Sony Xperia 1 IV vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

The Verdict

Both phones share the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 120Hz displays, but diverge significantly in execution. Sony's 6.5-inch OLED offers a sharper 3840 x 1644 resolution with 1000 nits brightness, while Xiaomi's larger 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED reaches 1500 nits with 3200 x 1440 pixels. For brightness in sunlight, Xiaomi wins, though Sony's higher pixel density creates crisper text. Camera philosophy differs: Sony uses 12MP sensors with exceptional zoom (85-125mm continuous) and Cinema Pro for professionals, while Xiaomi relies on aggressive 50MP sensors with faster 8K recording and dual zoom. Xiaomi's 120W charging recharges its 4600 mAh battery dramatically faster than Sony's 30W system on a 5000 mAh pack. However, Sony includes IP68 water resistance certification and 12GB RAM versus Xiaomi's 8GB base, plus Wi-Fi 6E. At $1599 versus $999, Sony targets videographers and professionals needing premium build quality and zoom versatility. Xiaomi delivers better everyday brightness, faster charging, and value proposition for casual users. Choose Sony for professional video and zoom capabilities; choose Xiaomi for brightness, charging speed, and price.