Sony Xperia 1 V vs Xperia 1 III: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony's Xperia line consistently delivers a unique blend of premium hardware and a focus on photography. The Xperia 1 V represents the latest iteration, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and improved features. But how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Xperia 1 III, which still holds considerable appeal? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 V is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, brighter display, and improved battery efficiency. While the 1 III remains a capable device, the V's advancements in performance and display make it the superior choice for most users, especially photography enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 V Sony Xperia 1 III
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, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 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 - Asia SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA (specific)
Launch
Announced2023, May 112021, April 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, July 28Available. Released 2021, August 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions165 x 71 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)165 x 71 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)186 g / 187.1 g (mmWave) (6.56 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 -Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 660
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 70mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 105mm (telephoto), 1/2.9", dual pixel PDAF, 3x/4.4x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.6", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video outputUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 Native Sony Alpha camera supportNative Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless30W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Khaki Green, Platinum SilverFrosted Black, Frosted Gray, Frosted Purple
ModelsXQDQ62/B, XQ-DQ72, XQ-DQ54XQBC62/V, XQBC52V.UKCX, SO-51B, SOG03, A101SO, XQ-BC62, XQ-BC72, XQ-BC52, XQ-BC01, XQ-BC11, XQ-BC21, XQ-BC72
Price€ 684.00 / $ 1,409.99 / £ 519.99€ 505.26 / $ 903.43
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 115h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.4 LUFS (Very good) -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 1127931 (v9) GeekBench: 4916 (v6) GFXBench: 96fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 607423 (v8) GeekBench: 3515 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1 V

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Brighter and more vibrant display (936 nits)
  • Improved battery life (115h endurance)
  • Enhanced camera processing and video stabilization
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Higher price point
  • Design largely unchanged from previous models

Sony Xperia 1 III

  • More affordable than the Xperia 1 V
  • Excellent camera system
  • Premium design and build quality
  • 4K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Older Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Lower display brightness (620 nits)
  • Shorter battery life (82h endurance)

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 V boasts a significantly brighter display, measuring 936 nits peak brightness compared to the 1 III's 620 nits. Both feature a stunning 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an infinite contrast ratio, delivering exceptional visuals. The V's increased brightness provides better outdoor visibility and a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the Xperia 1 V introduces improvements to image processing and video recording. While detailed camera specs are similar (variable optical zoom, excellent image quality), the V's enhanced image processing engine and improved video stabilization provide a noticeable edge. The V also benefits from AI-powered subject detection and tracking.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 1 V provides a substantial performance leap over the Snapdragon 888 in the 1 III. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the V. The V's more efficient chip also contributes to better battery life.

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 V demonstrates significantly improved battery life, with an active use score of 12:24h and an endurance rating of 115h, compared to the 1 III's 82h endurance rating. This is largely thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia 1 V is ideal for users who demand top-tier performance, a vibrant and bright display, and a refined camera experience. It's perfect for content creators, photography enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a premium, no-compromise smartphone. The Xperia 1 III is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a flagship experience and excellent camera capabilities, but don't need the absolute latest hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 1 V worth the upgrade from the Xperia 1 III?
If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and improved battery life, then the Xperia 1 V is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget and are satisfied with the 1 III's performance, it remains a capable device.
❓ What are the key differences in the camera performance?
While both phones have excellent cameras, the Xperia 1 V benefits from improved image processing, better video stabilization, and AI-powered features that enhance image quality and tracking.