Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. I'll be honest, these two are targeting different segments of the market and have very different strengths. Let's break it down and see where each shines.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2022-09-22 | Xperia 5 IV is a significantly newer model, benefiting from advancements in technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical "candy bar" style phones. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | Moto G71 5G is larger and slightly thicker, which could affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Moto G71 5G has a slightly bigger screen, better for media consumption; Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV is sharper, though the difference is minor. |
| PPI | 411 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV offers much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, this must be an error in the data, I will address this point in the Key Insights Section. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xperia 5 IV is a flagship powerhouse; G71 5G is mid-range, adequate for everyday use. |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV is over twice as fast for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day's battery life for average users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G71 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass/Reverse/Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV has additional charging features, can act as a battery pack. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Moto G71 5G has higher resolution; Xperia 5 IV has larger sensor and wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Moto G71 5G has higher resolution; Xperia 5 IV has wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV offers a wider and more detailed wide-angle shot. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G71 5G has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, EIS | 4K@120fps, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers professional-level video recording with stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Main: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Xperia 5 IV has a much more advanced camera system with image stabilization (OIS) and HDR. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Xperia 5 IV is running a newer version of Android, with likely longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Xperia 5 IV has better WiFi support with the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV supports more bluetooth profiles with the newer 5.2 standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV offers better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 5 IV has a eSIM, ideal for digital carrier switching. Moto G71 5G supports dual physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xperia 5 IV offers an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Both are good for multitasking, Xperia 5 IV is more consistent with all versions being 8 GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV has better audio with Hi-Res support, and Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both provide biometric security, side-mounted is slightly more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV has much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Xperia 5 IV has more sensors like a compass and barometer, that can help with some applications. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G: Strengths
- Larger Display: The 6.4" AMOLED is great for media consumption, offering vivid colors and deep blacks.
- Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery combined with a less power-hungry chipset could provide all-day usage for most users.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging helps fill the battery relatively quickly.
- Price Point: The G71 5G is designed to be a budget-friendly phone, offering solid features for a lower price.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens adds a layer of versatility to the camera system for close-up photography.
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers top-tier speed for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, this is a major advantage for any user that needs power.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz OLED screen makes everything feel smoother and more responsive.
- Professional Camera System: The Xperia 5 IV has more professional capabilities, OIS, telephoto, and more, and it shines in video recording capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support and stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience.
- Build Quality: Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus for excellent screen protection and added durability.
- Additional Charging Features: Reverse charging turns your phone into a power bank for smaller gadgets.
- More Advanced Wireless Technologies: The newest Bluetooth and WiFi technologies increase the performance for connected devices.
- Software: Newer operating system out of the box will ensure long term support.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- The main camera is not on the same level as the Xperia 5 IV, and lacks the extra features, like the telephoto lens.
- The chipset will struggle with graphically intensive games.
- 60 Hz refresh is basic and not very smooth in comparison to the 120Hz display of the Xperia 5 IV.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- The price is high, this phone is a premium flagship, not budget friendly at all.
- The battery is not necessarily longer than the Moto G71 5G, and might be shorter in heavy use cases.
- No Macro lens, this might be a concern for very specific types of photographers.
- No expandable storage.
Regarding the display brightness
The provided data gives peak brightness for both phones as '0 nits', which is surely a mistake. The Moto G71 5G uses an AMOLED panel, which would have a peak brightness of 450-700 nits depending on model/version, whereas the Sony Xperia 5 IV should come with an OLED panel with a peak brightness of 800-1000 nits.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for those who need a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.
- Media Consumers: A large display makes it great for watching videos and browsing.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Content Creators: Best for photography and videography, especially with its professional-grade video capabilities.
- Power Users: Ideal for those who need a device that can handle heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Moto G71 5G is significantly more budget-friendly, while the Xperia 5 IV is a premium-priced flagship.
- What are your primary use cases? If you prioritize media consumption, web browsing, and basic tasks, the Moto G71 5G is sufficient. However, if you need raw power, top-tier camera capabilities and excellent video recording, the Xperia 5 IV is the only choice.
- Do you need professional level camera, video, and audio capabilities? If the answer is "Yes", the Xperia 5 IV is a perfect choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Casual User
- Need: A phone for basic tasks, social media, and some video watching.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G. It provides good value for the price.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer
- Need: A phone that can handle demanding games.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 120Hz display offer a superior gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: The Aspiring Photographer/Videographer
- Need: A camera with advanced capabilities for content creation.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. The combination of its high-quality sensors, stabilization, and video recording capabilities makes it a professional tool.
My Choice and Why
If it was my money on the line, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV, and it’s not even a close call. While the Moto G71 5G is an excellent budget phone, the Xperia 5 IV hits all the right notes for my needs. As someone who needs excellent performance for coding and virtual work, and also dabbles with mobile photography and videography as a hobby, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner.
The difference in processor performance is significant. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xperia 5 IV is in another league, and when you add up the better display (120 Hz), a superior camera, and the newest standards of wireless connection, the premium price is justified. Additionally, I value the more durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus and the added features like bypass charging and reverse charging, and the more recent Android software updates.
The lack of a macro lens on the Xperia is a slight bummer for me, but the much more superior performance in all other areas outweighs this limitation. Overall, for a tech enthusiast who also uses their phone for work and content creation, the Xperia 5 IV provides a far more advanced user experience.
