Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and Sony Xperia 5 IV. We'll break down the specs, explore what they mean for you, and help you decide which phone might be your best bet.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specs, with a focus on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Honor 70 is taller and wider, while the Xperia 5 IV is slightly thicker. The Honor has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 178g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for one-handed use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Sony has better scratch and drop resistance, the Honor is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.1" | Honor 70 offers a larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly higher resolution, leading to sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 449 ppi | Xperia 5 IV has a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both have vibrant and color-rich displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU, offering better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Honor 70 has a higher resolution, but Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.0 | Honor 70 has a higher resolution, while Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Honor 70 has higher resolution, Xperia has larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers superior video capabilities, including optical stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | 115 (Mobile) | 119 (Mobile) | Xperia 5 IV scores slightly better overall for photos, but Honor is better for video. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Xperia 5 IV has more camera features including Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Honor 70 charges much faster. |
| Charging Features | Reverse Charging, Non-Removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-Removable | Sony has Bypass charging which allows the phone to be powered while gaming |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV has an upgrade to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. Honor 70 supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both offer similar versions, but Xperia has more audio protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV has more robust location tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 5 IV has more flexibility with the eSIM option. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Honor 70 offers more storage options, including a larger 512GB variant. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 8GB | Honor 70 has more RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers better audio with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side mounted fingerprint sensor is generally considered more convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Xperia 5 IV has an additional barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Larger Display: If you love watching videos, playing games, or simply prefer a bigger screen, the Honor 70 has you covered.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is a huge advantage, letting you get back to full power in no time.
- High-Res Main Camera: The 54MP main camera captures detailed shots and a 50MP wide angle camera will give you great detail on your ultra wide photos.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip means this phone is a powerhouse, perfect for demanding users.
- Premium Video Capabilities: The 4K@120fps video recording, along with optical stabilization, makes the Xperia 5 IV a video-lover’s dream.
- Advanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos, you get an immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen is a significant advantage in terms of durability.
- More Robust Connectivity: The extra GPS bands, audio protocols and eSim support add to the premium feel of this device.
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: While it has a nice display and a large battery, it's not as powerful as the Xperia 5 IV and its video recording isn't as good.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: It's smaller and thicker than the Honor 70, and it has slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Media Lovers: Those who want a large, vibrant screen for movies, videos, and games.
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who want great value without breaking the bank.
- Photography Fans: Those who want high resolution photos and selfies, even with a macro mode for close up shots.
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Audiophiles: Users who prioritize high-quality audio and the immersive experience provided by Dolby Atmos.
- Mobile Videographers: People who need the best video capabilities in a smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize screen size and resolution, or peak performance and camera capabilities?
- If you prioritize a larger screen and fast charging, the Honor 70 is for you.
- If you prefer better camera, power, and a premium video experience, the Xperia 5 IV wins.
- How important is video recording and stabilization to you?
- If video is secondary, the Honor 70 will suffice.
- If it is very important, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice.
- Are you okay with a smaller, thicker phone with slower charging for better performance?
- If size and speed are your priority, then Honor 70
- If performance is your priority, then Xperia 5 IV
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Everyday User: If you're an everyday user who mainly browses social media, watches videos, and takes casual pictures, the Honor 70 provides excellent value with its large screen, good camera, and fast charging.
- Gaming & Performance Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is your go-to. Its top-tier processor, excellent GPU and superior gaming features will provide the best experience on mobile.
- Content Creator: If you're making lots of video, then the Sony Xperia 5 IV's video capabilities and stabilization make it a no-brainer choice.
- Audio Lover: The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers the better audio experience with the addition of Dolby Atmos.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I’d lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While I appreciate the Honor 70's bigger screen and fast charging, I value the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, higher quality display, premium video recording capabilities, and overall better build quality of the Xperia 5 IV. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming and capturing high-quality videos, these features make a tangible difference for me. The faster charging on the Honor 70 is great, but I'd rather have the consistent performance and additional features offered by the Sony phone. The screen protector is a big plus too since I’m clumsy.
