Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Buckle up, because we're going beyond the spec sheets and into the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two contenders stack up, with a focus on what these numbers actually mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Edge 30 Ultra is larger, may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, better for one-hand use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.1" | Edge 30 Ultra has a larger, more immersive screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV slightly sharper due to more pixels in a smaller space. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | P-OLED | OLED | Both use excellent OLED, minor differences in color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Ultra feels marginally smoother during scrolling & gaming. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 0 nits | Edge 30 Ultra has dramatically better outdoor visibility (likely the 0 nits is just a data issue). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Edge 30 Ultra is faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 1,021,542 | Edge 30 Ultra has notably better performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have very similar graphics performance (slight difference in configuration). |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV has slightly larger battery, potentially better battery life. |
| Charging | 125W | 30W | Edge 30 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W, 10W reverse | Bypass, Reverse | Edge 30 Ultra offers faster wireless charging with reverse options. Xperia 5 IV offers bypass charging for extended gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 200MP (f/1.95) | 12MP (f/1.7) | Edge 30 Ultra’s sensor is higher resolution, Sony's has a wider aperture and larger pixels. |
| Selfie Sensor | 60MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.0) | Edge 30 Ultra offers higher resolution. Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 12MP (f/1.6) | 12MP (f/2.4) | Edge 30 Ultra has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 50MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Edge 30 Ultra higher resolution sensor, but smaller sensor compared to Sony. |
| Video | 8K@30fps | 4K@120fps | Edge 30 Ultra can shoot in 8K, Xperia 5 IV has better 4k with stabilization. |
| Stabilisation | EIS | OIS & EIS | Sony offers better stabilization in video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Both offer the same update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 30 Ultra with extra MiMO feature for better connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC | Xperia 5 IV has wider Bluetooth codec support for audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5, BeiDou | L1+L5 | Edge 30 Ultra includes additional standards. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | Xperia 5 IV more flexible with eSIM option. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | Edge 30 Ultra offers more RAM option for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Xperia 5 IV has Hi-Res audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | In-screen | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is generally faster and more reliable than optical in screen fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has better glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Sony includes a barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: The Performance Powerhouse
- Strengths: This phone is all about speed and performance. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers impressive benchmark results. The 144Hz display is exceptionally smooth, and the 125W charging is incredibly fast, perfect for anyone who's constantly on the go. The main camera packs a 200MP sensor, and while the size is great, it has been proven that the software post processing is very important.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge 30 Ultra also boasts very high wireless charging speeds.
- Trade-offs: It's bulkier and heavier than the Sony, and the main camera's 200MP resolution doesn't always translate into better real-world images compared to more optimized lower-resolution sensors like the one on the Sony.
Sony Xperia 5 IV: The Compact Multimedia Marvel
- Strengths: This phone is designed for those who value a premium experience in a smaller form factor. The OLED display is incredibly sharp and the addition of Hi-Res audio and extra codecs make this a very serious contender for those who care about audio quality. Sony's camera system is renowned for its color science and manual controls. The larger battery helps with battery life, even with the less efficient chip.
- Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 5 IV stands out with its advanced video capabilities, including excellent OIS and real-time autofocus. It's also a good pick for those who want the flexibility of an eSIM.
- Trade-offs: The phone uses last gen chipset, which puts it behind the Motorola. The charging is slower and lacks the high speed charging of its competitor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who need a phone that can handle heavy apps without slowing down.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Users who need super-fast charging to keep up with their busy day, plus a great screen for consuming content.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy having the latest specs and technology, even if it means some minor tradeoffs in size or weight.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, multi-tasking for heavy workloads, long travel days
Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal for:
- Multimedia Lovers: Audiophiles, photography enthusiasts, and those who prioritize content creation.
- Compact Phone Fans: Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable device without compromising on performance.
- Creative Professionals: Those who need a reliable camera with advanced controls and color accuracy for photo and video.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography and videography, music listening, consuming content on the go, and daily use of smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize speed and raw performance, or do you value a balanced, compact device?
- Speed: The Edge 30 Ultra wins here with its newer chipset and faster charging.
- Balance: The Xperia 5 IV excels with its smaller form factor and refined camera.
- How important is professional-grade mobile photography and videography to you?
- Advanced Video: The Xperia 5 IV has much more advanced and stable video capabilities with OIS, as well as color accuracy for professional use.
- High-Resolution Photos: The Edge 30 Ultra delivers 200MP images, though this is not always better than smaller but more refined sensors.
- How crucial is battery life versus super-fast charging?
- Longer Life: The Xperia 5 IV likely provides better battery life with a larger cell.
- Fast Charge: The Edge 30 Ultra charges much quicker, which can be essential for busy schedules.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- You're a gamer and a power user: The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the clear choice due to its superior performance, high refresh rate display, and super-fast charging.
- You want a compact, premium phone for photography and multimedia: The Sony Xperia 5 IV provides refined photo and video experience, and a fantastic display with Hi-Res audio support.
- You travel frequently and need all-day battery without worrying about charging: The Sony Xperia 5 IV slightly edges out in terms of battery capacity, with bypass charging which may be beneficial in certain scenarios.
- You need the best possible value-for-money and future-proof power: The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the best choice with better chipset and faster charging.
My Pick:
If it were my money, I'd choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. The main reason is its superior performance and fast charging. As someone who uses my phone for everything from work to content creation to gaming, I need that raw speed. The camera, despite not having as refined color science as the Sony, is still very capable. Plus, that 144Hz display is just so buttery smooth, making the daily experience feel incredibly premium. While the Sony is a fantastic phone with an amazing camera for content creators, the slightly slower chipset and slower charging speed would be a big turn off for me. The slight bump in weight and size isn't much of an issue, given the benefits it offers.
This choice reflects my personal needs and preferences. It is always essential to determine what aspects of a phone are important to you and then make the selection. In this comparison, either device would be a fantastic choice!
