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The Sony Xperia 10 III, released in June 2021, is a mid-range smartphone that brings 5G connectivity and a cinematic 21:9 OLED display to a more affordable price point, launching at $429/£399. Powered by the Snapdragon 690 and featuring a 4500 mAh battery, it targets users who prioritize media consumption and durability, with an IP65/68 rating and Gorilla Glass 6. Its triple camera setup includes a 2x telephoto lens, a rarity in this segment, but its 60Hz refresh rate and sluggish performance hold it back. In 2025, the Xperia 10 III remains a decent budget option for movie lovers, especially at a reduced price, though newer mid-range phones like the Xperia 10 V or Samsung Galaxy A54 offer better performance and features.

Feature

Sony Xperia 10 III

Release Date

June 2021

Display

6.0" OLED, FHD+ (2520 x 1080), 60Hz, 21:9 aspect ratio, HDR

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 690, 8nm

RAM

6GB

Storage

128GB, microSD support (up to 1TB)

Rear Camera

Triple: 12MP (main f/1.8), 8MP (ultra-wide f/2.2), 8MP (telephoto f/2.4, 2x zoom)

Front Camera

8MP, f/2.0

Battery

4500 mAh, 30W fast charging (7.5W charger included)

OS

Android 11 (upgradable to Android 13)

Build

Gorilla Glass 6 (front and back), plastic frame, IP65/68 water/dust resistant

Connectivity

5G (sub-6), 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC

Price (Launch)

$429 / £399

  • Cinematic Display: The 6.0-inch 21:9 OLED with HDR is great for movies.
  • Excellent Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery lasts over 20 hours, a 25% increase from the Xperia 10 II.
  • Durable Build: IP65/68 rating and Gorilla Glass 6 offer premium durability.
  • Telephoto Lens: A 2x optical zoom lens is rare in this price range.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A bonus for audio enthusiasts.
  • 60Hz Display: Feels dated compared to 90Hz or 120Hz mid-range phones.
  • Sluggish Performance: The Snapdragon 690 struggles with multitasking and gaming.
  • Slow Charging Out of Box: Ships with a 7.5W charger despite supporting 30W.
  • Mediocre Camera: Lacks in low-light performance and has a sluggish shutter.
  • Mono Speaker: Lacks stereo sound, limiting audio quality.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: Upgrade to a 90Hz or 120Hz display for smoother scrolling.
  • Better Processor: Use a Snapdragon 7-series chip for improved performance.
  • Faster Charging in Box: Include a 30W charger to match the phone’s capability.
  • Enhanced Camera: Improve low-light performance and add a night mode.
  • Stereo Speakers: Add stereo sound for better audio immersion.
  • Brighter Display: Increase brightness for better outdoor visibility.
  • More RAM: Bump up to 8GB for better multitasking.

The Sony Xperia 10 III is a well-built mid-range phone that excels in media consumption, thanks to its 21:9 OLED display and long battery life. Its IP65/68 rating and Gorilla Glass 6 make it a durable choice for outdoor use, and the inclusion of a telephoto lens is a nice touch for budget buyers. However, its 60Hz display, sluggish Snapdragon 690, and poor low-light camera performance make it feel outdated in 2025, especially against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or OnePlus Nord CE 4, which offer better performance and features for a similar price. The slow charging with the included 7.5W charger is also a letdown. If you can find the Xperia 10 III at a steep discount, it’s a decent pick for movie lovers on a budget. Otherwise, newer models provide a more modern experience.

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  • Published: 3/27/2025
  • Company: Sony
  • Category: Mobile