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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSony Xperia 1 VI vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the flagship option here, designed for photography enthusiasts with its unique 85-170mm continuous optical zoom lens. In real-world use, this camera setup crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen), which lacks any optical zoom altogether. . The trade-off?
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 2018 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 SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
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 SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB 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 SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 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 SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+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 SE (3rd Gen)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(41)Amazon | ★4.5(225)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 (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.5" | 4.7" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) | No (Not supported) |
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 | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 2,018mAh (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 | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
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) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.77 oz (192 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), 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.
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone SE if you want a more compact phone and prefer a classic design - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you shoot a lot of photos with advanced zoom, you need 2+ days of battery life, or you want a top-tier display with adaptive refresh rates.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a budget-friendly entry into the iPhone ecosystem, prefer compact devices that fit easily in your pocket, or need a simple phone for everyday use. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
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?
Sony Xperia 1 VI excels if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. 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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