Sony Xperia 10 VI vs Google Pixel 8a: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

The Sony Xperia 10 VI and Google Pixel 8a represent distinct philosophies in the mid-range smartphone market. The Xperia 10 VI prioritizes a streamlined experience and long-term battery health, while the Pixel 8a leverages Google’s Tensor G3 chip and computational photography prowess. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and battery endurance, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. Its 40:06h endurance rating and brighter display outweigh the Xperia 10 VI’s strengths. However, users valuing a more traditional Sony experience and potentially longer software support may prefer the Xperia 10 VI.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 10 VI Google Pixel 8a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International)
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, May 152024, May 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, June 13Available. Released 2024, May 14
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions155 x 68 x 8.3 mm (6.10 x 2.68 x 0.33 in)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight164 g (5.78 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDROLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm64 MP (16 MP eff.), f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD, QC18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4492 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Black, WhiteObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
ModelsXQ-ES54, XQ-ES72, XQ-ES72/L2TWCX0, XQ-ES72/B2TWCX0, XQ-ES72/W2TWCX0, ‎XQES54EUKCB.GCGKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
Price€ 342.14 / $ 799.00 / £ 317.49$ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300
EU LABEL
Battery-40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class A (270 falls)
Repairability-Class B

Sony Xperia 10 VI

  • Exceptional battery life (40:06h endurance)
  • Brighter display (1508 nits)
  • Powerful Tensor G3 chipset
  • Guaranteed Android updates

  • Potentially shorter long-term battery health
  • Charging speed is relatively slow (18W)

Google Pixel 8a

  • Long-term battery health focus
  • Streamlined Sony experience
  • PD and QC fast charging support
  • Potentially longer software support

  • Dimmer display (1010 nits)
  • Less powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8a’s display significantly outshines the Xperia 10 VI in peak brightness, reaching 1508 nits compared to the Xperia’s 1010 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize a 4nm process for their respective chipsets, the display technology isn’t specified for either, but the Pixel 8a’s higher brightness suggests a more advanced panel. The Xperia 10 VI’s display, while adequate, will appear dimmer in comparison, impacting outdoor usability. Bezels are not specified, but Sony traditionally favors a more symmetrical look, while Google often maximizes screen real estate.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8a’s camera system is expected to leverage Google’s renowned computational photography, despite lacking detailed sensor specifications in the provided data. The focus is on software optimization, delivering excellent image quality in various conditions. The Xperia 10 VI’s camera capabilities are less emphasized, suggesting a more traditional approach. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but Google’s history suggests a stronger emphasis on image processing and low-light performance. The absence of details on OIS for either phone makes it difficult to assess stabilization capabilities.

Performance

The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, a nona-core processor with a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Xperia 10 VI’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s octa-core configuration, with Cortex-A78 cores peaking at 2.2 GHz, is geared towards efficiency rather than raw power. The Tensor G3’s architecture, including the A715 and A510 cores, is designed for AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Google Assistant and image processing. While the Xperia 10 VI will handle everyday tasks smoothly, the Pixel 8a will excel in demanding applications and multitasking. RAM specifications are missing, but the Tensor G3 benefits from optimized memory management.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 8a dominates in battery endurance, boasting a remarkable 40:06h rating and a claimed 1000-cycle lifespan. This is significantly higher than the Xperia 10 VI’s 13:56h active use score. While the Xperia 10 VI’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Pixel 8a’s longevity suggests a more efficient combination of hardware and software. The Pixel 8a supports 18W wired charging, PD3.0, and 7.5W wireless charging, while the Xperia 10 VI offers wired charging with PD and QC support. The Pixel 8a’s ‘bypass charging’ feature, allowing direct power from the charger, further extends battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sony Xperia 10 VI if you need exceptional battery *health* over time, prefer a more understated design, and value Sony’s audio and video processing. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize camera quality, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the latest Android features with guaranteed updates, even if it means potentially shorter battery lifespan in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Xperia 10 VI struggle with demanding games?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it’s not designed for high-end gaming. While it can run many games, you may need to lower graphics settings for smoother performance in titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 will provide a noticeably better gaming experience.
❓ How does the Pixel 8a’s ‘bypass charging’ feature benefit battery health?
Bypass charging allows power to flow directly from the charger to the phone, bypassing the battery when it’s fully charged. This reduces heat buildup and minimizes stress on the battery, potentially extending its lifespan over time. The Xperia 10 VI lacks this feature.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect from both phones?
Google typically provides 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its Pixel devices, including the 8a. Sony’s software support is less predictable, but historically, the Xperia 10 series receives around 2-3 years of OS updates. This makes the Pixel 8a a better choice for long-term software support.