Sony's latest mid-range offering, the Xperia 10 VI, brings a mixed bag of features that may appeal to some users while leaving others wanting more. Let's dive into the key aspects of this new device:
Battery Life: A Tale of Two Tests
The Xperia 10 VI packs a sizable 5,000mAh battery into its compact 6.1-inch frame. In PhoneArena's battery tests, it achieved a respectable overall score of 6 hours and 53 minutes. However, the results varied significantly between different usage scenarios:
- Web browsing: A disappointing 10 hours and 53 minutes, falling short of competitors
- Video streaming: An impressive 13 hours and 26 minutes, outperforming many rivals
- Gaming: A solid 8 hours and 29 minutes
For those who primarily use their phones for video consumption, the Xperia 10 VI could be an excellent choice. However, heavy web browsers may want to look elsewhere.
Charging: Room for Improvement
With a full charge time of 1 hour and 43 minutes, the Xperia 10 VI's 20W charging is on the slower side compared to some competitors. Notably, it lacks wireless charging capabilities, which may disappoint some users.
Camera: A Step Backwards?
The Xperia 10 VI's camera system appears to be a downgrade from its predecessor:
- Main camera: 48MP (unchanged)
- Ultra-wide: 8MP (unchanged)
- Telephoto: Removed (previous model had a 2X zoom lens)
In PhoneArena's camera tests, the Xperia 10 VI scored below average for its price range, achieving only 118 points out of a possible 154. Key issues include:
- Consistent lack of fine detail across all cameras
- Poor zoom performance due to the missing telephoto lens
- Weak video stabilization
On the positive side, the camera produces images with neutral, realistic colors and avoids over-sharpening. The front camera also takes pleasing selfies.
Conclusion
The Sony Xperia 10 VI seems tailored for users who prioritize long battery life for media consumption and prefer a more natural look to their photos. However, its lackluster web browsing battery life, slower charging, and camera compromises may make it a tough sell in the competitive mid-range market. Potential buyers should carefully consider their priorities before making a decision.
