Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This isn't just about numbers; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of key specs and what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.8 × 76.6 × 8.5 mm | Pixel is taller, wider, and slightly thicker making it less pocketable. |
| Weight | 172g | 221g | Sony is noticeably lighter making it easier to hold for extended periods and more comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | Pixel offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption, gaming, and productivity. Sony is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1344x2992 | Pixel's higher resolution results in sharper images, text and more clarity. |
| PPI | 449 | 486 | Pixel's higher pixel density offers slightly crisper visuals on a larger screen. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use OLED, expect vibrant colors, inky blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Pixel is much brighter and easily viewable in direct sunlight. Sony not great in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Tensor G4 | Different processing styles: Snapdragon for strong raw performance, Tensor for AI enhanced experiences. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,148,512 | Pixel delivers slightly better overall performance in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Different GPUs. Expect great performance from both but with slightly varied strengths. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5060mAh | Similar battery size; expect comparable battery life throughout a day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast | 37W fast | Pixel charges marginally faster, saving you a bit of time, especially if you're in a hurry. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | Reverse, Wireless | Sony has bypass charging for gaming; Pixel has 23W wireless charging for ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pixel's main camera captures much more detail and is suitable for large prints and cropping. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.31" | Pixel has a larger sensor allowing for more light and therefore better quality images in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 1.20 µm | Sony has larger pixels allowing for capturing more light per pixel. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.69 | Pixel’s aperture of f/1.69 is very slightly better for low-light shots by letting in more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 42MP | Pixel has a much higher resolution front camera allowing for much sharper selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Sony captures slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | Pixel offers far greater detail with its telephoto camera, better for zoomed in shots. |
| Telephoto Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.8 | Sony telephoto captures slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.5" | 1/2.55" | Pixel has a larger telephoto sensor, meaning better low-light shots. |
| Telephoto Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 0.70 µm | Sony has larger pixels on its telephoto lens, meaning it may capture more light per pixel. |
| Wide Angle | Yes | No | Sony has a dedicated wide angle camera for capturing landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | Pixel can capture much more details in closeups with its macro camera. |
| Video Resolution | 4K@120fps | 8K@30fps | Pixel supports higher video resolution for high quality recordings. |
| Video Features | 4K HDR, OIS, EIS | 8K HDR, OIS, EIS | Both feature stabilization, HDR, but Pixel also records in 8K. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240fps | Pixel has the ability to record much slower motion. |
| DXOMARK Score | 119 Mobile | 158 Mobile, 148 Selfie | Pixel has a superior camera rating based on DXOMARK scores. |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), PDAF Omnidericional, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel has a greater variety of camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | Pixel is updated with the latest Android OS, and will get many more upgrades than Sony. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel has a newer Wi-Fi standard, potentially faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Pixel has a newer bluetooth for better audio and battery saving. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel has more systems giving a more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both feature dual sim support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | Pixel offers much more storage options up to 1TB, ideal for users needing lots of space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB | Pixel's larger RAM makes it better for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Sony has Dolby Atmos for excellent quality listening. Pixel has noise cancellation microphones making it great for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Sony features a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel offers slightly newer technology for better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Sony has Compass, Hall; Google has Magnetometer, Thermometer; Both have a great number of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Compact and lightweight design, excellent audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support, great 120Hz screen, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and bypass charging for long gaming sessions.
- Competitive Advantages: A smaller form factor with premium audio, making it great for those who love media consumption, and a very practical wide-angle lens.
- Trade-offs: Its lower brightness and outdated chipset in comparison to the Pixel, slightly lower camera resolution and lack of wireless charging may deter some users.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Strengths: Larger, higher-resolution display with dramatically better brightness, vastly improved camera system with much greater detail in photos and videos, much faster processor, and the latest software upgrades.
- Competitive Advantages: Exceptional camera and video quality, a long software support guarantee, wireless charging, and higher benchmark scores.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, with a basic in-display fingerprint sensor, and slightly less practical wide angle.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best For: Users who want a compact phone with excellent audio, a premium screen, and prefer the side fingerprint sensor. Also, users who value great battery and use the phone for long gaming sessions.
- Use Cases: Media consumption on the go, gaming, listening to music, users who prefer a lighter phone.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Best For: Photography and videography enthusiasts, users who love a large, bright screen, who need a phone with top of the line performance and want the latest software updates and long-term software support.
- Use Cases: High-quality content creation, viewing media in bright conditions, gamers who need top performance, and users who rely on Google’s AI features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize a compact phone or a large, immersive display? If a smaller, pocketable device is important to you, the Sony wins. If you value a large, expansive display for media consumption or productivity, the Pixel is the better choice.
- How important is camera quality? If you are a photography enthusiast, the Pixel has a better camera with greater resolution, larger sensors, a higher DXOmark score, and a greater amount of video functionality.
- Are you concerned about long-term software updates? Google is committed to supporting its Pixel phones for much longer periods compared to Sony. If the newest software is a high priority for you the Pixel is the better option.
Which one I would choose
If I were in the market for a new phone, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. While the compact nature of the Sony is appealing, I value the superior camera system and the extra storage of the Google phone. I'd also benefit from the larger display size for day to day use, and much faster processor for long work days. Given my focus on mobile photography, content creation, and my desire for long term software support, the Pixel checks off the boxes.
While the Sony is a great phone, the Pixel is a more well-rounded option for me. The Pixel’s camera capabilities, faster processor and much greater software support, combined with the beautiful large screen makes it a better fit for my needs.
