Sony Xperia 1 III Review: Is It Really Worth the Money?

In a world dominated by Apple and Samsung, I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdogs of the smartphone industry. That’s why when I got my hands on the Sony Xperia 1 III, I was genuinely excited to see if Sony could deliver something truly unique in today’s oversaturated market. As someone who values both productivity and creativity, I was particularly interested in how Sony’s expertise in cameras, displays, and audio would translate into their flagship smartphone.

After using the Xperia 1 III as my daily driver for several weeks, I can confidently say this device offers something special for those willing to look beyond the mainstream options. With its stunning 4K display, versatile camera system, and audiophile-friendly features, the Xperia 1 III represents Sony’s most compelling smartphone offering in years.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Sony Xperia 1 III – from its impressive specs to real-world performance – to help you decide if this premium device deserves a place in your pocket.

Check the current price of the Sony Xperia 1 III on Amazon

Quick Verdict: Is the Sony Xperia 1 III Worth It?

For those who don’t have time to read the full review, here’s my quick take: The Sony Xperia 1 III earns a solid 9/10 in my book. It excels in display quality, camera capabilities, audio performance, and build quality. While it’s not perfect – battery life could be better and the price is definitely steep – it offers unique features you simply won’t find on other flagship phones.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, media consumer, or someone who appreciates thoughtful, feature-rich design, the Xperia 1 III is well worth considering. However, if you prioritize computational photography that does everything for you or need multi-day battery life, you might want to look elsewhere.

Comparison Table: Sony Xperia 1 III vs. Major Competitors

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Sony Xperia 1 III Unboxing Experience

The unboxing experience of the Sony Xperia 1 III sets the tone for what’s to come. The sleek, minimalist black box screams premium from the moment you hold it. Inside, you’ll find:

• The Xperia 1 III smartphone
• USB-C charging cable
• 30W fast charger
• Documentation and warranty information
• SIM ejection tool

What impressed me immediately was the substantial feel of the phone itself. With its frosted glass back and aluminum frame, the device exudes quality. At 186g, it strikes a nice balance – substantial enough to feel premium without being too heavy for comfortable daily use.

Sony Xperia 1 III Design and Build Quality

The moment I took the Xperia 1 III out of its box, I was struck by its distinctive design. In a world of increasingly similar-looking smartphones, Sony has stuck to its guns with the 21:9 aspect ratio, giving the phone a tall, narrow profile that sets it apart from the competition.

The device features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, providing excellent protection against scratches and drops. The matte finish on the back glass is not just beautiful but also practical – it resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives.

What I particularly appreciate about the design is the attention to detail. The dedicated camera shutter button, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, and the tactile volume rocker all have excellent feedback. These physical controls make the phone feel more like a precision tool than just another smartphone.

Color Options

The Sony Xperia 1 III comes in three sophisticated colors:

• Frosted Black (my personal favorite)
• Frosted Purple
• Frosted Gray

I opted for the Frosted Black model, which has a stealthy, professional look that’s perfect for both work and leisure.

Water and Dust Resistance

One aspect that gives me confidence in using this phone daily is its IP65/68 rating for water and dust resistance. I’ve used the phone in light rain and even accidentally splashed water on it while washing dishes, and it’s continued to function flawlessly.

Check current price and availability of all color options on Amazon

Sony Xperia 1 III Display

The display on the Sony Xperia 1 III is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s easily one of the phone’s standout features. Let’s break it down:

Key Display Specifications:

• 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED panel (3840 × 1644 resolution)
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio
• Creator Mode powered by CineAlta (professional color calibration)
• 240Hz touch sampling rate for responsive gaming
• 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage

In everyday use, this display is simply stunning. Text is razor-sharp, colors are vibrant yet accurate, and the contrast is exceptional thanks to the OLED technology. I particularly appreciate the Creator Mode, which provides color accuracy that rivals professional monitors – perfect for photo editing on the go.

