The mid-range 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Sharp Aquos Sense5G and Sony Xperia 10 III are two compelling contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity and a range of features, but cater to slightly different user preferences. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is the better choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia 10 III edges out the Aquos Sense5G primarily due to its exceptional battery life and brighter display. While both share the same chipset, Sony's software optimization and focus on endurance give it a slight advantage, making it a better choice for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 25. Released 2021, June 10 | 2021, April 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.83 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 154 x 68 x 8.3 mm (6.06 x 2.68 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant | IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~435 ppi density) | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.8 inches, 84.0 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, HDR |
| | - | Triluminos display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), AF
12 MP, f/2.4, 121˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 54mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Display Port |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 27W wired | 21W wired (unofficial rating), PD, QC |
| Type | Li-Ion 4570 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Satin Gold, Titanium Black | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Models | SHG03 | SO-52B, SOG04, XQ-BT52, A102SO |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 137h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.2 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286216 (v8)
GeekBench: 1738 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sharp Aquos sense5G
- Compact design
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially more affordable
- Unknown battery life
- Less bright display
- Basic camera features
Sony Xperia 10 III
- Exceptional battery life
- Bright display (559 nits)
- Refined software experience
- Consistent camera quality
- Larger footprint
- Unofficial charging speed
- Mid-range performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, but the Xperia 10 III boasts a significantly higher measured brightness of 559 nits compared to the Aquos Sense5G's unspecified brightness. The Xperia 10 III also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, though this is a nominal value. The Aquos Sense5G likely has a more compact form factor, which some users may prefer.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a key differentiator. While both have 'Photo / Video' capabilities listed, the Xperia 10 III is known for its consistent image quality and a wider range of camera features. The Aquos Sense5G's camera is likely more basic, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Detailed camera comparisons would require more specific testing.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 690 5G chipset, performance should be broadly similar between the two devices. Expect smooth everyday usage, but don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. Software optimization will play a key role in the perceived speed and responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Xperia 10 III shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 137 hours. The Aquos Sense5G's battery capacity is unknown, but it's likely smaller, resulting in shorter battery life. This is a significant advantage for the Xperia 10 III.
Buying Guide
The Sharp Aquos Sense5G is ideal for users prioritizing a compact design and potentially a more affordable price point (depending on region). The Sony Xperia 10 III is best suited for those who value long battery life, a bright display, and a more refined software experience, even if it means a slightly larger footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Sony Xperia 10 III has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 137 hours, compared to the unknown battery life of the Sharp Aquos Sense5G.
❓ Are both phones 5G capable?
Yes, both the Sharp Aquos Sense5G and the Sony Xperia 10 III support 5G connectivity.
