Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. We'll break down the specs, talk about real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | A23 5G is noticeably larger and bulkier, the 5 IV is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 197g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding designs |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.1" | A23 5G offers a larger screen for media consumption, the 5 IV more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2520 | Both provide sharp images; slightly more pixels on the 5 IV |
| PPI | 400 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has noticeably sharper screen due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Xperia 5 IV's OLED offers superior contrast, colors, and viewing angles, richer experience |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both screens lack reported peak brightness values. This will affect visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and gaming |
| Antutu Score | 418,000 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV is much more powerful, app loading times will be significantly faster |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU delivers better gaming performance and graphics quality |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | A23 5G boasts a higher resolution while the 5 IV has a larger sensor for better low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV has better quality selfie cam. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Xperia 5 IV has dedicated optical zoom, which A23 5G lacks |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV captures better wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G includes depth sensing for better portrait effects |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G includes a dedicated macro lens |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@120fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV captures much higher-resolution and smoother video footage. |
| Video Features | OIS, EIS (Digital) | OIS, EIS, Ultra Stable | Both have video stabilization, Xperia 5 IV has enhanced options |
| Camera Score (DxOMark) | Not Tested | 119 | Xperia 5 IV was tested and has a good score |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera, RAW | Xperia 5 IV offers more advanced features including RAW capture |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life under typical usage |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Xperia 5 IV can be used to charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Up to 14 | Android 12, Up to 13 | A23 5G will receive one more android update |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia 5 IV has better WiFi performance and speed |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV has faster and more efficient Bluetooth connectivity |
| GPS | Standard | GPS (L1+L5) | Xperia 5 IV has higher precision location tracking |
| SIM | Single Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 IV offers more flexibility with dual SIMs |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | N/A | 128GB/256GB | Xperia 5 IV has much more storage space for apps, photos, videos |
| RAM | N/A | 8 GB | Xperia 5 IV has ample RAM for smooth multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers a much better audio experience with enhanced spatial audio and stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide fingerprint-based biometric authentication |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV offers better protection from scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both devices have all the basic sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: This phone stands out with a larger display, a higher resolution main camera and a quad-camera setup. It also comes with a respectable 120Hz refresh rate.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main draw is its larger display, and a more advanced OS update lifespan. It could also be more affordable.
- Trade-offs: The A23 5G lags behind significantly in processing power, display technology, and camera quality compared to the Xperia 5 IV.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse, featuring a much faster processor, a superior OLED display, and a more sophisticated camera system. The additional features like reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res audio, and a more robust design are significant pluses.
- Competitive Advantages: Its compact size, flagship-level performance, and professional-grade video recording are what sets it apart. It's clearly the more premium device.
- Trade-offs: It does not have a dedicated portrait or macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Best Suited For:
- Users who prioritize a larger display for media consumption and browsing.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want a decent camera and smooth scrolling experience.
- Individuals who value more OS updates.
- Use Cases: Casual social media browsing, watching videos, general day-to-day tasks.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts looking for professional-grade results.
- Users who value premium build quality, better display, enhanced audio, and a compact design.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photo and video capture, content creation, professional mobile work.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What's Your Priority: Screen Size or Display Quality? If you prefer a larger screen for basic consumption, the A23 5G is an option. If you need vibrant colors and sharpness, the Xperia 5 IV is a clear winner.
- Do You Need Maximum Performance? If your main use cases are gaming, video editing or intense multitasking, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice. The A23 5G would be noticeably slower.
- What is your budget? The A23 5G could be the cheaper option but be wary that you would be sacrificing many premium features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you need a solid, affordable phone with a large display for casual use, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the more practical choice.
- Performance Seeker: For those who demand top-tier performance, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice for demanding tasks and high-quality media.
- Multimedia Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior pick due to its high-quality recording features, and great display for reviewing content.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Galaxy A23 5G is adequate for casual use, the Xperia 5 IV’s superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make it much more versatile and powerful. As a tech journalist with a keen interest in photography and videography, these are the qualities I value most. I also value the compact nature of the phone because I tend to carry it around often.
The additional features like reverse charging, Hi-Res audio, and the more robust design further reinforce its position as the premium option. For me, the additional cost is justified by the significant increase in user experience and versatility. While the A23 5G might be fine for a less demanding user, the Xperia 5 IV would provide a significantly more enjoyable and comprehensive mobile experience.
