Honor GT 2 Pro vs Sony Xperia 1 VII: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagships

The Honor GT 2 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 VII represent distinct approaches to the high-end smartphone market. The Honor prioritizes raw performance and rapid charging, while the Sony focuses on a refined multimedia experience and exceptional battery longevity. Both are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite series, but the implementation and surrounding hardware choices create significant differences.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak gaming performance and the fastest possible charging, the Honor GT 2 Pro is the clear winner. However, the Sony Xperia 1 VII excels in battery endurance and offers a more balanced, long-term user experience, making it ideal for content creators and those who value all-day battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor GT 2 Pro Sony Xperia 1 VII
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 bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2025, May 13
StatusRumoredAvailable. Released 2025, June 04
Body
BuildGlass front (Giant rhino glass), aluminum frame, fiber-reinforced plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions-162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-197 g (6.95 oz)
Display
ProtectionGiant rhino glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5
Resolution1224 x 2800 pixels (~447 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)
Size6.83 inches, 110.5 cm26.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 4320Hz PWM, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 840Adreno 830
OSAndroid 16, MagicOS 10Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/3.5, 170mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-7.1x continuous optical zoom, OIS, 4cm macro @ 120mm, no AF 48 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR Vivid4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide)12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive6.0, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L1+L5), GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging90W wired 5W reverse wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 8500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, GoldMoss Green, Orchid Purple, Slate Black
Models-XQ-FS54, XQFS54EUKCG.GC, XQFS54EUKCV.GC, XQFS54EUKCB.GC, PDX256
Price-€ 1,338.99 / $ 1,394.99 / £ 1,149.94
EU LABEL
Battery-43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class B (181 falls)
Repairability-Class D

Honor GT 2 Pro

  • Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a performance edge.
  • Ultra-Fast Charging: 90W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Potential Gaming Focus: Likely optimized for demanding mobile games.

  • Unknown Battery Life: Battery performance is currently unconfirmed.
  • Camera Specs Missing: Difficult to assess camera capabilities without details.

Sony Xperia 1 VII

  • Exceptional Battery Life: 43:30h endurance and 15:32h active use are outstanding.
  • Bright Display: 1475 nits peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds convenience and versatility.

  • Slower Charging: 30W charging is slower than the Honor’s 90W.
  • Older Snapdragon Version: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a performance advantage.

Display Comparison

The Sony Xperia 1 VII boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1475 nits, making it far more usable in direct sunlight compared to the Honor GT 2 Pro (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize OLED technology, the Xperia 1 VII’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator. The Xperia 1 VII’s focus on display quality extends to potential color accuracy and calibration, a hallmark of Sony’s imaging expertise. The Honor GT 2 Pro’s display specs are currently unknown, but given its gaming focus, a high refresh rate is expected.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are currently unavailable for the Honor GT 2 Pro. The Sony Xperia 1 VII’s camera system is expected to build upon Sony’s Alpha imaging technology, focusing on image quality and creative control. While sensor sizes and aperture details are missing, Sony’s history suggests a strong emphasis on large sensors and advanced image processing. The absence of detailed camera information for the Honor makes a direct comparison difficult, but its gaming focus may indicate a less sophisticated camera system compared to the Xperia 1 VII.

Performance

Both devices leverage Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite series, but the Honor GT 2 Pro utilizes the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with Oryon V3 Phoenix L and M cores clocked at up to 4.6 GHz. The Xperia 1 VII features the Snapdragon 8 Elite with Oryon V2 Phoenix L and M cores, peaking at 4.32 GHz. This generational difference, coupled with the higher clock speeds on the Honor, suggests a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. However, the Xperia 1 VII’s thermal management and sustained performance will be crucial factors, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite is known to generate heat. The Honor’s cooling system will be critical to prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1 VII distinguishes itself with exceptional battery endurance, offering 43:30 hours of total usage and a 15:32-hour active use score. This is a significant advantage over the Honor GT 2 Pro, which lacks published battery life data. While the Honor compensates with 90W wired charging – capable of rapidly replenishing the battery – the Xperia 1 VII’s longevity reduces the need for frequent charging. The Xperia 1 VII also offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility. The Honor GT 2 Pro provides 5W reverse wired charging, a slower option.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor GT 2 Pro if you need uncompromising processing power for demanding games and applications, and if minimizing charging downtime is critical. Its 90W charging is a game-changer for power users. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII if you prefer a phone that lasts all day on a single charge, offers a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and prioritizes a more holistic multimedia experience with its focus on battery health and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Xperia 1 VII throttle during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is known to generate heat under sustained load. Sony’s thermal management system will be crucial. While the Xperia 1 VII’s battery endurance suggests efficient power management, prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to some throttling to maintain thermal stability.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Honor GT 2 Pro with 90W charging?
While 90W charging is incredibly fast, a full 0-100% charge will likely take around 30-40 minutes, depending on battery capacity (which is currently unknown). The initial charge from 0-50% will be significantly faster, providing a substantial boost in a short amount of time.
❓ Does the Sony Xperia 1 VII support fast charging standards beyond 30W?
Yes, the Xperia 1 VII supports PD3.0 and PPS, allowing it to negotiate higher power delivery within the 30W limit for compatible chargers. This ensures optimal charging efficiency and safety.
❓ Is the 1400 cycle battery claim for the Xperia 1 VII realistic?
Sony’s claim of 1400 battery cycles suggests a focus on battery health and longevity. This indicates the phone’s charging circuitry is designed to minimize degradation over time, potentially extending the usable lifespan of the battery compared to phones with less sophisticated charging management.