperia
  • Camera likely not as advanced as Xperia
  • Design may be less premium than Xperia

Sony Xperia Pro-I

  • Exceptional battery life (87h endurance rating)
  • Professional-grade 1-inch camera sensor
  • Direct HDMI output for external monitors
  • Excellent image quality
  • Premium build quality

  • Slower 30W charging
  • Potentially older software version
  • Higher price point
  • Less focus on gaming performance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, but the Xperia Pro-I boasts a measured peak brightness of 644 nits, offering better outdoor visibility. The Asus likely has a higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) for smoother scrolling and gaming, a common feature in its Snapdragon Insiders series. Color accuracy is generally excellent on both, but Sony's calibration often leans towards a more natural look.

Camera Comparison

This is where the Xperia Pro-I truly shines. It features a 1-inch sensor, a significant advantage over most smartphone cameras. While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, the Xperia Pro-I is known for its exceptional image quality, particularly in low light, and its ability to record high-quality video. The Asus likely has a capable camera system, but it won't match the Xperia's professional-grade capabilities. The Xperia also offers direct HDMI output for external monitors.

Performance

Sharing the same Snapdragon 888 chipset and CPU configuration, raw performance should be very similar. However, Asus's software optimization and potential for overclocking (a Snapdragon Insiders benefit) could give it a slight edge in sustained performance and gaming. The Xperia Pro-I's focus is less on raw power and more on stability for professional workflows.

Battery Life

The Xperia Pro-I's endurance rating of 87 hours is astonishing, significantly outperforming the Asus. While the Asus offers incredibly fast 65W charging, the Xperia's battery life provides a substantial advantage for users who need their phone to last for extended periods.

Buying Guide

The Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is ideal for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and those who appreciate rapid charging and a potentially more customizable Android experience. The Sony Xperia Pro-I is perfect for professional photographers and videographers who demand top-tier camera capabilities and extended battery life, even if it means sacrificing some modern features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does 'Snapdragon Insiders' mean for the Asus phone?
It signifies access to beta software, potential overclocking features, and early access to Snapdragon technologies, catering to tech enthusiasts.
❓ Is the Sony Xperia Pro-I worth the high price?
If you're a professional photographer or videographer needing a pocketable camera with exceptional image quality and battery life, the price is justified. Otherwise, it might be overkill.