Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and more pocketable. The Xperia 5 IV is taller, wider and thicker making it less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 135g | 172g | The iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.1" | The Xperia 5 IV offers a larger viewing area for media, gaming, and productivity. The iPhone 12 mini is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2520 | The Xperia 5 IV has slightly higher resolution, though the difference is not very noticeable in practical use, given the display size. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 476 | 449 | The iPhone 12 mini has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 5 IV provides much smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone 12 mini has a much brighter display, significantly improving visibility in bright sunlight. The brightness of Xperia 5 IV is unknown, so it's difficult to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both chipsets offer excellent performance, although they use different architectures. The A14 is well-optimized for iOS, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers great performance for Android, but may experience thermal throttling with prolonged heavy use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,021,542 | The iPhone 12 mini shows slightly better benchmark performance, indicating potentially smoother operation. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Both offer excellent graphics performance, suitable for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | Both phones offer similar resolution, however, the Sony Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and pixel size, which may result in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.7 | The iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture allowing a little more light in. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.7" | The Xperia 5 IV's larger sensor will gather more light, potentially resulting in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture, which is better for low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes | The Xperia 5 IV offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities which the iPhone 12 mini lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture, allowing better light collection. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Both offer excellent video recording capabilities, however, the Xperia 5 IV has up to 4k@120fps with HDR and stabilization |
| DxoMark Score Mobile | 117 | 119 | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly better score overall for Mobile. However, the iPhone 12 mini has better video performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | The Xperia 5 IV has a significantly larger battery, likely providing much better battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Xperia 5 IV has faster charging, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Features | MagSafe Wireless Charging, Qi Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | The iPhone 12 mini offers MagSafe charging, while the Xperia 5 IV allows reverse wireless charging and bypass charging, which helps reduce heat during prolonged use while plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 12 | iOS provides a different user experience and app ecosystem than Android. |
| Max OS Version | 18 | 13 | Apple will provide longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Xperia 5 IV features a newer Bluetooth standard with more codec options. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Xperia 5 IV offers more advanced GPS support for greater accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | The iPhone 12 mini offers more storage options including the higher 512GB option |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The Xperia 5 IV offers more RAM for better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Both provide excellent audio quality, but the Xperia 5 IV has Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Xperia 5 IV has a fingerprint sensor, offering more secure and convenient access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 5 IV uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Hall, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The Xperia 5 IV has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Significantly Smaller & Lighter: The compact size is perfect for one-handed use and pocketability, making it ideal for users with smaller hands or those who prioritize portability.
- Higher Brightness: The much brighter display provides better visibility in sunny conditions.
- Slightly Better Benchmarks: The A14 Bionic generally offers better performance for the OS.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Unique to Apple, this offers fast and convenient wireless charging options.
- Longer Software Support: iOS devices typically receive longer software updates than Android devices.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides a more immersive and smoother experience, great for gaming and media consumption.
- Much Larger Battery: Offers significantly longer battery life for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: Top-up times are shorter compared to the iPhone 12 mini.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a telephoto lens for greater zoom capability, along with a larger main sensor.
- More RAM: 8GB for better multitasking and performance in heavy apps.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports a wider range of audio codecs.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and secure alternative to facial recognition.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for music lovers with compatible headphones
- Superior screen protection Using Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- More Advanced GPS: More accurate location tracking capabilities
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 mini trades battery life and display size for superior portability and brightness
- The Xperia 5 IV trades portability and brightness for better battery life and a larger display.
- The Xperia 5 IV trades DxoMark video performance for the additional telephoto lens
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize portability, one-handed use, and a smaller form factor. People who value a bright display and long software support. Those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Ideal for those who want a phone that easily fits in pockets, can be used with one hand, and prefer an iPhone's smooth experience. Works well for casual browsing, social media, and photography in bright light.
- Price-to-Value: Good for those wanting a smaller flagship device, but the battery life could be a concern.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Users who value a high-quality display, exceptional battery life, and versatile camera capabilities. Users who prefer a phone for media consumption and those who want an Android phone.
- Use Cases: Excellent for users who watch a lot of videos, play mobile games, or need a reliable camera system with a zoom. Great for those who need all-day battery life. Also good for audiophiles.
- Price-to-Value: A premium device with a larger screen, more RAM, and a better camera system, but at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is the primary use case? Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or a larger display for media consumption?
- How important is battery life? Are you always close to a charger, or do you need a phone that lasts all day?
- What is your preferred OS? Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem or do you prefer Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Minimalist: If you want a compact, highly portable phone for basic daily use, the iPhone 12 mini is a great choice due to its small size and the ecosystem, especially if you are already in the apple ecosystem.
- For the Media Consumer: If you primarily watch videos, play games, and value a larger screen, the Xperia 5 IV is a better choice due to its larger display, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly better battery life.
- For the Photographer: If you need a more versatile camera with zoom capabilities and a bigger sensor, then the Xperia 5 IV is superior, although the iPhone is a good choice for video.
- For the Power User: If you need a phone with great battery life, smooth performance, and like to have more ram, the Xperia 5 IV is better suited because of its bigger battery and more RAM, though may experience thermal throttling.
My Choice and Explanation
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the iPhone 12 mini has a highly appealing form factor for those seeking a compact device, the Xperia 5 IV's combination of a larger, smoother display, much better battery life, a more versatile camera system, and more RAM, make it a more practical choice for my needs.
Here's why:
- Media Consumption: I frequently watch videos and engage in mobile gaming. The larger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate on the Xperia 5 IV provides a noticeably more immersive and fluid experience.
- Battery Life: I value the convenience of having a phone that can easily last a full day without needing to worry about charging. The Xperia 5 IV's significantly larger battery offers peace of mind.
- Camera Versatility: I often take photos in different scenarios, and having a dedicated telephoto lens is very beneficial. The larger main sensor also helps in low-light situations.
- Performance: While both phones have excellent performance, the 8GB of RAM in the Xperia 5 IV allows for better multitasking.
- Fingerprint Sensor: I appreciate the convenience of a fingerprint sensor for security.
Although the iPhone 12 mini's smaller size and brighter screen are tempting, the Xperia 5 IV’s advantages in key areas such as battery life, display, and camera versatility, outweigh the benefits of portability and make it the better overall device for my use case. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is just the more modern, well-rounded device of the two.
