Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. We'll go beyond just specs and look at what these differences mean for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm | The Xperia is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while the iPhone is larger and offers a bigger screen. |
| Weight | 172g | 203g | The Xperia is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia uses a known, durable glass for screen protection, while the iPhone's protection is not specified. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger display, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1284x2778 | The iPhone 14 Plus has a higher resolution screen providing a noticeably sharper image quality. |
| PPI | 449 | 458 | Both phones offer very similar pixel densities, providing a sharp display. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use the same technology, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The Xperia 5 IV's 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The iPhone 14 Plus will have a significantly better screen for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | The iPhone 14 Plus's A15 Bionic shows higher performance in benchmarks for faster app loading, smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,330,312 | The iPhone 14 Plus scores significantly higher, suggesting superior performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Apple 5-core GPU | Both GPUs are capable but the iPhone is slightly faster in graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" | The iPhone 14 Plus has a wider aperture and slightly larger sensor, capturing more light and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/1.9 | The iPhone 14 Plus has a slightly wider aperture, potentially capturing more light in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | None | The Xperia 5 IV offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, a feature the iPhone 14 Plus lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | The Xperia 5 IV's wide lens has a wider aperture, potentially better for wide shots in low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 4K 60fps | Both phones offer excellent video quality with stabilization, but the Xperia offers 4k at 120fps, offering more options for video. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 119 | 133 | The iPhone 14 Plus scored better in camera performance than the Xperia. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Not tested | 144 | The iPhone 14 Plus was tested and scored significantly higher, likely offering better selfies than the Xperia. |
| Camera Features | Triple, OIS, EIS, RAW | Dual, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, Audio Zoom | The Xperia has a dedicated telephoto lens and better video recording capabilities whereas the iPhone has Audio Zoom, and a Night Mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4325mAh | The Xperia has a larger battery, which can contribute to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Li-Ion, MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | The Xperia offers faster wired charging and includes reverse charging. The iPhone has MagSafe wireless charging. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Xperia is much easier to handle and carry around thanks to its smaller dimensions and lighter weight.
- Superior Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a visibly smoother and more fluid user experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature missing on the iPhone, which is great for different types of photography.
- Battery Capacity: Has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
- Advanced Video Recording: Offers 4K 120fps video recording with HDR, OIS and EIS.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Benchmark Scores: The Xperia's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset scores lower than the iPhone’s A15 Bionic.
- Display Brightness: Lacks the brightness of the iPhone 14 Plus, which can be an issue in very bright conditions.
- No Expandable Storage: You are stuck with the storage you choose as there is no expandable storage.
- Lower Camera Performance Overall camera performance is lower than the iPhone.
- No Wireless Charging: Doesn't have wireless charging like the iPhone does.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus:
- Strengths:
- Larger and Sharper Display: Offers a larger and higher-resolution screen, excellent for media consumption and gaming.
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip consistently outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmarks.
- Higher Display Brightness: The display can get much brighter, making it easier to use outdoors.
- Excellent Camera System: Has wider aperture, and larger main sensor, allowing for better low-light performance, additionally the DxOMark score shows its superiority in both photo and video, particularly selfie cameras.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Improved spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging using both MagSafe and Qi standards.
- Trade-offs:
- Bulkier and Heavier: The larger dimensions and higher weight make it less comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Lower Refresh Rate: Its 60Hz display is noticeably less smooth compared to the Xperia's 120Hz display.
- No Telephoto Lens: Lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, which limits optical zoom capabilities.
- Lower Battery Capacity: Has a smaller battery that could be more limiting for heavy users.
- No Expandable Storage: You are stuck with the storage you choose as there is no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Users who prioritize portability: Its compact size and lighter weight make it ideal for those who value one-handed use and pocketability.
- Media consumers who appreciate smooth visuals: The 120Hz refresh rate is excellent for watching videos, scrolling through social media, and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile zoom options: The dedicated telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for capturing different types of photos.
- Users who want a variety of video recording options: With 4K up to 120fps.
- Android users looking for a top-tier phone: If you prefer Android and want a phone with a smaller design and a great screen, this is the phone for you.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus is best for:
- Users who prioritize media consumption: The larger and higher-resolution display is great for watching movies, TV shows, and playing games.
- Those seeking top-tier performance: The A15 Bionic provides a consistently faster and smoother user experience.
- Outdoor users who need a bright display: The higher display brightness is ideal for use in direct sunlight.
- Users who want superior image quality: With a high DXOMark score, the iPhone is a significantly better camera phone than the Xperia.
- Users who value ecosystem integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices makes it an appealing option for existing Apple users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your priority: portability or a large screen? If portability and one-handed use are key, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice. If a big display is important to you, then the iPhone 14 Plus is your choice.
- Do you prioritize performance or smooth scrolling? If you want the fastest performance, the iPhone 14 Plus is the better pick. If you want the smoothest scrolling and animations, the Xperia’s 120Hz display is the way to go.
- How important is camera versatility versus performance? The Xperia offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, but the iPhone has superior overall camera performance.
- Are you ok with a wired charging connection? If not, the iPhone offers wireless charging while the Xperia doesn't.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- The On-the-Go Professional: If you're constantly on the move and need a phone that's easy to handle, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better fit due to its smaller, lighter design.
- The Media Enthusiast: If your primary use is watching movies, TV shows, and playing games, then the Apple iPhone 14 Plus with its large, bright, high-resolution screen is the better choice.
- The Photography Buff: If versatility in your camera is what you're looking for, the Xperia with its telephoto lens is the one. If higher image quality is the aim then the iPhone is the phone to choose.
- The Everyday User: If you need a dependable phone that works seamlessly with an existing ecosystem, is easy to use, has good performance and a better camera, the iPhone 14 Plus is a well-rounded option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus, I'd personally go with the iPhone 14 Plus. Here’s why:
As someone who values a great multimedia experience, the larger and sharper display of the iPhone 14 Plus would be crucial for me. While the Xperia’s 120Hz refresh rate is tempting, the superior processing power of the A15 Bionic and the higher display brightness for outdoor use are too good to pass up. Additionally, the better image quality is also important.
While I appreciate the portability of the Xperia, I'm usually carrying a bag, so the extra size of the iPhone 14 Plus isn't too much of a burden, especially given the benefits. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem is also an added bonus. Finally, the wireless charging option is a feature I use regularly.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal priorities. Both phones are excellent, but the iPhone 14 Plus aligns more with my specific needs, offering a superior display, processing power, better image quality and ease of use.
