Sony Xperia 10 VIvsSamsung Galaxy S21 5G

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

Sony
Sony Xperia 10 VI
Xperia 10 VI
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen1
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB

Quick Stats

The Sony Xperia 10 Mark 6's battery life falls short of expectations, with slow charging times too.
The Sony Xperia 10 Mark 6's display is decent but unremarkable, lacking high refresh rate and HDR support features.
Sony's decision to remove manual mode is the most notable drawback of the Xperia 10 Mark 6's camera system.
The Sony Xperia 10 VI's performance is decent but lags behind others in graphics processing power and stress tests.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Galaxy S21 5G
Processor:Samsung Exynos 2100
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB

Quick Stats

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts impressive battery life, lasting a full day with moderate usage easily.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's display provides a solid, dependable viewing experience with crisp and vibrant visuals.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's impressive triple camera setup delivers high-quality images and video capabilities overall effectively.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts lightning-fast performance, ideal for gaming and resource-intensive activities with seamless multitasking capabilities.
Key Differences

Processor Speed

Winner
Sony Xperia 10 VI
2.20 GHz
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
2.91 GHz

RAM

Tie
Sony Xperia 10 VI
8GB
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
8GB

Storage

Tie
Sony Xperia 10 VI
128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
128GB

Weight

Winner
Sony Xperia 10 VI
164g
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
169g
Rank
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#560
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Winner
#229
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#354
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#351
Winner
Design
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#131
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#7
Winner
Display
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#681
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#161
Winner
Performance
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#431
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#333
Winner
Battery
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#595
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#592
Winner
Camera
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#614
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#223
Winner
item_phones_categoryId
Sony Xperia 10 VI
#1
Tie
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
#1
Tie

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Sony Sony Xperia 10 VI
Samsung Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen1
Samsung Exynos 2100
CPU
4x2.2GHz Cortex A78 + 4x1.80GHz Cortex A55
1x Cortex, X1 2,91 GHz + 3x Cortex, A78 2,81 GHz + 4x Cortex, A55 2,21 GHz.
Type
Octa-Core
Octa-Core
Nanometer
4
5
Frequency
2.20
2.91
64 Bits
Yes
Yes
GPU
Adreno 710
ARM Mali-G78 MC14
RAM
8
8
Type
LPDDR4X RAM
RAM LPDDR5
Capacity
128
128
Type
UFS Storage
UFS Storage 3.1
SD slot
N/A
No
Fingerprint security
Yes, on the side
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Proximity sensor
Yes
Yes
Light sensor
Yes
Yes
Accelerometer sensor
Yes
Yes
Compass sensor
Yes
Yes
Gyroscope sensor
N/A
Yes
Barometer sensor
N/A
Yes
Hall sensor
Yes
Yes
Geomagnetic sensor
N/A
Yes
Audio
Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers
Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers
Antutu Score
512000
749100
Antutu Version
Antutu v10
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing
Overall performance better than 75% of devices
Overall performance better than 82% of devices
Cooling system
No
No
Gaming buttons
No
No
Extras
N/A
N/A

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Sony Xperia 10 VI

Strengths

The phone has solid Ingress Protection with IP65 rating, which is a nice feature for a mid-ranger.
The speakers on the phone are louder than last year's model and deliver good sound quality with no distortion.
The battery life is quite competitive, with an active use score of almost 14 hours, although not as exciting as the previous model.
The phone has improved thermal management compared to last year's model, keeping performance relatively stable during stress tests.
The camera app is redesigned and simplified, making it easier to use.
The front-facing camera produces better detail definition than last year's model, even if skin tones don't come out natural.
The Ultra-wide camera captures great images with good level of detail, saturated colors, and more natural looking highlights in low light.
The phone has improved software support with a simplified camera app and better low-light performance.

Weaknesses

The display has a strong color shift, which might be a concern for some users.
The phone only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is lower than most other smartphones on the market today.
The main camera captures contrasty images with dark shadows and saturated colors that don't appear very natural, especially in low light.
The phone misses out on a telephoto camera, which might be a disappointment for some users who value zoom capabilities.
The phone doesn't come with a charger in the box, and charging is slow even with a proper adapter.
Low-light photos from the main camera have noticeably dark shadows and lack detailed colors, although they are better than last year's model.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Strengths

No specific pros listed for this device

Weaknesses

No specific cons listed for this device

Read Full Reviews

Sony Xperia 10 VI

The Sony Xperia 10 Mark 6 is a compact mid-range phone that doesn't break new ground, but rather offers a generational refresh to the series. The most notable changes include a new chipset and a reduction in camera count from three to two. Design-wise, it's similar to its predecessor, with a lightweight and relatively tall and thin body. The display is a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 1080p resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. While it looks decent, it suffers from a strong color shift and maintains the same 60Hz refresh rate as before. The speakers, however, have improved in terms of volume and sound quality. The phone runs on Android 14 with some custom Sony features, such as multi-window mode and s sense, which allows for quick access to apps and features through a handle on the side of the screen. A notable upgrade is the ability to record 4K video using the main camera, but the quality still suffers from an overly contrasty look. The camera setup has been trimmed down, with a 48MP main cam and an 8MP Ultra-wide, but lacks features like manual mode and PR mode. Photos taken in good lighting are contrasty, while those in low light are more detailed and accurate in terms of color representation. Overall, the Xperia 10 Mark 6 is a solid mid-ranger with a unique compact form factor, commendable battery life, and improved software support. However, its display's strong color shift and 60Hz refresh rate may be a drawback for some users.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a premium offering that checks all the right boxes. Its beautiful display, albeit with a lower resolution than its predecessors, shines with vibrant colors and crisp details. The flat design is a welcome change from the curved screens of yesteryear, making it a practical choice for daily use. The camera setup is impressive, featuring a 64-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera. The ability to record 8K video at 24fps is a game-changer for content creators. The single take mode allows users to capture multiple shots in quick succession, while the director's view feature enables more creative control over videos. The textured back provides a premium feel and helps to minimize smudges, making it easier to grip and hold. While there's no charger included in the box, pre-ordering the device comes with some incentives, including a free charger. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G feels like one of the best phones of the year, even with its more conservative design approach. It boasts stereo speakers, Wi-Fi six connectivity, and a sleek Type-C charging port. The device is available in multiple colors, adding to its appeal. In conclusion, the Galaxy S21 5G is a solid choice for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its impressive camera capabilities, vibrant display, and durable design make it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a new Android device.

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