Pixel 7a vs Sony Xperia 1 III: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Google · 2023

Pixel 7a

Pixel 7a
79/ 100
Launch price$499
Sony · 2021

Sony Xperia 1 III

Sony Xperia 1 III
80/ 100
Launch price$1,300
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 4 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel 7a
Pixel 7a
4 wins
Sony Xperia 1 III
Sony Xperia 1 III
4 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Pixel 7aSony Xperia 1 III
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedSony Xperia 1 III
    80
    90
  • CameraPixel 7a
    88
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfiePixel 7a
    60
    40
  • BatterySony Xperia 1 III
    70
    78
  • DisplaySony Xperia 1 III
    74
    86
  • ConnectivityPixel 7a
    88
    75
  • SecuritySony Xperia 1 III
    86
    100
  • ValuePixel 7a
    80
    55
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia 1 III has the bigger battery4,500 mAh vs 4,385 mAh
  • Sony Xperia 1 III charges faster30W vs 18W
  • Pixel 7a has a sharper main camera64 MP vs 12 MP
  • Sony Xperia 1 III has a smoother screen120 Hz vs 90 Hz
  • Sony Xperia 1 III has the bigger screen6.5" vs 6.1"
  • Sony Xperia 1 III is lighter186 g vs 193.5 g
  • Pixel 7a launched cheaper$499 vs $1,300
  • Pixel 7a has a sharper selfie camera13 MP vs 8 MP
  • Pixel 7a has newer Bluetooth5.3 vs 5.2
  • Sony Xperia 1 III has more RAM12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Pixel 7a has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 6
  • Sony Xperia 1 III is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel 7a
  • ✓$801 cheaper at launch ($499 vs $1,300)
  • ✓64 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 90 Hz
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia 1 III
  • ✓7.5 g lighter (186 g vs 193.5 g), easier to hold
  • ✓Bigger 4,500 mAh battery (+115 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixel 7aSony Xperia 1 III
1. Display & Screen🏆 Sony Xperia 1 III Wins Display
Screen typeAMOLEDOLED 21:9 CinemaWide
Screen Size6.1"6.5"
Resolution & Density2400x1080 (429 ppi)3840x1644 (643 ppi)
Refresh Rate90 Hz120 Hz
Brightness1,000 nits peak1,000 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Sony Xperia 1 III Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2 (5nm)Snapdragon 888 (5nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsMali-G710 MP7Adreno 660
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 11
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Pixel 7a Wins Camera
Primary Camera64 MP, f/1.89, OIS, Samsung GN112 MP, f/1.7, OIS, ZEISS T*
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)12 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.3, OIS
Ultrawide Camera13 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens13 MP, f/2.28 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Sony Xperia 1 III Lightest Chassis
Dimensions152.4 x 72.9 x 9 mm165 x 71 x 8.2 mm
Weight193.5 g186 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Sony Xperia 1 III Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,385 mAh4,500 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging30W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging7W wireless charging11W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.35.2
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$499$1,300
Our verdict

Pixel 7a and Sony Xperia 1 III are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 7a for its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 12 MP) and lower launch price ($499 vs $1,300), or the Sony Xperia 1 III for its bigger battery (4,500 mAh vs 4,385 mAh) and faster charging (30W vs 18W).

Buy Pixel 7a if you want

Higher-resolution main camera: 64 MP vs 12 MP · Lower launch price: $499 vs $1,300

Buy Sony Xperia 1 III if you want

Faster wired charging: 30W vs 18W · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel 7a or Sony Xperia 1 III?

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 7a for its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 12 MP) and lower launch price ($499 vs $1,300), or the Sony Xperia 1 III for its bigger battery (4,500 mAh vs 4,385 mAh) and faster charging (30W vs 18W). BeastScore: Pixel 7a 78.8/100, Sony Xperia 1 III 79.5/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel 7a and Sony Xperia 1 III?

Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch display and 4385 mAh battery. Sony Xperia 1 III has a 6.5-inch display and 4500 mAh battery.

How do Pixel 7a and Sony Xperia 1 III compare for speed?

Pixel 7a scores 80/100 for performance; Sony Xperia 1 III scores 90/100.

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