The 21:9 aspect ratio might seem unusual at first, but I’ve come to appreciate it for several reasons:

1. Perfect for movies – Most films are shot in 21:9, so you get a true cinematic experience without black bars
2. Great for multitasking – The extra vertical space is excellent for running two apps simultaneously
3. Comfortable one-handed use – Despite the large screen size, the narrow width makes it easier to use with one hand than wider phones

The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media, browsing the web, and navigating the interface feel incredibly smooth. While it does impact battery life, Sony has implemented adaptive refresh rate technology that adjusts based on content.

One minor criticism is that the display could be brighter for outdoor use. While it’s perfectly viewable in most situations, it struggles somewhat in direct sunlight compared to the ultra-bright displays found on the latest Samsung and Apple flagships.

Experience the stunning 4K 120Hz display – Check price on Amazon

Sony Xperia 1 III Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia 1 III packs serious hardware that ensures smooth performance across all tasks:

Key Performance Specifications:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
• 4,500 mAh battery
• 30W fast charging
• Wireless charging
• Heat Suppression Power Control

In my extensive testing, the Xperia 1 III handles everything I throw at it with ease. From productivity tasks like document editing and multitasking to demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, the performance is consistently excellent.

Benchmark Results:

While these numbers are impressive, what matters more is real-world performance. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and I haven’t experienced any significant slowdowns even after weeks of use.

One area where Sony excels is in thermal management. Unlike some other Snapdragon 888 phones that tend to throttle under sustained loads, the Xperia 1 III maintains performance well, thanks to its sophisticated cooling system. During extended gaming sessions, the phone gets warm but never uncomfortably hot.

The inclusion of a microSD card slot is a rare find in today’s flagship phones and a welcome feature for those who work with large files or keep extensive media libraries.

Check the current price of the Sony Xperia 1 III with Snapdragon 888 and 12GB RAM

Sony Xperia 1 III Camera System

The camera system on the Xperia 1 III is where Sony’s expertise in professional photography truly shines. Rather than playing the megapixel game, Sony has focused on delivering versatile, high-quality cameras that give users professional-level control.

Camera Specifications:

• Main Camera: 12MP Exmor RS sensor, 24mm equivalent, f/1.7 aperture, OIS
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, 16mm equivalent, f/2.2 aperture
• Telephoto Camera: 12MP with variable zoom (70mm f/2.3 and 105mm f/2.8), OIS
• Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0 aperture
• ZEISS optics with T* coating to reduce reflections
• 3D iToF sensor for rapid and accurate autofocus
• Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals
• 20fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking
• 4K HDR video recording at 120fps

What sets the Xperia 1 III apart from other smartphones is its approach to photography. Instead of heavy computational processing, Sony focuses on capturing accurate, natural images that professionals can edit to their liking.

Camera Apps and Interface

Sony provides three distinct camera apps:

1. Basic Camera – For quick point-and-shoot photography
2. Photo Pro – Mimics Sony’s Alpha camera interface with full manual controls
3. Cinema Pro – Professional-grade video recording with manual controls

I particularly appreciate the Photo Pro app, which gives me granular control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus. The ability to shoot in RAW format is excellent for post-processing flexibility. The dedicated physical shutter button – with half-press to focus – makes the experience feel more like using a dedicated camera than a smartphone.

Real-World Camera Performance

In good lighting conditions, the Xperia 1 III captures stunningly detailed photos with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. The natural look of Sony’s image processing is refreshing in a world of over-processed smartphone photos.

Low-light performance is good, though not quite at the level of the computational night modes found on Google Pixels or iPhones. However, if you know what you’re doing with the manual controls, you can achieve excellent results.

The variable telephoto lens is a technical marvel, offering two distinct focal lengths (70mm and 105mm) from a single lens module. This provides versatile zoom options without compromising image quality as heavily as digital zoom.

Video capabilities are equally impressive, with 4K HDR recording at up to 120fps. The Cinema Pro app gives filmmakers manual control over parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and focus, along with professional color profiles for easier grading in post-production.

Sample Photo Analysis

In my testing, landscape photos show excellent detail and dynamic range, with the ability to capture both bright skies and shadowy foregrounds in a single shot. Portrait photos benefit from natural skin tones and bokeh that looks more authentic than the artificial blur applied by many other smartphones.

