Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Realme GT2 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. I've got my engineering hat on and my user-experience lens polished, so let's get to it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Realme GT2 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-08 | 2022-06-11 | Xperia 1 IV is newer by about 5 months, potentially incorporating newer tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller and narrower, while the GT2 Pro is wider. Both have the same thickness making them similarly ergonomic |
| Weight | 199g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is slightly lighter, which might make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard (not foldable) smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | GT2 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia 1 IV boasts significantly sharper images and text thanks to a much higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 526 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV’s higher pixel density will lead to crisper, clearer visuals, especially for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | Xperia 1 IV uses OLED technology, which provides better contrast and deeper blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1400 nits | 0 nits | GT2 Pro should perform significantly better in direct sunlight thanks to its higher max brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Both offer high-end performance, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,054,189 | 1,076,100 | Nearly identical performance in benchmarks. Differences are negligible in real-world scenarios. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical graphics processing, so gaming performance should be similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7 | GT2 Pro has a much higher resolution, while Xperia 1 IV has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Standard Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | GT2 Pro has larger sensor size for main sensor. | |
| Standard Sensor Model | Sony IMX766 | Sony Exmor RS | The GT2 Pro is a better all-rounder, while the Xperia 1 IV is better in low light. |
| Standard Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 1.80 µm | Xperia 1 IV main sensor has larger pixels, which captures more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.0 | GT2 Pro captures higher resolution selfies, while Xperia 1 IV performs better in low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3 | Xperia 1 IV has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature missing on GT2 Pro. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | GT2 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle, potentially capturing more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | Xperia 1 IV includes a Time-of-Flight sensor for enhanced depth mapping, potentially for better augmented reality experiences and portrait modes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/3.0 | None | GT2 Pro includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | GT2 Pro offers 8K video recording, while Xperia 1 IV offers higher frame rates in 4K, and better stabilization. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 105 (Mobile) | Xperia 1 IV's camera is verified to be of high quality by DxOMark. |
| Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Manual focus, LAF, Night Mode | Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, PDAF, RAW | Different strengths in camera features and capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | GT2 Pro charges much faster, which is a considerable convenience. |
| Battery Features | 2x2500mAh | Bypass charging | The Realme has a split battery for fast charging whereas the Sony can be powered directly without charging the battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 13 | Android 12, up to 13 | Both will support the lastest android versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | GT2 Pro includes MIMO technology that can enhance data transfer and performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Multiple Codecs | 5.2, Multiple Codecs | Xperia 1 IV supports more Bluetooth profiles than the GT2 Pro. |
| GPS | Multiple, BeiDou (B1) | Multiple, GPS, Galileo | Xperia 1 IV supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano, eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV offers eSIM for flexibility, while GT2 Pro allows two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB | Both have a maximum of 512GB storage. |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB | 12GB, 16GB | Xperia 1 IV offers a 16GB option, excellent for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | GT2 Pro has better audio capabilities than the Xperia 1 IV. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV has a more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have the same high-quality screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Barometer, Hall | Xperia 1 IV has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme GT2 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Larger display for immersive media consumption.
- Significantly brighter screen, making it far better for outdoor use.
- Much faster 65W charging, reducing downtime significantly.
- Higher resolution standard, wide and selfie cameras providing extra detail.
- Enhanced audio capabilities and quality.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Ideal for users who prioritize screen size and outdoor visibility.
- Perfect for those who need their phone charged quickly.
- Offers good audio capabilities and quality.
- Trade-offs:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier.
- Missing a dedicated telephoto lens and ToF sensor.
- Basic fingerprint sensor
- No eSim support.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths:
- Significantly sharper display thanks to higher resolution and pixel density.
- OLED display offering superior blacks and contrast.
- Dedicated telephoto lens and Time-of-Flight sensor for advanced photography.
- Higher resolution sensor and larger pixel size on the main camera that provides better low-light performance.
- More advanced and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Bypass charging to protect the battery while gaming.
- eSIM support.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Best suited for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a top-tier camera experience with telephoto zoom.
- Better for users who prefer premium display quality and compact ergonomics.
- Trade-offs:
- The brightness is not specified, so we assume it's not as bright as the Realme GT2 Pro, making it not ideal for direct sunlight viewing.
- Slower charging speed compared to the Realme.
- Lacks a dedicated macro lens.
- Lower resolution on the standard and wide angle cameras than the Realme.
- The main camera has a better low-light performance, but it's lacking in detail and resolution, so it is not as good in most situations.
- Audio quality and capabilities are not as good as the Realme
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme GT2 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Frequent media consumers who want a large, bright display.
- Users who want fast charging for quick power-ups.
- Those who need a versatile camera for a range of environments.
- Users looking for value without compromising on key specs and audio quality.
- Use Cases:
- Streaming movies and shows.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Shooting videos in diverse lighting conditions.
- Using GPS for navigation in bright environments.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts who need telephoto zoom and top-tier image quality.
- Users who value premium display technology with high sharpness and contrast.
- Those who prefer a more compact phone without compromising features.
- Users who prefer to keep their phone's battery healthy while playing games.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-level mobile photography and videography with telephoto zoom.
- Viewing detailed photos, video content, and presentations.
- Mobile gaming with an advanced fingerprint sensor.
- Users who like eSIM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize screen brightness for outdoor use or premium display sharpness? If outdoor use is crucial, choose the GT2 Pro. If you value superior sharpness and contrast, go for the Xperia 1 IV.
- Is camera versatility (with optical zoom) or overall resolution more important to you? For optical zoom, choose the Xperia 1 IV. If you need high-resolution standard, wide and selfie cameras, pick the GT2 Pro.
- Do you value fast charging and better audio capabilities? The GT2 Pro charges significantly faster and has more audio capabilities. If that’s important, then choose the GT2 Pro.
Final Recommendation
For me, I would personally choose the Realme GT2 Pro. While the Xperia 1 IV has a more premium display and a telephoto lens, the GT2 Pro has a significantly brighter screen, and I value a good camera, good audio capabilities, the faster charging, and the extra large screen for media consumption. The higher pixel density is nice, but I found the 526 PPI of the GT2 Pro to be already more than enough for my use case.
