Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, two very different contenders in the smartphone arena. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, along with what they translate to in real-world usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable; Pixel 7 Pro is larger |
| Weight | 172g | 212g | Xperia 5 IV feels significantly lighter and easier to handle |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Pixel 7 Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro display is sharper and more detailed |
| PPI | 449 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro’s display appears finer due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; slight variation in tech |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro is far more visible in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) | Xperia 5 IV has an edge in raw speed; Pixel 7 Pro for AI tasks |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 831,716 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly faster in benchmarks; faster app loads |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different architectures; slight differences in gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP (f/1.7, 1/1.7") | 50MP (f/1.85, 1/1.31") | Pixel 7 Pro has a higher-resolution and larger sensor for better details |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP (f/2.0) | 10.8MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture selfie, potentially better in low light |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/3.5") | 48MP (f/3.5, 1/2") | Pixel 7 Pro has a higher-resolution telephoto lens with more optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.3") | Pixel 7 Pro wide-angle has a slightly larger sensor |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K 60fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV excels in high frame rate recording, Pixel 7 pro can record slow motion at 240 fps |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 119 | 147 | Pixel 7 Pro's camera performs significantly better overall |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | N/A | 142 | Pixel 7 Pro’s selfie performance is good |
| Features | Continuous AF, Ultra Stable Video | Laser AF, Night Mode | Xperia: focus on action and stability; Pixel: focus on low light |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 23W Fast, 23W Wireless Charging | Xperia charges slightly faster; Pixel 7 Pro has wireless charging |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse | Wireless, Reverse Wireless, No charger in box | Sony for bypass charging during gaming. Pixel for wireless capabilities; |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Pixel 7 Pro offers the latest and most optimized android experience |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers more storage options; no expandable storage on either phone |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Pixel 7 Pro provides better performance in heavy multitasking |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 IV’s side-mounted scanner is generally faster |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Noise Cancellation Mic | Xperia emphasizes immersive audio; Pixel for clearer calls |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths: Compact design, lighter weight, faster chipset for raw power, a focus on video with 4K 120fps, better audio quality due to Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and bypass charging for gaming.
- Competitive Advantages: If you prioritize video recording with high frame rates, audio quality, a lighter and more compact phone, this is the device for you.
- Trade-offs: Smaller display, lower screen brightness, weaker camera performance, older Android OS, slower charging, and less RAM.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Strengths: Superior display quality (size, resolution, brightness), a more versatile camera system with exceptional image quality (DXOMark), latest android version, more ram, and wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: If you prioritize the best camera quality, a large and beautiful display, latest android version, wireless charging, this is the device for you.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, basic fingerprint scanner, lower performance scores compared to Xperia, and a higher cost.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Video Enthusiasts: Those who want 4K/120fps recording and great video stabilization.
- Audiophiles: Users who value high-quality audio output.
- Gamers: The bypass charging and the faster chipset is great for prolonged gaming sessions.
- Users Preferring Compact Phones: Those seeking a powerful phone that's easy to handle and pocketable.
Google Pixel 7 Pro is best for:
- Photography Lovers: Those who want the best mobile camera and its versatility.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing photos, and other media on the phone’s screen.
- Power Users: Those who need a large display and cutting edge features with the latest android experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Camera or Video?: Do you value superior still photography or high-quality video recording with high frame rates?
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a compact, lightweight phone or a large, feature-rich device?
- Display Clarity or Raw Power?: Do you want a larger display with better clarity or faster raw processing power?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: Go with the Pixel 7 Pro. Its camera is superior and more reliable, and its high brightness display will let you view photos even in direct sunlight.
- Mobile Gamer: Choose the Xperia 5 IV. The chipset is more powerful for gaming and you get bypass charging as an extra advantage.
- Casual User: Depends. If you care more about a compact phone then go for the Xperia 5 IV, if you care about a beautiful display and camera go with the Pixel 7 Pro.
Final Thoughts
Both of these phones are amazing in their own respects. It really comes down to what you value the most in your daily usage.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Google Pixel 7 Pro. While the Xperia 5 IV is an excellent device with its unique strengths, the Pixel 7 Pro's superior camera system, combined with its large, vibrant display, and wireless charging are features that align more closely with my daily use. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that provides good photo and video and the Pixel 7 Pro's camera is more versatile for my purposes. Additionally, I enjoy the large display for the consumption of all types of media. Although the chipset isn't as powerful as the Sony, Google's software experience is very nice and the 12GB of ram makes sure it runs smooth.