The ultra-wide camera performs well, with good distortion correction at the edges. The telephoto lens at both 70mm and 105mm produces sharp images with good detail, though as expected, the longer focal length struggles more in low light.

For those willing to invest time in learning the camera system and its controls, the Xperia 1 III can produce results that rival dedicated compact cameras. However, if you prefer a “point and shoot” experience with heavy computational assistance, you might be better served by a Pixel or iPhone.

Capture professional-quality photos with the Sony Xperia 1 III – Check price on Amazon

Audio Experience: A Music Lover’s Delight

As a dedicated music enthusiast, the audio capabilities of the Xperia 1 III have genuinely impressed me. Sony has gone above and beyond in this department, offering features that true audiophiles will appreciate:

• Front-facing stereo speakers with 40% more volume than the previous generation
• 3.5mm headphone jack (increasingly rare on flagship phones)
• DSEE Ultimate technology for upscaling compressed audio
• 360 Reality Audio support
• Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
• LDAC codec support for high-quality Bluetooth audio
• Dolby Atmos support

The front-facing stereo speakers produce remarkably clear and balanced sound. While they can’t match the bass response of larger devices, they’re among the best smartphone speakers I’ve tested. Whether watching YouTube videos or playing games, the audio is immersive and detailed.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack deserves special mention. As someone who owns several high-quality wired headphones, I appreciate not having to rely on dongles or Bluetooth. The audio quality through the headphone jack is exceptional, with plenty of power to drive even demanding headphones.

When using wireless earbuds or headphones, the support for advanced codecs like LDAC ensures you get the best possible quality from compatible devices. I tested this with Sony’s own WH-1000XM4 headphones, and the wireless audio quality was outstanding.

Experience superior audio quality with the Xperia 1 III – Check price on Amazon

Sony Xperia 1 III Battery Life and Charging

If there’s one area where the Xperia 1 III doesn’t quite match its excellence elsewhere, it’s battery life. The 4,500mAh battery is reasonably sized but has to power a demanding 4K 120Hz display and powerful processor.

In my typical usage pattern (which includes email, social media, photography, some gaming, and video consumption), I consistently get around:

• 5-6 hours of screen-on time with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled
• 6-7 hours of screen-on time with 60Hz refresh rate

This translates to a full day of use for most people, but heavy users might need to reach for a charger before bedtime. This isn’t terrible by any means, but it falls short of the multi-day battery life offered by some competitors.

Fortunately, Sony has included excellent charging options:

• 30W wired fast charging that takes the phone from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes
• Wireless charging support for convenient top-ups
• Battery Care and Xperia Adaptive Charging features that extend battery lifespan

The Battery Care feature is particularly clever – it learns your charging patterns and controls charging to ensure your battery remains healthy over the long term.

Software: Clean, Thoughtful, and Feature-Rich

Sony’s approach to software is refreshingly restrained compared to some Android manufacturers. The Xperia 1 III runs a near-stock version of Android, with thoughtful Sony additions that enhance rather than detract from the experience.

Key Software Features:

• Side Sense – A customizable quick access menu that can be triggered by double-tapping the edge of the screen
• Multi-window Switch – Quickly open pairs of apps in split-screen mode
• Game Enhancer – Optimize performance, block notifications, and record gameplay
• Smart Connectivity – Intelligently switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data for the best connection
• Music Pro – Advanced audio recording with AI noise reduction

The overall software experience feels cohesive and well-designed. Animations are smooth, the interface is intuitive, and Sony’s custom apps add genuine value without feeling like bloatware.

Sony has promised 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates for the Xperia 1 III. While this is adequate, it falls short of the longer support periods now offered by Samsung and Google.

