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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSony Xperia 1 VI vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Get the Sony Xperia 1 VI unless you're on a tight budget. The numbers tell the story: it features a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a unique 85-170mm continuous optical zoom, making it a photography powerhouse. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) offers solid entry-level performance but lacks 5G and has just a 720p display. Remember, it falls short in performance and display quality compared to the flagship Xperia 1 VI.
⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz⚖️ Weight: 6.77 oz vs 6.53 oz📷 Camera: 48 MP vs 50 MP
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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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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display1 specs
Refresh Rate
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel TechnologyWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAh
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+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 Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(41)Amazon | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
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 8x |
Video Recording | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.77 oz (192 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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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→
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the better buy for most people - its 48MP triple camera crushes the Moto G Play’s single 50MP setup.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you want top-notch photography capabilities, need a high-performance phone for gaming, or require extensive storage with 256GB.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want to save money, need a long-lasting battery for daily tasks, or prefer a lighter phone at 6.53oz.
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?
Sony Xperia 1 VI excels if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. 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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