ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G vs Sony Xperia 1 III: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the superior choice. While the Axon 10s Pro 5G offers a good experience, the Xperia 1 III’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) provides a noticeable performance uplift, coupled with faster 30W charging and a brighter display. The similar endurance ratings suggest battery life won't be a deciding factor.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G | Sony Xperia 1 III |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 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 bands | 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA (specific) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 06 | 2021, April 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 25 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 186 g / 187.1 g (mmWave) (6.56 oz) |
| - | IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020 |
| - | Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.X | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 125˚, 16mm (ultrawide) | 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| - | Native Sony Alpha camera support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 Wireless (Qi) | 30W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Frosted Black, Frosted Gray, Frosted Purple |
| Models | - | XQBC62/V, XQBC52V.UKCX, SO-51B, SOG03, A101SO, XQ-BC62, XQ-BC72, XQ-BC52, XQ-BC01, XQ-BC11, XQ-BC21, XQ-BC72 |
| Price | - | € 505.26 / $ 903.43 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 82h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.5 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 607423 (v8) GeekBench: 3515 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G
- More affordable price point
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Wireless charging (Qi)
- Older Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Less advanced display technology
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Faster Snapdragon 888 (5nm) chipset
- 30W fast charging with PD
- Brighter and potentially more advanced display
- Higher price tag
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
The Sony Xperia 1 III boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 620 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Axon 10s Pro 5G. This translates to better outdoor visibility. Both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the Xperia 1 III’s display technology is likely more advanced, potentially incorporating features like LTPO for variable refresh rates, contributing to improved power efficiency. The Xperia 1 III’s display is geared towards media consumption and professional use, while the Axon 10s Pro 5G’s display is likely adequate but less impressive.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Axon 10s Pro 5G. The Xperia 1 III, being a Sony flagship, likely benefits from Sony’s advanced image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. While both phones likely offer versatile camera systems, the Xperia 1 III’s focus on professional-grade video recording and photography features gives it an edge. The absence of specific camera specs for the Axon 10s Pro 5G makes a detailed comparison difficult, but Sony’s brand reputation in imaging suggests a clear advantage for the Xperia 1 III.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm+), while the Sony Xperia 1 III features the Snapdragon 888 (5nm). The 5nm process node of the 888 offers superior transistor density and thermal efficiency, leading to sustained performance and reduced throttling. While both CPUs share the same Cortex-A55 core configuration (4x1.80 GHz), the Xperia 1 III’s CPU features a Cortex-X1 prime core (2.84 GHz) versus the Axon 10s Pro 5G’s Cortex-A77 (2.84 GHz). The Cortex-X1 provides a substantial performance boost in single-threaded tasks. The Xperia 1 III will deliver a smoother experience in demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 82 hours. This suggests that despite the more powerful chipset in the Xperia 1 III, its power efficiency compensates for the increased processing demands. The Xperia 1 III offers significantly faster charging at 30W with PD support and 50% charge in 30 minutes, compared to the Axon 10s Pro 5G’s 18W QC4 charging. The Xperia 1 III also adds wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, offering greater convenience. While daily battery life may be similar, the Xperia 1 III’s faster charging is a significant advantage for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G if you prioritize value and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s an excellent option for users who want 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 III if you demand the best possible performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, and are willing to pay a premium for those features. It caters to power users and content creators.