Gaming Performance: Serious Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming has become a significant consideration for smartphone buyers, and the Xperia 1 III delivers an excellent experience in this regard:

• The Snapdragon 888 processor and Adreno 660 GPU handle demanding titles with ease
• The 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling make games feel responsive
• The 21:9 aspect ratio gives a wider field of view in many games
• Heat Suppression Power Control allows charging while gaming without thermal throttling
• Game Enhancer provides useful tools like FPS monitoring and screenshot capture

I tested several demanding games including Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9. All ran smoothly at high settings, with frame rates consistently staying above 60fps in most titles.

The phone does warm up during extended gaming sessions, but the thermal management is effective at preventing uncomfortable heat levels or significant performance throttling.

The front-facing stereo speakers enhance the gaming experience, providing directional audio that can give you a competitive advantage in games where sound positioning matters.

Level up your mobile gaming with the Xperia 1 III – Check price on Amazon

Connectivity and Network Performance

The Xperia 1 III is well-equipped for connectivity in the modern world:

• 5G support (sub-6GHz, no mmWave in the U.S. version)
• Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed local networking
• Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC codec support
• NFC for contactless payments
• USB 3.1 Type-C port with DisplayPort support
• Dual SIM capability (physical SIM + eSIM)

In my testing, 5G speeds were excellent in covered areas, and the Wi-Fi 6 performance was notably better than older devices when connected to a compatible router. Call quality is excellent, with clear voice reproduction and effective noise cancellation for the person on the other end of the line.

The Xperia 1 III also supports Sony’s Smart Connectivity feature, which intelligently switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on signal strength and quality, ensuring you always have the best possible connection.

Special Features Worth Highlighting

Several unique features make the Xperia 1 III stand out from the crowd:

1. Professional Photo and Video Apps

The Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps bring Sony’s professional camera expertise to a smartphone. With interfaces inspired by Sony’s Alpha cameras and CineAlta cinema cameras, these apps provide a level of manual control rarely seen on smartphones.

2. External Monitor Functionality

You can use the Xperia 1 III as an external monitor for compatible Sony Alpha cameras, which is invaluable for photographers and videographers who want a larger screen for composition and focus checking.

3. PS4 Remote Play

For gamers, the ability to stream PlayStation games to your phone is fantastic. The 21:9 display and excellent speakers make this a genuinely enjoyable way to play when you’re away from your console.

4. 360 Reality Audio

Sony’s spatial audio technology creates an immersive listening experience with compatible content and headphones. It’s like having a surround sound system in your pocket.

5. Creator Mode

This display mode, powered by Sony’s professional CineAlta technology, provides color accuracy that rivals professional monitors – perfect for photo editing, watching movies as directors intended, or creating content on the go.

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Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 1 III?

After extensively testing the Xperia 1 III, I believe it’s particularly well-suited for:

Photography Enthusiasts

If you appreciate manual camera controls and want a phone that takes a more traditional approach to photography rather than heavy computational processing, the Xperia 1 III is perfect. It’s essentially a compact camera with smartphone functionality.

Content Creators

The professional-grade camera apps, color-accurate 4K display, and excellent audio recording capabilities make this an ideal tool for mobile content creation.

Media Consumers

With its 4K HDR OLED display, front-facing stereo speakers, and 3.5mm headphone jack, the Xperia 1 III provides one of the best media consumption experiences available on a smartphone.

Audiophiles

The combination of a high-quality DAC, headphone jack, DSEE Ultimate upscaling, and support for high-resolution audio formats makes this a standout choice for music lovers.

Multitaskers

The tall 21:9 display and robust multitasking features are perfect for those who frequently use split-screen apps or need to reference information from multiple sources.

Who Should Consider Alternatives?

The Xperia 1 III might not be the best fit for:

Point-and-Shoot Photographers

If you prefer computational photography that handles everything automatically, phones like the iPhone 13 Pro or Google Pixel 6 might better meet your needs.

Battery-Focused Users

Those who prioritize multi-day battery life might want to consider alternatives with larger batteries or less power-hungry displays.

Budget-Conscious Buyers

At its premium price point, the Xperia 1 III requires a significant investment. Those looking for better value might consider mid-range options with fewer specialized features.

