Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Asus ROG Phone 8. These are two very different devices, each with its own unique strengths and target audience. I'll break down the specs, offer key insights, and help you figure out which one might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, emphasizing the practical implications of each specification:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The Xperia is noticeably more compact and easier to handle, while the ROG Phone 8 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 172g | 225g | Xperia is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use; ROG is more substantial in hand. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus front, aluminum frame. | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, aluminum frame. | Both offer robust builds; The Asus has a newer generation glass, providing slightly better scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8's larger display offers more immersive viewing, while Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are Full HD+, but the Xperia has slightly higher resolution, translating to a tiny sharpness advantage. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 388 ppi | Xperia 5 IV has a sharper, more detailed screen, better for reading and fine details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are excellent and have great contrast and vividness. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 has significantly better outdoor visibility, easily usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ROG Phone 8 has a considerably more powerful processor, better for intensive tasks and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 is nearly twice as fast, offering a smoother and more responsive experience in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 has the newer, more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming performance and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", Sony IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | ROG has a higher resolution main sensor, though, the Xperia’s sensor allows slightly better low-light performance due to the wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 takes sharper selfies with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities; ROG Phone 8 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | None | Xperia 5 IV offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for landscape photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 has a dedicated Macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | ROG Phone 8 has a combined Wide angle & Macro lens for additional creative options. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | ROG Phone 8 can shoot higher-resolution video, while both offer excellent stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger battery, which, coupled with its power efficient CPU, should offer slightly longer endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 65W | ROG Phone 8 charges much faster, allowing quick top-ups when needed. |
| Features | Bypass charging, Reverse charging | None | The Xperia can bypass battery charging during gaming and provide reverse charging capabilities for accessories. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 13 | Android 14, Max 16 | ROG Phone 8 has a more up to date Android version out of the box, and better software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 has the latest and greatest Wi-Fi technology, for better range and bandwidth. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Minor advantage to ROG Phone 8, though both are excellent. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 has slightly better GPS coverage due to added systems support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The Xperia offers the ability to use an eSIM in addition to the traditional SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have a maximum internal storage of 256GB. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ROG Phone 8 comes with more RAM, which helps for improved multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have impressive audio quality with stereo speakers, however, each offer different tuning and spatial sound capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Xperia's side mounted fingerprint sensor is more seamless, and has improved functionality. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Xperia has an additional sensor: Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths:
- Compact Design: The Xperia is much easier to handle with one hand due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density leads to a clearer, more detailed screen.
- Better Photography Flexibility: Dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses offer more creative options.
- Unique Features: Bypass charging for gaming and reverse charging for accessories.
- Advanced Audio: It has Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos, providing a high quality audio experience.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still capable but significantly less powerful than the ROG's Gen 3.
- Lower Brightness: Not ideal for bright outdoor use.
- Slower Charging: Takes longer to recharge than the ROG Phone 8.
- Less RAM: It comes standard with 8GB of RAM, which may be limiting compared to Asus's 12/16GB options.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides cutting edge performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make it perfect for gaming and media consumption.
- Excellent Battery Life: Slightly larger battery with fast charging support.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher-resolution front-facing camera.
- Additional Lenses: Dedicated macro and combined wide/macro lens for more flexible photography.
- Trade-offs:
- Bulky Design: Significantly larger and heavier, which may not be comfortable for everyday carry.
- Less Flexible Camera System: No dedicated telephoto or ultrawide lenses.
- Less Compact Design: Might not be as easy to use one-handed.
- Lacks Features: Does not have some of the unique features of the Sony, like bypass and reverse charging.
- Basic fingerprint sensor: The security is handled by the basic sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a compact, high-quality phone with excellent multimedia capabilities.
- Use Cases: Casual users, photography enthusiasts, those who prefer single-hand usage, and enjoy a great audio experience.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for a flagship experience, especially for media consumption and camera.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Best for: Gamers and performance enthusiasts who demand the very best mobile power.
- Use Cases: Heavy mobile gamers, users who need top-tier app performance, and those who consume a lot of media.
- Price-to-Value: Premium pricing for a powerful gaming phone; excellent performance comes at a higher cost.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize portability and single-handed use, or are you comfortable with a larger device? If you value a compact, light phone, go with the Xperia 5 IV. If you prefer a larger display and a more substantial device, the ROG Phone 8 is better.
- Is cutting-edge performance and gaming your top priority? If so, the ROG Phone 8’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 165Hz display are a must. If you are a casual user, or not interested in mobile gaming, the Xperia 5 IV will provide a satisfactory experience.
- How important is camera flexibility? The Xperia 5 IV with dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses is better for photography enthusiasts. If you are not interested in photography, or prefer macro shots, the ROG Phone 8 will be more capable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV. It’s a well-rounded phone, with a compact design and great overall performance for daily tasks.
- For the Mobile Gamer:
- Asus ROG Phone 8. It offers the best gaming experience with its top-tier performance and smooth display.
- For the Photographer:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV. Offers more creative flexibility with its telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- For the Media Enthusiast:
- Asus ROG Phone 8. While both are great, the ROG Phone 8's larger, brighter, and smoother display makes it more suited for heavy media consumption.
Conclusion
Both the Sony Xperia 5 IV and Asus ROG Phone 8 are excellent devices, but they cater to very different needs. The Xperia 5 IV is a compact, versatile phone for those who prefer a smaller form factor, while the ROG Phone 8 is a powerhouse designed for gaming and intensive use.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Personally, I'd go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. As someone who enjoys pushing my devices to their limits, the cutting-edge performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the incredibly smooth 165Hz display are too tempting to pass up. I also spend a good chunk of my time gaming on my phone, and that extra power will come in handy. Plus, the battery life is a definite bonus for a power user like myself. While I appreciate the compactness of the Xperia 5 IV, the ROG Phone 8's strengths align better with my primary use cases. The higher brightness is also a must when working outside often. Ultimately, it's all about choosing the tool that fits your specific needs and use cases, and the ROG Phone 8's raw power and excellent display would be perfect for my own personal use.
