ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
Get the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro unless you need top-notch camera features. Plus, the ASUS has a 165Hz display that makes gaming feel buttery smooth compared to the Xperia's 120Hz. In real-world use, ASUS shines for gaming with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, giving you plenty of power for multitasking. On the flip side, the Sony Xperia 1 VI offers unique photography perks like an 85-170mm continuous optical zoom, but its limited US support makes it a risky buy for many. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 VI are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS ROG | Sony Xperia |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (63 reviews) | 4.3★ (41 reviews) |
| Top Strength | First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens | Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens |
| Main Drawback | Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships | NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(63)Best Buy | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,500 nits | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.94 oz (225 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Pros
- First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
Cons
- Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Pros
- Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
Cons
- NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you play a lot of mobile games, need a long-lasting battery for travel, or want the brightest display for outdoor use. (6.78" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you prioritize photography with advanced zoom features, want a lighter device at 6.77oz, or prefer expandable storage with a microSD slot.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 63 reviews vs 41
→ Choose ASUS ROG
First ROG phone Priority
First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Exclusive 85-170mm true Priority
Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
→ Choose Sony Xperia
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, Sony Xperia 1 VI remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro or Sony Xperia 1 VI?
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Sony Xperia 1 VI wins if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 VI?
Key differences: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro offers first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens, while Sony Xperia 1 VI stands out with exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Consider that ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro software support (2 os updates) lags behind samsung/google flagships. Meanwhile, Sony Xperia 1 VI not officially sold in the us (no warranty, missing key us 5g bands like band 71). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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