Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. We're going to move past the spec sheets and figure out what these numbers mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | The Moto G31 is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, making the Xperia 5 IV more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 181g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV feels lighter, which can make a difference during longer use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 5 IV has significantly superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | The Moto G31 has a larger screen, good for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display, although this might not be very noticeable to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 411 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV boasts a higher pixel density for crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 5 IV's 120Hz refresh rate offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, but further testing is required to determine the real-world brightness performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Xperia 5 IV's Snapdragon chip is significantly faster, resulting in much smoother performance, especially in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV offers a 354% performance boost in benchmarks, leading to dramatically better responsiveness and speed. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia 5 IV provides far superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Xperia 5 IV's main sensor has bigger individual pixels and larger sensor which captures more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities for better shots from a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV captures more detailed wide angle shots with a larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | N/A | Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots but the low resolution might not be ideal. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@120fps | Xperia 5 IV's significantly superior video recording capabilities including 4K HDR with advanced stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | 119 (Mobile) | The Xperia 5 IV's has been thoroughly tested and shows very capable camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 30W | The Xperia 5 IV charges much faster, getting you back to full power quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | The Xperia 5 IV has more versatile battery features, allowing for charging while gaming without battery degradation and charging other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV has a more updated OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia 5 IV supports newer, faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Xperia 5 IV has a more modern, efficient Bluetooth version with wider support for audio codecs. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV has more GPS satellites for increased accuracy in more scenarios. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Xperia 5 IV's eSIM offers greater flexibility and more practical options for frequent travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xperia 5 IV offers more storage options at the high end. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | The Xperia 5 IV has double the RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mic. | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV delivers superior audio quality and playback with Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint sensor | Side Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar biometrics security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint | The Xperia 5 IV has additional sensor for more environmental tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31: Strengths
- Larger Display: The 6.4" AMOLED screen is great for media consumption.
- Battery Life: A 5000mAh battery ensures good battery life for most users.
- Price: The Moto G31 is the more budget-friendly option, catering to users on a tight budget.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: While low-resolution, offers close-up photography capabilities.
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- High-Quality Display: The 120Hz OLED panel offers a smoother, more responsive visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile triple-camera setup with larger sensors and optical zoom.
- Exceptional Video Capabilities: Supports high-quality 4K recording with HDR, OIS, and EIS.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for enhanced audio playback and immersion.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and more refined overall build.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging gets you powered up much quicker.
- Connectivity: More modern Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and eSIM support.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM for multitasking and higher storage options.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Moto G31: The slower chipset can struggle with demanding tasks. The camera system, while capable, doesn’t offer the flexibility or quality of higher-end competitors. The lack of expandable storage is a notable limitation.
- Xperia 5 IV: The price point is the most significant drawback, making it a premium-tier device that may not be within everyone's budget. The smaller screen size might not be preferred by those who enjoy larger displays. No expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31
Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users needing a reliable smartphone for daily tasks.
- Users who prioritize a large display and long battery life for media consumption.
- Casual photographers who don't need top-tier camera features.
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media, streaming videos, basic gaming, and communication.
- Users needing a secondary phone or an affordable device for everyday use.
- Students or individuals who require a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance, gaming, and photography.
- Content creators who need advanced video recording and a capable camera setup.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and premium build quality.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, professional photography, and high-fidelity audio.
- Users who require a versatile device for both productivity and entertainment.
- Individuals who demand the best possible performance from their smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G31 is the more affordable option. The Xperia 5 IV is a premium device with a premium price.
- What do you prioritize: performance or a bigger screen? If top-tier performance and camera capabilities are critical, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice. If a large display and basic functionality at a lower cost are more important, consider the Moto G31.
- How important is the camera? If you need advanced video capabilities, optical zoom and low light performance, then the Xperia 5 IV is a much more suitable choice. If you are just looking for a smartphone to capture some memories and share them, then the Moto G31 is ok.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget User: If you are primarily using the phone for basic tasks and media consumption, then the Motorola Moto G31 is sufficient, providing a larger display and solid battery life, all at a lower cost.
- Power User/Creator: For gaming, videography, photography and general performance, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a much better option, with significantly better performance, camera and video capabilities, a smoother display, and many other extras.
- Balanced User: If you are looking for the middle ground, the Motorola Moto G31 might do, as long as you can live with the compromises it offers. However, if you are looking for a better experience, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is worth the extra cost.
What Would I Choose and Why?
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The performance difference is night and day, and as someone who values a smooth and snappy experience, especially when multitasking or gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a must. Furthermore, the camera on the Xperia is leagues ahead, offering more flexibility, larger sensors and significantly better low-light performance, not to mention video capture. I also value the more refined build and the enhanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and more Bluetooth codecs. Although the price tag is significantly higher, the overall experience of using a top-tier phone would be more aligned with what I’m looking for. I think that for a device I use every day, the extra features and the superior overall performance is worth the investment.
