Sony Xperia Pro vs Xperia 1 V: A Clash of Flagship Titans

Sony consistently delivers unique smartphones, and the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 V are prime examples. Both cater to a specific audience, but which one offers the better overall experience? This in-depth comparison will break down their key differences to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 V is the clear winner. While the Pro boasts a unique external monitor connectivity, the 1 V’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, brighter display, faster charging, and improved camera make it the superior flagship for most users. The Pro's niche appeal doesn't outweigh the 1 V's advancements.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia Pro Sony Xperia 1 V
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 - Europe
5G bands2, 5, 66, 260, 261 Sub6, mmWave1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2020, February 24. Released 2021, January 272023, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, July 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions170.2 x 76.2 x 10.2 mm (6.70 x 3.00 x 0.40 in)165 x 71 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight225.1 g (7.94 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Runs 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 (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 13, upgradable to Android 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.XUFS
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, 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)48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF
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", 1.12µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Video1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 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, LE5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, micro HDMIUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-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 supportNative Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Khaki Green, Platinum Silver
Models-XQDQ62/B, XQ-DQ72, XQ-DQ54
PriceAbout 2000 EUR€ 684.00 / $ 1,409.99 / £ 519.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 115h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.4 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1127931 (v9) GeekBench: 4916 (v6) GFXBench: 96fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia Pro

  • Unique external monitor connectivity
  • Compact design
  • Professional video features

  • Older Snapdragon 865 chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Lower brightness display
  • Less impressive camera compared to 1 V

Sony Xperia 1 V

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Improved camera system
  • Faster charging (30W)
  • Excellent battery life

  • Larger size compared to Pro
  • Pricey

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 V takes the display crown with its significantly brighter 936 nits peak brightness compared to the Pro's unspecified brightness. Both feature excellent color accuracy and a 120Hz refresh rate, but the 1 V's improved visibility in sunlight is a major advantage. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio on the 1V is a marketing term, but the overall visual experience is superior.

Camera Comparison

While both offer excellent camera capabilities, the Xperia 1 V’s camera system is noticeably improved. The 8 Gen 2’s image signal processor (ISP) allows for better image processing, improved low-light performance, and enhanced video recording capabilities. The 1 V also benefits from Sony's latest computational photography advancements.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 1 V provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 865 in the Xperia Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 1 V. The 1 V's newer CPU architecture also offers improved power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Xperia 1 V demonstrates superior battery life with an active use score of 12:24h and an endurance rating of 115h, significantly outperforming the Xperia Pro. The 1 V’s faster 30W charging (with PD3.0, PPS) further enhances its usability.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia Pro is for professional videographers and content creators who need a dedicated external monitor connection for live streaming and video workflows. The Sony Xperia 1 V is for enthusiasts who value a stunning display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera system for everyday use and creative pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the main difference between the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 V?
The Xperia Pro's key feature is its ability to connect to an external monitor for professional video workflows, while the Xperia 1 V focuses on a premium user experience with a powerful processor, bright display, and improved camera.
❓ Is the Xperia Pro still worth buying in 2024?
Only if you specifically need the external monitor connectivity for professional video work. Otherwise, the Xperia 1 V offers a significantly better overall package.