If you prioritize a high-quality camera and a large, vivid display, go for the Sony Xperia 1 III; its camera setup is more versatile and the screen is larger and sharper than the iPhone SE (2022), with a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals. However, the iPhone SE (2022) is a more budget-friendly option with a smaller screen and a single camera that still delivers good photo quality. It operates on iOS, whereas the Xperia runs on Android, so consider which ecosystem you prefer. The iPhone is compact and lighter, which might appeal if you want a phone that's easy to handle and carry around. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Very good performance
Advantages of the Sony Xperia 1 III
Best in class display quality
Key differences
Video Quality
6.6/10
6.0/10
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) and Sony Xperia 1 III both have only fair videos, though the Apple iPhone SE (2022) takes somewhat better videos.
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) has capabilities that allow for very good video resolution and framerate, along with good video software experience, stabilization, dynamic range, low light performance, and microphone quality. However, the Sony Xperia 1 III also offers very good video resolution and framerate, with similar stabilization and dynamic range, but has a fair rating in software experience, low light performance, and microphone quality.
Battery
4.9 Hours
5.6 Hours
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) has 4.9 hours of battery life. The Sony Xperia 1 III has 5.6 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) has a screen size of 4.7 inches and the Sony Xperia 1 III is 6.5 inches.
Cost
$429
$899
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) has a price of $429 and the Sony Xperia 1 III costs $899.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony Xperia 1 III to have only fair overall camera quality, while the Apple iPhone SE (2022) has poor overall camera quality.
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) and Sony Xperia 1 III both have fair selfie cameras, indicating that while capable, they may not excel in areas like dynamic range or low light performance. While they both offer satisfactory results for casual usage, those looking for higher quality selfies for professional or artistic purposes might need to consider other options with better selfie cameras.
Photo Quality
5.5/10
5.9/10
The Sony Xperia 1 III and Apple iPhone SE (2022) both have poor photos.
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) and the Sony Xperia 1 III both have fair selfie quality, which may not satisfy users looking for superior front-facing camera performance. Both phones also experience lower performance in dynamic range and low light conditions, and their overall camera versatility, such as the range of photographic options and lenses available, is not highly rated, impacting the variety and quality of photos that can be captured in different settings.
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How the Apple iPhone SE (2022) and the Sony Xperia 1 III compare to other phones
"Thanks to the inclusion of the A15 chip, the SE is likely to be supported for years to come. That makes it the best deal in smartphones today for folks who just want something simple and don't care about the frills. The iPhone SE is a great deal if you're more interested in the basics than the latest flashy features.. It's also a great option for people who prefer to use their phones one-handed—a dying breed, we know."
"For those who enjoy Sony’s Android phones, or who want a top-tier smartphone with a versatile camera, a beautiful screen and strong battery life, this is a great choice. If your budget can stretch to it, and you're a fan of its looks, it could be a great option."
Get a great deal on the Apple iPhone SE (2022) or the Sony Xperia 1 III
About Apple
The tech giant called Apple is synonymous with the most popular smartphone in the world: the iPhone. Known for their build quality and aesthetics, as well as for their excellent integration between hardware and software, iPhones have defined the smartphone industry ever since their conception and they continue to do so by setting new industry standards. Apple's own operating system, called iOS, is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and the company tends to complement it well by creating devices with some of the most powerful processing hardware available in the mobile world. The iPhone is also known for its robust ecosystem of accessories, as it facilitates a very seamless experience when interacting with other Apple products, more so than most of its competitors.
About Sony
Sony has had a long history in the mobile market, entering the scene all the way back in 1993 with its first commercially available phone, the CM-H333. Nowadays, their Xperia line of phones provide well-rounded and sometimes expensive devices with a focus on camera software that includes extensive support for manual tweaking of settings. Sony's dedication to audio quality is also evident in its smartphones, which often feature high-resolution audio support while also being one of the few remaining manufacturers that consistently provide headphone jacks in their phones. The company's version of Android is also considered to be close to stock, enabling a bloatware-free experience for its users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
152,100
Recommendations made
86,190
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.