Sony Xperia Pro vs Xperia 1 II: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony consistently delivers unique smartphones, and the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 II are prime examples. Both boast impressive features, but cater to different user needs. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your investment.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia Pro is a niche device geared towards content creators needing a live HDMI output, while the Xperia 1 II offers a more well-rounded flagship experience with a stunning display and excellent camera. For most users, the Xperia 1 II provides better value.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia Pro Sony Xperia 1 II
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66
5G bands2, 5, 66, 260, 261 Sub6, mmWave1, 3, 28, 77, 78 NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat19 1600/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, February 24. Released 2021, January 272020, February 24
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, May 22
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions170.2 x 76.2 x 10.2 mm (6.70 x 3.00 x 0.40 in)165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm (6.5 x 2.80 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight225.1 g (7.94 oz)181.4 g (6.38 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
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 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use casesRuns at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 10, upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.XUFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps 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
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, 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 audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, micro HDMIUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-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 support-
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD21W wired, PD 11W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Purple, Mirror Lake Green
Models-XQ-AT51, XQ-AT52, SOG01, XQ-AT42
PriceAbout 2000 EURAbout 700 EUR
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 83h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 534701 (v8) GeekBench: 3295 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia Pro

  • Live HDMI output for professional video workflows
  • 5G connectivity
  • Compact and durable design
  • High-quality build

  • High price point
  • Limited availability
  • Less versatile camera compared to Xperia 1 II
  • Unknown battery capacity, likely shorter battery life

Sony Xperia 1 II

  • Stunning 4K HDR 120Hz OLED display
  • Versatile triple-lens camera system
  • Excellent battery life (83h endurance rating)
  • Wireless charging

  • Relatively bulky design
  • Charging speed could be faster (21W)
  • Pricey, though generally more accessible than the Pro

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 II takes the display crown. While both feature OLED panels, the Xperia 1 II's 6.5-inch 4K HDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive) offers superior brightness (611 nits measured) and contrast (infinite nominal). The Xperia Pro's display is excellent, but lacks the 120Hz refresh rate and the same peak brightness, making the 1 II a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Xperia 1 II offers a more versatile camera system. It features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lens, offering a wider range of photographic options. The Xperia Pro's camera is capable, but its primary focus is on video recording and live streaming capabilities with the HDMI output, rather than overall photographic versatility.

Performance

Performance is virtually identical. Both phones utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset and the same Octa-core CPU configuration. Expect smooth performance for demanding games and applications on both devices. Real-world usage will feel very similar.

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 II boasts a significant advantage in battery life. With an endurance rating of 83 hours, it far surpasses the Xperia Pro's battery performance. While the Xperia Pro's battery capacity is unknown, the 1 II's longevity makes it a more practical choice for all-day use.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia Pro is ideal for professional videographers and photographers who require a dedicated external monitor connection for live streaming or video recording. The Xperia 1 II is perfect for those seeking a premium smartphone with a fantastic display, a versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery life for everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the main difference between the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 II?
The Xperia Pro's key feature is its live HDMI output for connecting to external monitors, primarily targeting professional videographers. The Xperia 1 II is a more general-purpose flagship with a superior display and camera system.
❓ Is the Xperia Pro worth the extra cost?
Only if you absolutely need the live HDMI output for professional video work. Otherwise, the Xperia 1 II offers a better overall experience for the price.