Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. This is an interesting matchup; a stylish foldable versus a sleek, traditional powerhouse. Let's see how they stack up on paper and, more importantly, in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications of both phones, along with what they mean for the everyday user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3’s clamshell design is undeniably eye-catching and pocketable when folded. The Xperia 5 IV has a traditional sleek and narrow profile. |
| Dimensions (H x W x T) | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | The Flip3 is taller and wider when unfolded, but significantly smaller when folded. The Xperia 5 IV is more compact overall and thinner than the Z Flip 3 when folded. |
| Weight | 183g | 172g | The Xperia 5 IV is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" (Main) | 6.1" | The Flip3 has a larger, more immersive screen for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV offers a more compact size that fits better in the hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 | 1080 x 2520 | Both offer sharp, detailed images for everyday use. The difference in resolution is not significant. |
| Pixel Density | 426 ppi | 449 ppi | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | The Xperia 5 IV has the benefit of OLED offering superior blacks, contrast, and color accuracy. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The Flip3 is much better in outdoor conditions due to its high peak brightness. The 0 nits rating is likely incorrect and should be verified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 5 IV has a newer, more efficient processor, giving a moderate performance advantage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,021,542 | The Xperia 5 IV outperforms the Flip3 in benchmarks, although both are capable of high performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Xperia 5 IV has an improved GPU, which could offer slightly better gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | The Xperia 5 IV has a much larger battery, which should translate to significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Xperia 5 IV charges much faster, which is a significant advantage. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | The Xperia 5 IV has bypass charging which could benefit gamers by reducing heat and battery wear while charging and playing intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4 µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8 µm | The Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and larger pixels, allowing for better low-light performance and depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22 µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25 µm | The Xperia 5 IV has a higher resolution front-facing camera and a wider aperture which allows more light in. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0 µm | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom which will provide a better image at a distance and in low light conditions compared to a digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, 1/3.06", 1.12 µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm | Xperia 5 IV offers a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 5 IV offers a better selection of video recording modes, including up to 4K@120fps. The Xperia 5 IV includes OIS and EIS for better stabilization and the Flip3 has HDR support. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 110 (Video) | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | The Xperia 5 IV has slightly better scores across all areas, suggesting better image and video quality. |
| Additional Camera Features | Tracking AF, Dual Camera | Optical zoom, Triple Camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, RAW | Xperia 5 IV offers more comprehensive camera capabilities, especially for advanced users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The Flip3 has a newer maximum software version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-band | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-band | Both offer standard Wi-Fi connectivity. The Z Flip 3 has additional MIMO features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potential efficiency improvements. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | Both phones offer robust location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM and eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer 8 GB of RAM, sufficient for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose the correct internal storage option to meet your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV offers enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer good screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Both offer a robust array of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Strengths: The most notable strength is its unique foldable design, making it extremely pocketable. It boasts a vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and high peak brightness for good outdoor visibility. It also has robust software support from Samsung.
- Competitive Advantages: The flip phone design is a true conversation starter and its smaller size when folded is very convenient. It's a stylish device that stands out from the crowd.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The Flip3 suffers from a smaller battery capacity, and a less versatile camera system compared to the Xperia 5 IV.
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths: It delivers a traditional smartphone experience with a focus on performance and photography. The Xperia 5 IV has a powerful processor, significantly better battery life, and a versatile triple camera system with a telephoto lens and higher video capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The superior camera system, better battery life, bypass charging and its focus on high-quality media consumption, especially with the enhanced audio features.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The design is less innovative and the screen is noticeably smaller than the Samsung.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize design and portability. Ideal for those who want a unique phone that fits easily in a pocket or purse.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, style-conscious individuals, and those who don't need all-day battery life. Great for casual photography and video recording.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, battery life, and camera capabilities. Ideal for photographers, videographers, gamers, and those who need reliable all-day battery.
- Use Cases: Content creators, frequent travelers, and those who consume a lot of media on the go. Excellent for both casual and serious photography and video.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
How important is portability and design to you? If a truly pocketable, eye-catching device is your priority, the Flip3 is the clear winner. If a sleek but traditional smartphone is ok with you, go with the Xperia 5 IV.
Do you prioritize camera capabilities and battery life over all else? If so, the Xperia 5 IV with its larger battery, and triple camera system is the better choice. The telephoto lens is a great feature for those who are taking photos at a distance.
What is your budget? This specification list does not include the retail price, so I do not have any input on it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Style Enthusiast: You love making a statement with your tech. The Flip3 is for you, with its unique form factor and eye-catching design.
- The Content Creator: You need a versatile camera system, great battery life and better video recording quality. The Xperia 5 IV is your tool of choice.
- The Power User: Performance and battery life are crucial for you. The Xperia 5 IV fits your need with its superior battery and processor.
- The Casual User: You need a reliable device for everyday tasks and occasional media consumption, the Xperia 5 IV offers more value.
Conclusion: My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is undeniably innovative and stylish, its shorter battery life and the basic camera system are a major compromise for my needs. I am constantly on the go and appreciate a device that can keep up with my demands. The Xperia 5 IV offers a more well-rounded package with its excellent camera system, a significantly larger battery, and enhanced audio for an excellent media experience. Its focus on performance and media consumption aligns with my needs as a tech journalist and general user. While the foldable design of the Flip3 is impressive, the practicality and robustness of the Xperia 5 IV win out for me.
