Sony Xperia 10 III: Features and Specs Overview

Sony Xperia 10 III (2021)

Definition: The Sony Xperia 10 III is a mid-range 5G Android smartphone announced on April 14, 2021, and released on June 11, 2021, as the first 5G model in Sony’s Xperia 10 series. It features a 21:9 FHD+ OLED display, Snapdragon 690 5G chipset, triple rear cameras, a 4500 mAh long-life battery, and IP65/IP68 water/dust resistance, targeting users seeking a compact, multimedia-focused device with reliable 5G connectivity.

Core Technical Specifications

Component	Details
Display	6.0-inch 21:9 FHD+ OLED (2520×1080, 457 PPI), HDR, Triluminos, X-Reality Engine, Gorilla Glass 6, 60 Hz refresh rate, 120 Hz touch sampling
Processor & Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm), octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold + 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver), Adreno 619L GPU
Memory & Storage	6 GB LPDDR4X RAM; 128/256 GB UFS 2.1 storage; microSD slot (up to 1 TB, hybrid SIM)
Camera System	Rear: 12 MP main (f/1.8, 27 mm, OIS)+8 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 54 mm)+12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 16 mm); 4K 30 fps videoFront: 8 MP (f/2.0)
Battery & Charging	4500 mAh non-removable Li-Po; 21W USB-C PD fast charging; no wireless charging; up to 23 h 4G talk time
Connectivity	5G SA/NSA, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD/LDAC), NFC, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo/QZSS, USB-C 3.1, 3.5 mm headphone jack
OS & UI	Launched with Android 11; upgradable to Android 13; Sony Xperia UI (minimal skin)
Design & Durability	Glass front/back, aluminum frame; dimensions: 154×68×8.3 mm; weight: 169 g; colors: Black, White, Blue, Pink; IP65/IP68 rating
Unique Features	21:9 multi-window, Hi-Res Audio, DSEE Ultimate, 3.5 mm jack, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, anti-bacterial coating

Key Selling Points & Innovations

21:9 OLED Display: The 6.0-inch 21:9 screen is ideal for media consumption, offering cinematic viewing and multi-window multitasking, with Triluminos and X-Reality Engine enhancing color accuracy and contrast.
5G Connectivity & Snapdragon 690: The first Xperia 10 model with 5G, powered by the efficient Snapdragon 690 5G chipset for smooth 5G browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Triple Camera System: The combination of main (OIS), telephoto (2x optical zoom), and ultra-wide lenses provides versatile photography, from everyday shots to landscapes and portraits.
4500 mAh Long-Life Battery: A large 4500 mAh battery delivers all-day usage, with 21W fast charging for quick top-ups.
Premium Audio & Durability: Retains the 3.5 mm headphone jack, supports Hi-Res Audio and LDAC, and features IP65/IP68 water/dust resistance for everyday protection.

Limitations & Criticisms

60 Hz Refresh Rate: The 60 Hz display felt outdated in 2021, when many mid-range phones offered 90 Hz or 120 Hz panels, resulting in less smooth scrolling and animations.
No Wireless Charging: Lacks wireless charging, a feature common in competing mid-range devices, requiring users to rely on wired charging.
Mediocre Front Camera: The 8 MP front camera produces average selfies, with limited low-light performance compared to higher-resolution alternatives.
Limited Software Updates: Upgraded only to Android 13, missing Android 14 and later versions, leaving users without the latest features and security patches post-2023.
Mid-Range Performance: The Snapdragon 690 5G handles daily tasks well but struggles with intensive gaming and multitasking compared to flagship chipsets.

Release & Market Performance

Launch & Pricing: Released June 11, 2021, priced at ~€499 (unlocked) / $549.99 (US carrier).
Sales & Reception: Sold steadily globally; praised for its 21:9 display, battery life, and audio features, but criticized for the 60 Hz refresh rate and mid-range performance. It performed well in markets where compact 5G phones and 3.5 mm jacks were in demand.
Discontinuation: Phased out in 2022, replaced by the Xperia 10 IV, which added a 90 Hz display and improved camera system.

Legacy

The Xperia 10 III is remembered as Sony’s first 5G mid-range device in the 10 series, blending 21:9 multimedia, long battery life, and premium audio with 5G connectivity. It solidified Sony’s commitment to compact design and audio excellence in mid-range smartphones, setting the stage for future Xperia 10 models with improved displays and performance.