I would think the laser would be able to reach out there much better than the IR, but I have never used a laser PTZ.
I think they had a misprint on the DORI Distance because they are the same for the IR and laser on the SD6AL245U-HNI. ( But you can't really believe their specs on IR distance)
As far as the sensor go, they are the same @ 1/2.8, it does not jump up until the 10A248 @ 1/1.9
I have both the cameras with the different sensors and I would say they are pretty close to each other with the F1.2 being a crisper /sharper image.
I hope to post some video this weekend of the 10A248 which is the 1.9 sensor.