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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Nothing Phone (2) vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

The Nothing Phone (2) is the premium option here, but its camera and build quality can't quite match the Sony Xperia 1 VI's flagship features. In my testing, the standout feature is the Xperia's continuous optical zoom lens, which offers an impressive 3.5x to 7.1x optical zoom compared to the Nothing's digital zoom that lags behind at 10x. So, if photography is your game, the Xperia is definitely worth considering.

📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.5"🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.09 oz vs 6.77 oz

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Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

4.6
(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Sony Xperia 1 VI

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.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Nothing Phone (2)
6.7"Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Nothing Phone (2)
1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Nothing Phone (2)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Nothing Phone (2)
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Nothing Phone (2)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalentWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Nothing Phone (2)
4,700mAh
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Wireless Charging
Nothing Phone (2)
15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Nothing Phone (2)
7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)Winner
Dimensions
Nothing Phone (2)
6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Nothing Phone (2)
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, 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.

Comparison: Nothing Phone (2) vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

4.6(397)Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony Xperia 1 VI

4.3(41)Amazon
Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

Rating:4.6(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.7"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness)
Resolution:2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen)
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera:50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps
Front Camera:32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps
Battery:4,700mAh
Wired Charging:45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers

✓ Pros:

  • Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
  • Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Power-efficient LTPO OLED display (1-120Hz)
  • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS)
  • Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

✗ Cons:

  • IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
  • Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
  • Digital zoom performance (max 10x) is weak compared to class leaders
  • Ultrawide sensor (Samsung JN1) struggles in low light compared to main sensor
  • No charger included in the box

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Sony Xperia 1 VI

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?

Grab the Nothing Phone (2) if you love unique designs and want a similar-weight phone at 7.09oz.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you appreciate iconic designs, want a smooth 120Hz display for gaming, or prefer a bloatware-free experience.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you shoot a lot of photos and videos, need a longer-lasting battery for 2+ days, or want expandable storage with a microSD slot.

Conclusion

With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Nothing Phone (2) excels if you value iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. 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.

Affiliate disclosure

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