vivo X70 Pro vs. Sony Xperia 1 III: A Flagship Face-Off

The vivo X70 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 III represent distinct philosophies in the flagship Android space. The X70 Pro, with its variable chipset depending on region, aims for a balance of features and value, while the Xperia 1 III doubles down on a creator-focused experience with a premium price tag. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and a brighter display, the vivo X70 Pro emerges as the winner. Its superior endurance rating (123h vs 82h) and significantly higher peak brightness (993 nits vs 620 nits) offer a more practical daily experience. However, the Xperia 1 III’s Snapdragon 888 provides a raw performance edge for demanding tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X70 Pro Sony Xperia 1 III
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, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 3, 5, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA (specific)
Launch
Announced2021, September 092021, April 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 17Available. Released 2021, August 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.3 x 73.2 x 8 mm (6.23 x 2.88 x 0.31 in)165 x 71 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183/184/185/186 g (6.46 oz)186 g / 187.1 g (mmWave) (6.56 oz)
 -IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 -Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - ChinaOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) - InternationalExynos 1080 (5 nm) - ChinaQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9 - InternationalMali-G78 MP10 - ChinaAdreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 (International), OriginOS (China)Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple-12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 70mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 105mm (telephoto), 1/2.9", dual pixel PDAF, 3x/4.4x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.6", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 -Native Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging44W wired 5W reverse wired30W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
Type4450 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Aurora Dawn, WhiteFrosted Black, Frosted Gray, Frosted Purple
ModelsV2134A, V2105XQBC62/V, XQBC52V.UKCX, SO-51B, SOG03, A101SO, XQ-BC62, XQ-BC72, XQ-BC52, XQ-BC01, XQ-BC11, XQ-BC21, XQ-BC72
PriceAbout 1040 EUR€ 505.26 / $ 903.43
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.5 LUFS (Good) -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 694499 (v9) GeekBench: 2956 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 607423 (v8) GeekBench: 3515 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo X70 Pro

  • Significantly longer battery life (123h endurance)
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility (993 nits)
  • More affordable price point

  • Chipset varies by region (Dimensity 1200 vs Exynos 1080)
  • Less emphasis on professional camera features

Sony Xperia 1 III

  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Professional-grade camera features and manual controls
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Significantly shorter battery life (82h endurance)
  • Dimmer display (620 nits)
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

The vivo X70 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 993 nits compared to the Xperia 1 III’s 620 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the X70 Pro’s brightness advantage is a clear win for everyday usability. While neither specification details refresh rate, the X70 Pro is known to have a 120Hz panel, a feature likely present on the Xperia 1 III as well, though not explicitly stated. The Xperia 1 III’s 21:9 aspect ratio caters to video consumption and multitasking, while the X70 Pro’s more conventional ratio may appeal to a broader audience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are marketed as camera-centric, but their approaches differ. While both offer Photo/Video capabilities, detailed sensor information is lacking. The Xperia 1 III’s strength lies in its professional-grade features and manual controls, appealing to experienced photographers. The X70 Pro, leveraging vivo’s image processing expertise, likely prioritizes computational photography and ease of use. The absence of specific sensor size data makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Xperia 1 III’s emphasis on optical quality and manual control suggests a focus on capturing natural images, while the X70 Pro may lean towards more vibrant, processed results. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely of limited utility.

Performance

The Xperia 1 III leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm), a known performer, while the X70 Pro varies: the international version uses the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm), and China receives the Exynos 1080 (5nm). The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core (2.84 GHz) offers a theoretical performance advantage over the Dimensity 1200’s Cortex-A78 (3.0 GHz), but the 5nm process node of the Snapdragon contributes to better thermal efficiency. The Exynos 1080, also on 5nm, closes the gap. The Dimensity 1200’s larger core count (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz) may benefit multi-threaded tasks, but the Snapdragon’s architecture is optimized for sustained performance. Both phones utilize Octa-core CPUs, but the Snapdragon’s GPU is generally considered superior for gaming.

Battery Life

The vivo X70 Pro’s endurance rating of 123 hours significantly surpasses the Xperia 1 III’s 82 hours. This is a substantial difference in real-world usage. The X70 Pro supports 44W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups, while the Xperia 1 III offers 30W wired charging with PD and 50% charge in 30 minutes, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging. Despite the Xperia 1 III’s faster initial charging speed, the X70 Pro’s larger endurance rating means fewer charging cycles are needed overall. The X70 Pro also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature the Xperia 1 III matches with reverse wireless.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X70 Pro if you need exceptional battery life, a vibrant and easily visible display, and a versatile camera system at a more competitive price point. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 III if you prioritize raw processing power for demanding applications, a more professional-grade camera experience with extensive manual controls, and are willing to pay a premium for a creator-focused device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 1200 in the international X70 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a capable chip, the 6nm process isn't as thermally efficient as the 5nm Snapdragon 888. Reports suggest some throttling may occur during prolonged, demanding gaming, but it's generally manageable. The X70 Pro's cooling system helps mitigate this, but the Xperia 1 III will likely maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver impressive results. Both phones would benefit from a more capable macro lens, but the primary cameras on both devices are far more versatile and capable.
❓ Does the Sony Xperia 1 III support 90fps or 120fps gameplay in PUBG Mobile?
The Xperia 1 III, with its Snapdragon 888 and powerful GPU, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high frame rates. While official support varies with game updates, users have reported achieving 60fps and potentially higher with optimized settings. The X70 Pro, depending on the chipset variant, may also achieve high frame rates, but the Snapdragon 888 offers a more consistent experience.
❓ What are the key differences in image processing between the vivo X70 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 III?
Vivo typically employs a more aggressive image processing style, aiming for vibrant colors and enhanced details. Sony, on the other hand, prioritizes a more natural and accurate representation of the scene, offering greater control to the user through manual settings. The X70 Pro is geared towards point-and-shoot convenience, while the Xperia 1 III caters to photographers who prefer to fine-tune their images.