1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | S20 FE 5G is wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Xperia 1 IV is taller and narrower, possibly easier to hold for some users. |
| Weight | 190g | 185g | Negligible difference. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV's Victus offers significantly better scratch and shatter resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV offers a much sharper and more detailed image. Text and fine details will be noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 407 | 643 | Higher pixel density on Xperia 1 IV results in sharper visuals, especially noticeable in VR or when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar technologies offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | S20 FE 5G has a brighter screen, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. Brightness for Sony Xperia 1 IV is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV will handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic-intensive games much more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's GPU provides a better gaming and graphics performance. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Xperia 1 IV's more RAM enables smoother multitasking and keeps more apps open in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7 | Xperia 1 IV's slightly wider aperture (f/1.7) might result in marginally better low-light performance, but the difference may be minimal. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.3 | Xperia 1 IV has higher resolution telephoto, potentially capturing more detailed zoomed-in shots. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Similar ultrawide lens capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | S20 FE 5G has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. Xperia 1 IV's wider aperture can result in slightly better low light selfies. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Xperia 1 IV includes ToF 3D sensor for improved depth sensing, potentially improving autofocus speed and portrait mode quality |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV can record higher frame rate 4K video, allowing for smoother video playback. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 105 | Xperia 1 IV's camera performance is rated by DxOMark with a score of 105. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV's larger battery should provide longer battery life, especially with demanding tasks. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | S20 FE 5G can wirelessly charge other devices and can be charged wirelessly. Xperia 1 IV supports Bypass Charging, which can reduce heat and battery degradation during prolonged gaming sessions while plugged in. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Xperia 1 IV offers more internal storage, useful for users with large media libraries. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Price: Generally more affordable than the Xperia 1 IV.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Convenient for charging accessories like wireless earbuds.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- More Powerful Performance: Superior processor and GPU for smoother and faster performance.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Better Build Quality: More durable screen protection.
- More RAM and Storage: Enables better multitasking and more storage for files.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Support for more advanced audio codecs.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for gamers, content creators, and users who demand the best possible performance.
- Great for watching high-resolution videos and playing graphics-intensive games.
Trade-offs:
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV comes at a premium price, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a more budget-friendly option, especially for those who don't need the latest and greatest specs.
- The S20 FE 5G sacrifices processing power and display quality for better outdoor visibility and wireless charging features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a bright display, wireless charging, and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor use (especially in sunny conditions).
- Charging wireless earbuds or other accessories.
- General social media browsing and communication.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Performance enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and those who value a high-quality display and longer battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Photography and videography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S20 FE 5G is a more affordable option.
- How important is performance? The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly better performance.
- What are your primary use cases? Consider whether you value a brighter screen and wireless charging over raw performance and display quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major constraint. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
- Scenario 2: Performance and display quality are paramount. Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone primarily for outdoor use. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G due to brighter display.
My Choice
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a solid phone and a better value for many, the Xperia 1 IV offers a superior experience in almost every aspect that matters to me. The combination of a more powerful processor, higher resolution display, larger battery, and better build quality justifies the higher price. The lack of information about the brightness of the Sony Xperia 1 IV is worrying.
As someone who frequently uses their phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and watching high-resolution content, the Xperia 1 IV's advantages would be noticeable and appreciated on a daily basis.
