Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. These two smartphones, launched within weeks of each other, offer distinct experiences despite sharing some common ground. As always, we're less interested in marketing jargon and more interested in what these specs actually mean for your day-to-day usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 72 x 7.5 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | Edge 30 Fusion is slightly taller and wider, while Xperia 5 IV is a bit thicker, with negligable differences. |
| Weight | 168g | 172g | Both phones feel light and comfortable in hand. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Xperia 5 IV offers greater protection for the screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.1" | Edge 30 Fusion provides more screen real estate; better for media consumption, less pocketable. Xperia 5 IV more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display, but difference is not very noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 402 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has a bit more crisp display. |
| Technology | P-OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Fusion appears slightly smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Edge 30 Fusion offers significantly better visibility under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer and slightly more performant chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV shows superior performance in benchmarks, faster for demanding tasks, but negligible in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV offers better graphics performance, relevant for demanding gamers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Edge 30 Fusion has a higher resolution, while Xperia 5 IV captures larger pixels for better light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Edge 30 Fusion has a higher resolution for selfie photos, Xperia 5 IV offers slightly better low light capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV has 2.5x optical zoom capabilities for distant objects |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Both are very comparable in wide angle capabilities. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Edge 30 Fusion has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video | 8K@30fps | 4K@120fps | Edge 30 Fusion can record at higher resolution, Xperia 5 IV offers higher fps recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 119 Mobile | Xperia 5 IV offers better overall camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV should provide longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Fusion charges much faster. |
| Features | None | Bypass, Reverse | Xperia 5 IV offers more options for battery management. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Xperia 5 IV comes with the latest Android version. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer same storage configurations. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8GB | Edge 30 Fusion has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Xperia 5 IV offers a premium audio experience |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 IV offers better sensor placement |
| Sensors | Standard | Barometer, Hall | Xperia 5 IV provides extra sensors for various applications |
| SIM | Dual Nano sim | Dual Nano + eSim | Xperia 5 IV offers more flexibility in SIM usage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Strengths:
- Brighter, Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits peak brightness gives the Edge 30 Fusion a definite advantage for outdoor viewing and fluid visuals.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging is a game-changer for those who need to top up quickly.
- Higher resolution on the main and selfie camera
- More RAM Option: The option for 12GB of RAM will definitely help with heavy tasks and future proofing.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Camera System: While the megapixels are lower, the Xperia 5 IV's camera system, especially its telephoto lens, delivers a more versatile and higher-quality photography experience, as shown in the DXOmark score.
- Latest Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Larger Battery: Offers a significantly longer battery life, essential for heavy users.
- Premium Audio: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio is a boon for audiophiles.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: With an integrated barometer and hall sensor.
- Better protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and eSIM.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: The Edge 30 Fusion's camera isn't as versatile, lacks a telephoto lens, and might struggle in low-light scenarios. It has a slightly older chipset, and it lacks premium audio features.
- Sony: The Xperia 5 IV has a much slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Ideal For: Media consumers, casual gamers, those who prioritize a smooth display and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Enjoying streaming content, social media browsing, playing casual games, using it throughout the day and charging fast.
- Recommendation: If you value responsiveness and a vibrant display, this is an excellent choice.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts, audiophiles, power users needing all-day battery, those seeking a premium experience with the latest OS.
- Use Cases: Serious mobile photography, recording video with high fps, listening to music, long battery life throughout a busy day.
- Recommendation: If you need a versatile camera, high-quality audio, and a long-lasting battery, the Xperia 5 IV is worth the investment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I prioritize display smoothness and fast charging, or advanced camera capabilities and battery life?
- Is my use-case more about media consumption, or creating content and on-the-go productivity?
- How much value do I place on high-end audio and the latest Android OS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I'm always on the go and need a phone that can keep up." - The Xperia 5 IV for its longer battery life, especially if camera and audio quality is important.
- "I want the best visuals for my streaming and gaming." - The Edge 30 Fusion excels here due to the higher refresh rate, peak brightness and faster charging.
- "I need a reliable camera and premium audio experience." - The Xperia 5 IV is the better choice with a great telephoto camera, high-res audio, and the latest Android version.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Edge 30 Fusion's faster charging and brighter display are appealing, the Xperia 5 IV offers a more well-rounded package that aligns with my use-case. The combination of a great telephoto camera system, a bigger battery, enhanced audio, and a more up-to-date OS gives it a significant edge. I value capturing high-quality photos and enjoying premium audio experiences, and the Xperia 5 IV would offer a superior experience in these areas. The better camera and battery justify the slower charging for my personal workflow.
Ultimately, both are great phones with unique strengths. The right choice really depends on your individual needs and priorities.
