Sony Xperia 10 III

Sony Xperia 10 III: A Thoughtful Mid-Ranger That Sticks to Its Guns

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks with the Sony Xperia 10 III, and it's a phone that's left me with a rather specific set of impressions. At a price point that firmly plants it in the mid-range battleground, the Xperia 10 III arrives with a distinct Sony flavour, and after putting it through its paces, I have a good understanding of who this phone is for and where it excels – and where it falls a little short.

My testing involved a typical daily routine – browsing, social media, media consumption, some casual gaming, and of course, photography. I also paid close attention to the overall user experience, battery life, and how the phone held up under different workloads. My initial impressions were of a device that felt well-built and comfortable in hand, with a focus on a particular aesthetic that Sony has cultivated over the years. It's not trying to scream for attention, which I personally appreciate.

Market Context: A Familiar Tune in a Crowded Orchestra

The mid-range smartphone market is a fiercely competitive space, and the Xperia 10 III enters it with a particular strategy. Sony isn't trying to be the loudest or the flashiest; they're aiming for a specific audience who values a certain design language and a more refined user experience. From my perspective, Sony continues to carve out a niche for users who appreciate their unique approach, even if it doesn't always align with the mainstream trends.

The price point positions it against strong contenders from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google, all offering compelling features and performance. My take is that Sony is relying on its brand recognition, the unique 21:9 aspect ratio display, and certain software features to stand out. Whether this strategy is enough in such a competitive landscape is a key question I'll be addressing throughout this review.

Design & Hardware: A Comfortable Familiarity

Picking up the Xperia 10 III, the first thing that struck me was its slim profile and comfortable ergonomics. It's undeniably a Sony device, carrying forward the understated elegance the brand is known for. The build quality feels solid, and the matte finish on the back is a welcome change from the fingerprint-magnet glossy backs so common these days.

In my hands, the phone feels well-balanced, and the elongated 21:9 aspect ratio makes it surprisingly easy to hold and use one-handed, despite the 6-inch display. The materials used feel premium enough for the price, though it doesn't exude the same level of perceived luxury as some of its more expensive siblings. Durability seems decent; while I didn't intentionally put it through rigorous drop tests, it feels like it can handle the everyday bumps and scrapes. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, is a classic Sony touch and works reliably fast.

Display: Tall and Engaging for Media

The 6-inch OLED display on the Xperia 10 III is a highlight. While it might not be the absolute brightest panel on the market, I found it perfectly adequate for most situations. The colours are vibrant and rich, making media consumption a genuinely enjoyable experience. Scrolling through photos and watching videos on this display is where it truly shines.

For media consumption, the 21:9 aspect ratio is a real boon. Watching movies that are filmed in this format fills the screen beautifully, eliminating those distracting black bars. Gaming is also generally good, though the standard 60Hz refresh rate might feel a little less smooth compared to some competitors offering 90Hz or 120Hz panels. In my daily use, I found the display to be sharp and clear, with good viewing angles. While outdoor visibility under direct sunlight isn't exceptional, it's still usable.

Performance: Smooth for the Basics, But Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 690 chipset powers the Xperia 10 III. In my testing, this translated to a generally smooth experience for everyday tasks. Navigating through the operating system, browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps felt fluid and responsive. Multitasking with a few apps open in the background was also handled without significant issues, thanks to the 6GB of RAM.

However, when pushed with more demanding tasks like graphically intensive games, the limitations of the mid-range chipset become apparent. While casual games run perfectly fine, more demanding titles require dialing down the graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. During extended gaming sessions, I did notice the phone getting slightly warm, but it never became uncomfortably hot. Overall, the performance is perfectly adequate for the average user, but those looking for a serious gaming phone will likely need to look elsewhere. I did encounter occasional minor stutters, particularly when switching between several heavy apps, but it wasn't a consistent issue.

Camera System: Versatility with Mixed Results

The Xperia 10 III features a triple-lens rear camera system, and my experience with it has been a bit of a mixed bag. The main 12MP sensor performs admirably in good lighting conditions, producing sharp images with good detail and vibrant colours. I was particularly pleased with the results I got in daylight scenarios.

The 8MP ultrawide and 8MP telephoto lenses offer versatility, but their performance is noticeably weaker than the main sensor, especially in less-than-ideal lighting. Images from these lenses can sometimes lack detail and exhibit some softness. Video recording capabilities are decent, offering up to 4K resolution, but the lack of optical image stabilization is noticeable when shooting handheld footage.

Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera system is competent but not class-leading. It's capable of capturing good-looking shots, particularly with the main sensor, but it lacks the consistent performance and image quality across all lenses that some competitors offer. In my real-world usage, I found myself primarily relying on the main lens for the best results.

Battery & Charging: A Day and Beyond

Battery life is a strong suit of the Xperia 10 III. The 4500mAh battery consistently saw me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, often with some charge to spare. This included a mix of browsing, social media, streaming music, and some photography. For lighter users, it could potentially stretch into a second day.

Charging, however, is a bit of a letdown. The 18W fast charging is adequate but not particularly fast by today's standards. Fully charging the phone from empty takes a considerable amount of time, and it lacks the super-fast charging capabilities found on some competing devices. While the battery life itself is excellent, the charging speed is something to be aware of. I generally found myself plugging it in overnight to ensure a full charge for the next day.

Software: Clean and Close to Stock

The software experience on the Xperia 10 III is one of its strengths. Running a near-stock version of Android, currently updated to Android 13, it feels clean, uncluttered, and responsive. Sony's additions are minimal and generally helpful, such as their multi-window functionality, which takes advantage of the 21:9 aspect ratio effectively.

In my daily usage, I appreciated the lack of bloatware and the smooth performance of the operating system. Sony has also been reasonably good with software updates, which is a significant plus. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a pleasant experience for both new and experienced Android users.

Value Analysis: A Considered Choice

The value proposition of the Xperia 10 III is an interesting one. At its price point, it faces stiff competition, and while it doesn't necessarily excel in every single area, it offers a balanced package with a few key strengths. I believe this phone is for users who prioritize a clean software experience, a comfortable design, and excellent battery life, and who appreciate Sony's unique approach to smartphone design.

However, those who demand top-tier performance for gaming or require the absolute best camera system in this price range might find better options elsewhere. Compared to its competitors, the Xperia 10 III holds its own in some areas, like battery life and software, but falls slightly behind in others, such as charging speed and overall camera versatility.

Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Ranger for the Right User

Overall, the Sony Xperia 10 III is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a unique blend of design, software, and battery life. It's not a phone that will blow you away with groundbreaking features or raw power, but it delivers a reliable and enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks.

My recommendation is that the Xperia 10 III is a good choice for individuals who value a clean Android experience, appreciate the 21:9 aspect ratio for media consumption, and prioritize long battery life. If you're a hardcore gamer or a photography enthusiast seeking the best-in-class camera, you might want to explore other options. But for those seeking a well-rounded and stylish mid-ranger that sticks to its guns and delivers on the essentials, the Sony Xperia 10 III is definitely worth considering.