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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nothing Phone (2)

Sony Xperia 1 VI
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.
Expand
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)

Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | Nothing Phone (2) | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(397)Amazon | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4,700mAh | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |

Nothing Phone (2)
✓ 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.

Sony Xperia 1 VI
✓ 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.
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
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.
