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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better buy for most people, thanks to its stunning 165Hz refresh rate, which crushes the Sony Xperia 1 VI's 120Hz. You'll feel the difference in gaming and scrolling—it's like night and day. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz.
📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5500 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7
(63)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3
(41)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"
Refresh Rate
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5X
Storage
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAh
Wireless Charging
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)Winner
Dimensions
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
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
★4.7(63)Best Buy
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
| 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
Rating:★4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports
✓ Pros:
- • First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- • Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
- • Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
- • Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers
✗ Cons:
- • Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- • Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
- • Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
- • Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
- • No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Rating:★4.3(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models*
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Telephoto Camera:12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro
Optical Zoom:3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution)
Video Recording:4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses)
Front Camera:12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included*
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort)
Durability:IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.77 oz (192 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ 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)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 165Hz refresh rate crushes the Sony Xperia 1 VI's 120Hz. That said, grab the Xperia 1 VI if you need advanced photography features, like its unique 3.5-7.1x optical zoom.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you want the best gaming experience with a 165Hz display, need a longer-lasting battery with 34 hours of video playback, or value a brighter display at 2,500 nits.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you prioritize photography with its continuous optical zoom, want a lighter phone at 6.77oz, or value expandable storage with a microSD slot.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro excels if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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