The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Sony Xperia 10 VI and Realme 12 Pro+ represent compelling options for users seeking premium features without the flagship price tag. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, performance, and real-world usability to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained battery life and a brighter display, the Sony Xperia 10 VI emerges as the winner. While the Realme 12 Pro+ boasts faster 67W charging, the Xperia 10 VI’s superior battery endurance and brighter 1010-nit screen provide a more consistently enjoyable experience for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 15 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June 13 | Available. Released 2024, January 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 155 x 68 x 8.3 mm (6.10 x 2.68 x 0.33 in) | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, HDR | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgrades | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD, QC | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, White | Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red |
| Models | XQ-ES54, XQ-ES72, XQ-ES72/L2TWCX0, XQ-ES72/B2TWCX0, XQ-ES72/W2TWCX0, XQES54EUKCB.GC | RMX3840, RMX3841 |
| Price | € 342.14 / $ 799.00 / £ 317.49 | $ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400 |
Sony Xperia 10 VI
- Exceptional battery life (13:56h active use)
- Brighter display (1010 nits)
- Sony’s software experience (minimalist)
- Slower charging speed (unspecified)
- Potentially less powerful GPU
Realme 12 Pro+
- Faster 67W charging (50% in 19 min)
- More powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly shorter battery life (13:24h active use)
- Less bright display (802 nits)
Display Comparison
The Sony Xperia 10 VI’s display significantly outshines the Realme 12 Pro+ in terms of peak brightness, reaching a measured 1010 nits compared to the Realme’s 802 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize OLED technology, the difference in brightness is substantial. We lack data on panel technology (LTPO, PWM), but Sony’s history suggests a focus on color accuracy, potentially appealing to content creators. The Realme 12 Pro+ likely aims for more saturated colors, catering to a different aesthetic preference. Bezels are assumed to be comparable given the market segment, but the brightness difference is the key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests the Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), potentially leading to better image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is known for its improved AI scene detection and noise reduction. We can assume both phones will feature multi-camera systems, but the sensor sizes and lens apertures are unknown. Ignoring typical 2MP macro lenses, the quality of the main sensor and its accompanying optical image stabilization (OIS) will be crucial. Sony’s expertise in image processing could provide a competitive edge, but the Realme’s more powerful chipset offers a strong foundation.
Performance
Both devices employ Qualcomm’s 4nm process technology, but differ in chipset. The Realme 12 Pro+ features the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, with a CPU configuration of 4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Xperia 10 VI utilizes the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, clocked at 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. The higher clock speeds of the 7s Gen 2 suggest a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the real-world impact will depend on software optimization and thermal management. Both likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the speed is unspecified. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is generally considered a step up in GPU performance, potentially benefiting gaming and graphics-heavy applications.
Battery Life
The Sony Xperia 10 VI boasts an impressive active use battery score of 13:56h, slightly exceeding the Realme 12 Pro+’s 13:24h. While the difference isn’t massive, it indicates superior power efficiency from the Xperia 10 VI. The Realme 12 Pro+ compensates with 67W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 19 minutes. The Xperia 10 VI’s charging speed is unspecified, but likely slower. This trade-off – longer runtime versus faster charging – is a key consideration. Users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day will benefit from the Realme’s faster charging, while those who prioritize all-day battery life will appreciate the Xperia’s endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia 10 VI if you need exceptional battery life for all-day use, value a brighter, more visible display in outdoor conditions, and prefer Sony’s minimalist software experience. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you prioritize rapid charging speeds, appreciate a more vibrant (though less bright) display, and are comfortable with Realme UI’s feature-rich customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Xperia 10 VI struggle with demanding games?
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings. However, graphically intensive titles may require reduced settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a noticeable performance boost for gaming.
❓ How does the 67W charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ compare to standard charging speeds?
67W charging is significantly faster than typical 15W or 25W charging. Reaching 50% charge in 19 minutes is a substantial time saver, allowing you to quickly top up your phone when needed. This is particularly useful for users who frequently find themselves with low battery levels.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 1010 nits peak brightness of the Xperia 10 VI is noticeably brighter than the 802 nits of the Realme 12 Pro+, especially when viewing content outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The Xperia 10 VI will offer a more comfortable viewing experience in these conditions.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Sony typically provides a more consistent and longer-term software update commitment compared to Realme. While Realme has improved its update schedule, Sony generally offers a more reliable experience in terms of security patches and OS upgrades.
