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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSony Xperia 1 VI vs Apple iPhone 13
Key specs: Display: 6.5" vs 6.1" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz. So, while the Xperia 1 VI is a premium choice, the iPhone 13 provides a reliable alternative for those on a budget looking for a dependable smartphone experience in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 3240 mAh
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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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Apple iPhone 13
★4.8
(818)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Apple iPhone 13
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"Winner
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Storage
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OISWinner
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
Wireless Charging
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Design2 specs
Weight
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Dimensions
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
+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: Sony Xperia 1 VI vs Apple iPhone 13
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
Apple iPhone 13
★4.8(818)Best Buy
| Criterion | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(41)Amazon | ★4.8(818)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) |
Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 3,240mAh (approximate) |
Wired Charging | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) |
Weight | 6.77 oz (192 g) | 6.14 oz (174 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Face ID |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support |
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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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple iPhone 13
Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
- • A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
- • High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
- • Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
✗ Cons:
- • Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- • Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
- • Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
- • No telephoto lens for optical zoom
- • Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 13 if you're looking to save money - it's lighter at 6.14oz and still offers great performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you need a flagship camera with 48MP, you want a battery that lasts over 30 hours, or you appreciate expandable storage with microSD.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you prefer a compact design at 6.1", you want a robust build with Ceramic Shield, or you need a well-supported device for everyday tasks.
Conclusion
Sony Xperia 1 VI and Apple iPhone 13 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony Xperia 1 VI excels if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Apple iPhone 13 is better if you prioritize excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. 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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