Sony Xperia 1 VI vs Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

Sony's Xperia 1 VI continues its pursuit of the perfect multimedia experience, while the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro doubles down on gaming dominance. Both devices pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but diverge significantly in their approach to display technology, battery optimization, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which flagship best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience with a stunning display and excellent camera capabilities, the Sony Xperia 1 VI emerges as the winner. While the ROG Phone 8 Pro excels in gaming, its aggressive design and shorter battery life make it a niche choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 VI Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, May 152024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, June 03Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 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 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video outputUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
Type5000 mAh5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Platinum silver, Khaki green, Scar redPhantom Black
ModelsXQEC54EUKCB.GC, XQEC54EUKCG.GC, XQEC54EUKCS.GC, XQ-EC72AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price$ 1,299.99 / £ 829.00 / € 977.98$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

Sony Xperia 1 VI

  • Exceptional battery life (17:27h)
  • Superior display color accuracy
  • Likely excellent camera performance (based on Sony's expertise)

  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Faster wired charging (65W international)
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Gaming-focused features and optimizations

  • Shorter battery life (14:43h)
  • Potentially less refined camera experience
  • Aggressive gaming aesthetic may not appeal to all

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a brighter display at 1765 nits, exceeding the Xperia 1 VI’s 1310 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. However, Sony’s display technology is geared towards color accuracy and natural reproduction, crucial for professional photo and video editing. While both likely utilize LTPO technology for variable refresh rates (based on brand history), the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use. The Xperia 1 VI’s focus on a more cinematic color profile will appeal to those who value realism over vibrancy.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed camera specifications for both devices. However, based on Sony’s history, the Xperia 1 VI is expected to prioritize image quality and natural color reproduction, leveraging its expertise in camera sensor technology. The ROG Phone 8 Pro, while including a camera, typically focuses more on gaming features. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Xperia 1 VI is likely to offer a more refined and versatile camera experience for photography and videography. The ROG Phone's camera is likely geared towards social media sharing and quick snapshots.

Performance

Both the Xperia 1 VI and ROG Phone 8 Pro are powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset, featuring the same octa-core CPU configuration. This means raw processing power is largely equivalent. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s active cooling system (not detailed in the provided data, but a ROG Phone staple) likely allows it to sustain peak performance for longer durations during intensive gaming sessions. The Xperia 1 VI, while capable, may experience more thermal throttling under prolonged load. Both devices utilize LPDDR5x RAM, ensuring fast data access, but the ROG Phone’s gaming optimizations will provide a smoother experience in graphically demanding titles.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1 VI demonstrates superior battery endurance with an active use score of 17:27 hours, significantly outperforming the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 14:43 hours. While the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers faster wired charging at 65W (international) or 30W (India) achieving 100% in 39 minutes (international), the Xperia 1 VI’s more efficient power management and larger effective battery capacity (implied by the longer runtime) provide a more practical advantage for all-day use. Both support 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, but the ROG Phone 8 Pro also includes 10W reverse *wired* charging, a unique feature.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VI if you need a versatile flagship with a focus on photography, videography, and immersive media consumption. Its natural color science and long-lasting battery are ideal for content creators and entertainment enthusiasts. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prioritize raw gaming performance, customizable controls, and a feature-rich gaming ecosystem, even at the expense of battery life and a more subdued aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's 65W charging significantly outperform the Xperia 1 VI's 30W in real-world use?
While 65W is faster on paper, the Xperia 1 VI's more efficient power management and larger effective battery capacity mean the difference in daily use is less pronounced. The ROG Phone 8 Pro will charge faster from 0%, but the Xperia 1 VI will likely last longer between charges.
❓ Is the ROG Phone 8 Pro's active cooling system essential for maintaining peak performance during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's active cooling system is crucial for preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent frame rates during prolonged gaming. The Xperia 1 VI, lacking a comparable system, may experience performance dips under sustained load.
❓ How does the Xperia 1 VI's display color accuracy benefit content creators?
The Xperia 1 VI's focus on natural color reproduction ensures that photos and videos appear as intended during editing. This is vital for professionals who need accurate color representation to deliver high-quality content.
❓ Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro's reverse wired charging offer a practical benefit?
The 10W reverse wired charging on the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a niche feature, but can be useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches in a pinch, offering more flexibility than wireless reverse charging alone.