Sony Xperia 10 vs Xperia XZ3: A Detailed Comparison

Sony has a reputation for producing unique smartphones, and the Xperia 10 and XZ3 are prime examples. But which one offers the better experience? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia XZ3 is the clear winner. While the Xperia 10 offers a respectable battery life and decent display, the XZ3's superior performance, brighter display, and wireless charging make it the more compelling choice for most users, despite potentially being harder to find now.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 10 Sony Xperia XZ3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - I3113, I4113, I4193HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H8416, H9436, H9493
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38 - I3113, I41131, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - H8416, H9436, H9493
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - I4193-
Launch
Announced2019, February 25. Released 2019, February 272018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions156 x 68 x 8.4 mm (6.14 x 2.68 x 0.33 in)158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 -IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~457 ppi density)1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~79.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDP-OLED, HDR BT.2020
 -Triluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 508Adreno 630
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD, QC318W wired, PD2.0 Wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Ion 2870 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Navy, Silver, PinkBlack, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red
ModelsI3113, I4113, I4193, I3123H9436, H8416, H9493
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 510 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -97.1dB Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB
Battery life Endurance rating 65h Endurance rating 90h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1517:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker -30.2 LUFS (Below average) Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB
Performance AnTuTu: 89697 (v7), 112198 (v8) GeekBench: 3985 (v4.4), 990 (v5.1) GFXBench: 4.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 10

  • Excellent battery life
  • Large display
  • Affordable (when new)

  • Slower performance
  • Less vibrant display
  • Outdated chipset

Sony Xperia XZ3

  • Fast performance
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Wireless charging
  • Superior camera

  • Potentially harder to find (older model)
  • May be more expensive (used)

Display Comparison

The Xperia XZ3 boasts a significant advantage in display technology. Its 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) and impressive 4502 nits sunlight readability far surpass the Xperia 10's 1517:1 contrast ratio. The XZ3's OLED panel also delivers richer colors and deeper blacks, creating a more immersive viewing experience. The Xperia 10's LCD is perfectly adequate, but noticeably less vibrant.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the XZ3 generally produces better image quality thanks to its more advanced image processing and sensor. The XZ3 often captures more detail and exhibits better dynamic range. Low-light performance is also improved on the XZ3. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison, but the XZ3's hardware and software are generally superior.

Performance

The XZ3's Snapdragon 845 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Xperia 10's Snapdragon 630. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. Gaming performance is also dramatically improved on the XZ3. The Xperia 10 is capable for everyday tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a respectable endurance rating of 65h, indicating similar battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the XZ3's wireless charging capability provides added convenience.

Buying Guide

The Xperia 10 is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large display for media consumption. The Xperia XZ3 is ideal for those seeking a faster processor, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the convenience of wireless charging, willing to potentially pay a premium or search for a used device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 10 still worth buying?
If you're on a very tight budget and prioritize battery life above all else, the Xperia 10 can be a decent option. However, consider that it's an older device and may lack the latest features and security updates.
❓ Where can I find an Xperia XZ3?
The Xperia XZ3 is no longer manufactured, so you'll likely need to purchase it from a reseller or on the used market. Be sure to check the device's condition and warranty status before buying.