Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. We'll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Motorola is noticeably larger and thicker, making the Sony more pocketable. |
| Weight | 204g | 172g | The Sony feels significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and longer holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | Motorola offers a larger screen for media consumption, while the Sony is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | The Sony has a much sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 449 | The Sony’s higher pixel density means sharper visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Sony has superior color, contrast, and deeper blacks due to OLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Sony provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | The Sony offers much faster processing, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 1,021,542 | The Sony delivers significantly better performance across all tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Sony’s GPU is far more powerful, resulting in much smoother graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/1.7 | Motorola has a higher resolution sensor, but the Sony has a larger sensor & wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.0 | Sony’s front-facing camera has wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 12MP f/2.4 | Sony has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots; Motorola does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 12MP f/2.2 | Sony has a dedicated wide angle lens; Motorola does not. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not available | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not available | Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots; Sony does not. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Sony supports much higher quality video recording with advanced features. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | 119 (Mobile) | Sony’s camera is rated for overall good quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity; likely similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W fast | 30W fast | Sony charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass & Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Sony has additional features such as Bypass and Reverse Charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (up to 13) | Sony is guaranteed to receive one additional major OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Sony has a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Sony has a slightly newer version with improved capabilities and efficiency. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Sony allows for two SIMs simultaneously, useful for work and personal use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB | 128/256 GB | Sony has significantly more storage, important for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | Sony has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Sony has a much better audio with richer, more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both have standard side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | The Sony has better scratch protection for its screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard | Standard + Hall | The Sony has additional Hall sensor for extra capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Strengths: The Moto G's primary strength lies in its affordability and larger screen size. It also includes a larger 50 MP main camera sensor and dedicated macro and depth lens. For basic usage, it provides a decent, large display experience and has a good battery life.
- Trade-offs: The Moto G's chipset is significantly less powerful, the display isn't as sharp or vivid, and its camera capabilities are basic. It does not have any expandable storage.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Sony excels with its superior performance, high-quality OLED display, advanced camera system (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses), and faster charging. Its compact design and advanced audio features further add to its appeal. It offers a flagship experience in a smaller footprint.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller display than the Motorola, and it comes with a significantly higher price tag. The 12MP main sensor may seem low compared to Motorola’s 50MP, but Sony’s processing, wide aperture and larger sensor make up for this.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a large screen for media consumption.
- Those with simple phone usage needs (calling, texting, basic browsing).
- Users who prioritize battery life over high performance or image quality.
- Older individuals or those who prefer a larger device with larger text and icons.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is perfect for:
- Power users who demand high performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want advanced camera features.
- Users who prioritize a compact and premium design and a sharp OLED display.
- Those who value high-quality audio and want a great media consumption experience.
- Those who need dual SIM capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
- What is your budget? The Moto G is much more affordable, while the Xperia 5 IV is a premium option.
- What do you value more: performance or screen size? The Xperia 5 IV excels in speed and display quality, while the Moto G has a larger screen and better battery life.
- How important is camera and audio quality to you? The Xperia 5 IV has significantly better camera capabilities, including more zoom and wide angle capabilities as well as far superior audio quality, while the Moto G is a more basic camera phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Student on a Tight Budget: The Motorola Moto G (2022) is the better choice for its affordability.
- Scenario 2: Professional Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior choice due to its high-quality video capabilities, advanced camera features, and top tier processing power.
- Scenario 3: Gaming Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is better suited for its gaming capabilities due to its powerful chipset, smoother refresh rate, and excellent GPU.
- Scenario 4: Casual User Needing a Reliable Phone: Either phone is suitable, depending on budget. The Motorola Moto G (2022) works great for users on a tight budget while the Sony Xperia 5 IV provides extra premium features and performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As someone who values performance, camera capabilities, and overall build quality, the Xperia 5 IV offers a more complete package. The OLED display is stunning, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is blazing fast, and the camera system is versatile. While the Motorola Moto G (2022) is a solid budget option, the extra features and quality of the Xperia 5 IV justify the higher price for my needs. Plus, the compact design of the Sony is something I appreciate for its easy one-handed use, and the dual sim is a plus for me. The superior audio quality is also a great plus for media consumption. While the battery life is the same, the significantly faster charging on the Sony also reduces down time, which is very important to me.
