Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Buckle up; we're about to get technical yet practical.
OnePlus 10 Pro vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV: A Detailed Analysis
Here’s a detailed breakdown of these two powerful devices, focusing on what these specifications really mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-13 | 2022-09-22 | The Xperia 5 IV is the newer device, with more recent tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable gimmicks here. |
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | The OnePlus is larger and bulkier, making the Sony more pocketable. |
| Weight | 201g | 172g | The Sony is significantly lighter (29g difference), which is noticeable during extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | OnePlus offers a larger display, better for media consumption. Sony's is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1080 x 2520 | OnePlus has significantly higher resolution, making for sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 449 | The OnePlus has a noticeably sharper display, with smaller pixels. |
| Technology | - | OLED | Sony has OLED, offering better contrast and black levels. OnePlus lacks a specific technology listed. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus display is much brighter, crucial for outdoor visibility. Sony's value looks like an error. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Both have the same powerful flagship chip, ensuring top-tier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,021,542 | Sony scores about 13% higher, suggesting slightly better performance under heavy load. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have the same high-end GPU, ensuring smooth gaming and graphics. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, expecting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges much faster; a significant practical advantage. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse | Bypass, Reverse | OnePlus includes wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more flexibility. Sony includes "Bypass Charging" which is useful while gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard | |||
| Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | OnePlus captures higher resolution images with more detail |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Sony’s wider aperture captures more light in low-light conditions. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.7" | OnePlus has a slightly larger sensor allowing more light in for better quality images. |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.80 µm | Sony has larger individual pixels resulting in better light collection |
| Selfie | |||
| Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | OnePlus front camera has a much higher resolution for selfies |
| Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.25 µm | Sony has larger individual pixels resulting in better light collection |
| Telephoto | |||
| Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | Sony’s telephoto has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Sensor Size | 1/4.4" | 1/3.5" | Sony’s larger sensor may result in slightly better quality zoom photos. |
| Wide Angle | |||
| Resolution | 50MP | 12MP | OnePlus’s wide angle camera has much higher resolution. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2.55" | Sony’s wide angle sensor is slightly larger allowing more light capture. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@120fps | OnePlus supports 8K video, making it more future-proof for content creation. Sony has higher stabilization features. |
| DXOMark | 122 (Main), 124 (Photo), 119 (Video) | 119 (Main), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | OnePlus has a slight edge in the main score, photo, and video. |
| Features | 8K, Manual Focus, CDAF, LAF, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | RAW | OnePlus has more advanced modes and features for pro users. Sony is less complex and focused on user simplicity. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 13) | OnePlus guarantees an extra year of OS updates. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7, MIMO | WiFi 6 | OnePlus has the very latest WiFi standard for faster connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.2 (LE, A2DP, +More) | Sony has additional bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | L1+L5, BeiDou, Galileo | L1+L5, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony supports more satellite systems for better positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony offers eSIM support, allowing for more versatile carrier options. OnePlus lets you use two physical SIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | OnePlus offers a 512GB option for power users. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus offers 12GB RAM option for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | OnePlus has better audio features for voice, call quality, and sound separation. Sony focuses on high quality music. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Sony has more advanced fingerprint sensor with easier access. |
| BUILD | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have top tier glass protection. |
| SENSORS | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Sony has extra sensors for environmental data. OnePlus has a RGB sensor. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper display, and significantly brighter screen for outdoor use.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging is a game-changer, along with 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless.
- Advanced Camera Features: Higher resolution sensors, 8K video capability, and a plethora of manual camera options.
- Latest Wi-Fi: The latest Wi-Fi 7 technology for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity
- More Storage: 512GB option for those needing maximum space for media and files.
- Extra RAM: 12 GB option for heavy duty multitasking
- Better Audio: Noise cancellation and 3 microphones for better audio recording.
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths
- Compact Design: More ergonomic and pocketable due to its smaller size and lower weight.
- Marginally Better Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores indicate better performance under demanding tasks.
- Enhanced Camera Experience: Larger pixel sizes, optimized for low-light, and additional stabilization features.
- Better Bluetooth: More advanced bluetooth options
- Better Satellites: Supports more Satellite positioning systems.
- eSIM Support: Offers greater flexibility in mobile carrier selection through eSIM.
- Bypass Charging: Especially useful when gaming, allowing for power delivery directly to the chip, avoiding battery degradation.
- Hi-Res Audio: Perfect for users that value high-quality music.
- Advanced Sensor Array: Additional sensors for environmental data, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for better usability.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 10 Pro: It's bulkier, heavier, and has a less practical camera layout compared to the Sony.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: It has slower charging speeds, lower display resolution, is not as bright and doesn't have the newest Wi-Fi standard.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Best for users who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and advanced camera capabilities. Ideal for content creators, media enthusiasts, and those who need a high-performance daily driver. It’s also great for users who like to game.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Better for those who value a compact phone, quality low-light photography, gaming, and audio, and need the flexibility of eSIM. It's ideal for photography enthusiasts, people who listen to Hi-Res music, and users who like to game or want a more practical and discreet device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself:
- How important is fast charging to me? If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do I value display size or portability? The OnePlus has the bigger and sharper display; the Sony is the more pocketable and comfortable phone.
- What kind of camera features are a priority? The OnePlus has more camera features, while the Sony focuses on the quality of each photo.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Power User: If you want the biggest screen, fastest charging, and the most powerful specs, the OnePlus 10 Pro is your choice.
- For the Photographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV excels at image quality and stability, especially in low-light scenarios. However, the OnePlus gives you more control and features.
- For the On-The-Go Professional: The Sony's smaller size, lighter weight, and eSIM support make it a great fit for those who need a reliable, no-fuss daily driver. The OnePlus is a better pick for those that value performance over everything else.
- For the Audiophile: If you want the best music quality, the Sony is the choice for you because of its Hi-Res audio. The OnePlus, with the extra microphones and noise cancelling features, can be a good option for creators and anyone who does a lot of calls.
- For the Gamer: If you value battery health, the Sony with Bypass Charging is for you. The OnePlus does have the option for wireless charging which can be useful in a pinch.
My Pick
If I had to pick one, it would be the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here’s why:
While the OnePlus 10 Pro is undeniably powerful, the Sony's more balanced approach to daily use appeals to me more. I value the smaller size and better weight distribution. The camera has great image quality, and for me is more important than the resolution offered by the OnePlus. The extra audio features also play a big role since I often listen to music. Additionally, the additional Bluetooth profiles and satellite systems, paired with the eSIM support, all make for a more complete package that fits my personal needs. While the charging is definitely slower, I don't mind that because I usually leave my phone charging overnight. I also appreciate that the Sony does not overdo it on the software front, opting for a more clean and minimalist experience.
In short, while the OnePlus is impressive on paper, the Sony Xperia 5 IV translates its features into a more refined daily experience.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
