Okay, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 IV. As a tech journalist with a love for the nitty-gritty, I'll break down these two phones and translate the specs into real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | The 1 III is noticeably taller and wider, making the 5 IV more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 172g | The 5 IV is lighter, which can make a difference during extended use and makes it more comfortable for long term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | The 1 III offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption, while the 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2520 | The 1 III has a much sharper display, better for detail-oriented tasks like photo editing or reading small text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 449 | The 1 III provides a noticeably crisp display, ideal for high-resolution content and pixel-perfect experiences. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation, making everyday interactions feel responsive. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | The 5 IV's newer chip offers a performance edge, especially for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 1,021,542 | The 5 IV shows a clear performance advantage in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The 5 IV's newer GPU provides better graphics processing, crucial for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.7 | 12MP, f/1.7 | Both offer similar main lens quality, with identical aperture |
| Selfie Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The 5 IV captures more detailed selfies with its higher resolution camera |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.4 | The 1 III has a slightly wider aperture, which is better for low-light situations |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The 5 IV has a wider aperture which is slightly better for capturing more light in low-light situations |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | The 1 III includes a ToF sensor for enhanced depth mapping and faster autofocus in certain situations. |
| Video | 4K@120fps HDR | 4K@120fps HDR | Both support top-tier video quality with stabilization, making them suitable for videography enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 105 | 119 | The Xperia 5 IV consistently outperforms the Xperia 1 III in camera testing, especially in video quality, this translates to better photos in low light, better video recording and better dynamic range |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The 5 IV's larger battery likely provides longer battery life, particularly during heavy use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both support 30W fast charging, offering a reasonable charge time for their batteries. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass, Reverse charging | The 5 IV can charge other devices, adding convenience in certain scenarios. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The 5 IV ships with a newer OS, while both are upgradable to the same max version. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The 1 III offers higher storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | The 1 III has more RAM, better suited for heavy multitasking and running more apps smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: Larger and sharper display, more RAM, option for more storage, and a ToF 3D sensor for depth mapping and better autofocus.
- Competitive Advantages: The higher resolution screen makes it superior for high resolution content consumption and creators, combined with the extra RAM for multitasking.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, less battery life, and slightly heavier than the 5 IV.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: More compact and lighter, newer and better performing chipset, larger battery capacity, reverse charging, and superior camera performance.
- Competitive Advantages: Better performance, enhanced battery life, and is more pocketable.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen, lower display resolution and pixel density, slightly less RAM and no ToF sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a top-tier display, need more RAM and storage, and those who appreciate the depth and autofocus abilities provided by the ToF sensor.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, professional photography, heavy multitasking, and users who require high-resolution displays.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best for: Users who want a pocketable device with excellent performance, long battery life, and great camera quality.
- Use Cases: On-the-go productivity, mobile gaming, photography and videography, and those who value a compact design and all day battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Help You Decide:
- How important is a large, high-resolution display to you?
- If this is your top priority, the Xperia 1 III is better due to its 4K display.
- Do you value performance and battery life over all other features?
- The Xperia 5 IV will satisfy you more here.
- Are you looking for a more compact and pocketable device?
- If this is important to you, the Xperia 5 IV is the more convenient option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Mobile Creator: For those who need top-notch display for editing photos and videos, need the RAM for multitasking, and will benefit from the additional storage, go with the Xperia 1 III. The higher pixel density will make editing more precise
- Scenario 2: The Power User on the Go: If performance, battery life, and a pocket-friendly design are key, the Xperia 5 IV is the winner. It offers a faster chipset and longer lasting battery in a lighter package
- Scenario 3: The Everyday Photographer: The Xperia 5 IV offers a better camera experience with a higher DxoMark score, for users who want consistent great shots go with the 5 IV
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would lean toward the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here’s why:
- Balance: While the Xperia 1 III has an amazing display, the Xperia 5 IV strikes a better balance between performance, portability, and camera quality. It’s the more practical choice for a daily driver.
- Real-World Performance: The newer chipset, larger battery, and superior camera translate to a smoother, more reliable experience for me. I’d rather have better battery life and enhanced camera performance than the extra display real estate.
- Pocketability: I like phones that are easy to handle and I prefer a smaller device that doesn’t feel like a brick in my pocket.
In essence, the Sony Xperia 5 IV would be my choice because it offers a more well-rounded, modern smartphone experience. The performance leap, battery advantage, and compact design make it a more compelling device for everyday use.