Long-Term Durability and Support

After several months of use, my Xperia 1 III shows very few signs of wear. The Gorilla Glass Victus has protected the screen from scratches despite not using a screen protector, and the matte finish on the back has held up well.

Sony has promised 3 years of security updates, which is reasonable though not industry-leading. The physical build quality suggests this phone will remain usable for many years, especially since the battery care features should help maintain battery health over time.

Price and Value Analysis

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Sony Xperia 1 III is expensive. With a launch MSRP of $1,299, it sits at the upper end of the smartphone price spectrum alongside premium offerings from Apple and Samsung.

Is it worth the investment? For the right user, absolutely. You’re getting:

• A professional-grade camera system with unique features
• One of the best smartphone displays on the market
• Premium audio capabilities rarely found on modern flagships
• Thoughtful software with minimal bloatware
• Flagship-level performance
• Premium build quality

However, value is subjective. If you won’t utilize the pro-level camera features or don’t care about the 4K display and audio quality, you might find better value in less expensive alternatives.

Check current discounts and offers on the Xperia 1 III on Amazon

Common Questions About the Sony Xperia 1 III

How does the battery life compare to other flagship phones?

The battery life is adequate but not exceptional. You’ll typically get through a full day with moderate use, but heavy users might need a mid-day charge. This is the trade-off for powering a 4K 120Hz display.

Is the camera really better than computational photography phones?

It’s not necessarily better—just different. The Xperia 1 III produces more natural-looking images that professionals can edit to their liking, while phones like the Pixel 6 produce more immediately pleasing photos through computational processing.

Does the 4K display make a noticeable difference?

Yes, especially when viewing high-resolution content or looking at text. The difference is subtle compared to QHD+ displays but definitely noticeable compared to 1080p screens.

Is the phone good for gaming?

Absolutely! The Snapdragon 888 processor, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate provide an excellent gaming experience, especially for competitive titles.

Is the Sony Xperia 1 III waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia 1 III is waterproof. It has an IP65/IP68 rating, meaning it’s protected against dust and can withstand immersion in freshwater up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

How long will Sony support Xperia 1 III?

Sony typically offers 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches for the Xperia 1 III. Support timelines may vary slightly by region or carrier.

Accessories I Recommend

To get the most out of your Sony Xperia 1 III, I recommend these accessories:

1. Mr. Shield Screen Protector – Offers excellent protection while maintaining touch sensitivity
2. Compatible TPU Case – Provides protection without adding bulk
3. High-Speed MicroSD Card – Expand your storage for photos, videos, and apps

Final Verdict: A Specialist Flagship That Excels in Its Niche

After weeks of using the Sony Xperia 1 III as my daily driver, I’ve come to appreciate it as a device that marches to the beat of its own drum. While other manufacturers chase similar design goals, Sony has created something genuinely different that excels in specific areas.

The stunning 4K 120Hz display is a technological marvel that makes every visual experience more enjoyable. The camera system offers versatility and control that photography enthusiasts will love. The audio capabilities are class-leading, especially for those with good headphones. And the thoughtful software enhances rather than detracts from the Android experience.

Yes, the battery life could be better, and the price is undeniably high. But for those who value the unique features Sony offers, the Xperia 1 III represents excellent value despite its premium positioning.

My Final Rating: 9/10

The Sony Xperia 1 III is not trying to be all things to all people, and that’s precisely why I appreciate it. In a market where smartphones are increasingly homogeneous, Sony has created something distinctive that excels at specific tasks rather than trying to be merely adequate at everything.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, content creator, media consumer, or multitasker who appreciates thoughtful design and is willing to pay a premium for specialized features, the Xperia 1 III deserves your serious consideration. It’s a device that reminds us that smartphones can still be unique, specialized tools rather than generic appliances.

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About the Author

As a tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience reviewing smartphones, I approach each device with a critical eye and real-world usage in mind. My reviews focus on how devices perform in daily life rather than just laboratory tests. I believe that the best technology enhances our lives without demanding constant attention, and I evaluate products based on this philosophy.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my work while providing you with valuable product recommendations.