Sony Xperia 1 VI vs OnePlus Nord N30 5G
In the battle between the Sony Xperia 1 VI and OnePlus Nord N30 5G, the former is the flagship powerhouse while the latter is a budget-friendly contender. If you want top-tier photography and premium features, Sony is the way to go. But if you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance, OnePlus offers excellent value in 2026. What stands out is the Sony Xperia 1 VI's impressive 85-170mm optical zoom, making it a dream for photographers. So, if you need a phone that keeps up with your busy lifestyle, the OnePlus might be the smarter choice.
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Sony Xperia 1 VI

OnePlus Nord N30 5G
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony Xperia 1 VI vs OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Sony Xperia 1 VI

OnePlus Nord N30 5G
| Criterion | Sony Xperia 1 VI | OnePlus Nord N30 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(41)Amazon | ★4.4(1,496)Amazon |
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 |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.72" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) | 550 nits (Typical) / 680 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS | 108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital Zoom |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro |
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 6x |
Video Recording | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* | 50W SUPERVOOC (Charger included) |
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 | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC |
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) | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) | 6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.77 oz (192 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button | Stereo speakers (200% Ultra Volume Mode), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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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)
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G
✓ Pros:
- • Fastest charging in the US budget segment (50W wired)
- • Large 120Hz display is smooth and responsive
- • Base model comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (high for this tier)
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion
- • 108MP main camera provides decent 3x lossless zoom in good light
✗ Cons:
- • No ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors)
- • LCD panel lacks the contrast of OLED competitors (e.g., Galaxy A15 5G)
- • Video recording capped at 1080p/30fps (Chipset limitation)
- • Software support (1 OS update) is very short compared to Samsung (4 years)
- • No official IP rating for water resistance
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Which one is better?
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is the better buy for most people - its 50W charging crushes the Sony's 30W. That said, grab the Sony Xperia 1 VI if you need professional-grade photography with its unique optical zoom - it's a solid investment for serious creators.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you shoot a lot of photos with its unique optical zoom, you value premium features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, or you want a brighter display for outdoor use.
Choose the OnePlus Nord N30 5G if: you want the fastest charging available in this price tier, you need a large and smooth display for gaming, or you want a phone that lasts all day with a powerful battery. (6.72" display, 6.88 oz weight)
Conclusion
Sony Xperia 1 VI and OnePlus Nord N30 5G 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. OnePlus Nord N30 5G is better if you prioritize fastest charging in the us budget segment (50w wired). 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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