Okay, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Here's a breakdown that should help you decide which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably more compact and pocketable; Mate 50 Pro is larger and potentially less comfortable in one hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 205g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for longer periods and feels less bulky. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1212x2616 | Mate 50 Pro provides slightly sharper visuals due to the higher pixel count, though not drastically different. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 428 ppi | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display due to a higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; ideal for gaming and general fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This data is missing. We can assume they have similar max brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly newer and more efficient chip, though the real world difference isn't too huge. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,022,043 | Both phones offer flagship-level performance; they handle intensive tasks and games with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have the same GPU, ensuring smooth gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution sensor, wider aperture, and larger sensor; likely better in low-light and detail capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV has wider aperture for better low-light selfies; however, the Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Mate 50 Pro has significantly higher resolution, larger sensor size, but narrower aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both feature a 12MP wide-angle lens; should perform comparably in well-lit conditions. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 4K 60fps | Xperia 5 IV offers higher frame rate 4K recording; both offer good stabilisation. Mate 50 pro has 720p@3840fps |
| DxOMark Score | 119, 121, 113 | 149, 152, 141 | Huawei takes the lead in the Mobile Category by a good margin |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video, Continuous AF | Manual focus, Laser AF, Dual Front Camera, Night Mode | Both have great flexibility; Mate 50 Pro features more advanced autofocus & Night Mode; Xperia 5 IV excels with ultra stable videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Charging Features | Bypass charging, reverse charging | 50W wireless charging, 7.5W wireless reverse charging, reverse charging | Mate 50 Pro excels in charging flexibility, Xperia 5 IV has an advantage with Bypass charging for gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Not Specified | Sony offers Android 12 with a planned upgrade to 13, Huawei's OS is not specified here. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer advanced WiFi 6 connectivity. Huawei has WiFi MiMO which would assist in a stronger connection in certain scenarios |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Similar versions of Bluetooth but Sony has a much more comprehensive feature list. |
| GPS | Dual Band | Dual Band | Huawei has more Global Navigation Systems, the Xperia has GPS and BeiDou, which is a good alternative |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Sony offers the ease of use of an eSIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Mate 50 Pro offers more base storage, better for those who want to keep a lot of content on their phone. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both are adequate for smooth multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Sony has an edge in terms of audio quality, offering a spatial audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Sony's side-mounted sensor is ergonomic, while the Huawei offers standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony has better protection for their screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Huawei has a gravity sensor and slightly different options, but both phones are very similar |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The most immediate strength is its size. It’s notably more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use than most flagships.
- Excellent Audio Features: The combination of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers makes for an immersive sound experience.
- Superior Video Recording Options: The capability to record 4K video at 120fps is a significant advantage for those who value high-quality video capture and slow-motion effects.
- Bypass charging: A very useful feature for gaming
- More Ergonomic Security: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more intuitive for many users.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility when it comes to using multiple SIM cards.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Main Camera: The 50MP main sensor with a wider f/1.4 aperture captures more light and detail, particularly in low-light conditions. The overall performance is superior as seen in the DxOMark ratings
- Larger and Sharper Display: The bigger display provides an immersive experience for media and gaming. The higher resolution is also useful, but the difference is hard to detect.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is a game-changer for those who need to quickly top up their battery. Wireless charging is an extra benefit.
- Comprehensive Set of Camera Features: Advanced autofocus and night mode are an advantage for those seeking excellent camera features.
- Larger Storage Options: With up to 512GB of storage, it caters to users who require ample space for their photos, videos, and apps.
- More Global Positioning Systems: With more satellite systems, the location tracking should be more accurate in most parts of the world.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: The camera, while versatile, is not quite as strong in low-light as the Mate 50 Pro's. It lacks the faster charging and wireless charging options. It has a smaller display and less storage.
- Mate 50 Pro: Its larger size may not be comfortable for all users, and the lack of eSIM might be a drawback for some. It lacks a higher 4K fps recording mode and high-quality audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Best For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize audio quality and a high refresh rate for media and gaming.
- On-the-Go Creatives: Users who value high-quality video capture, and a compact device.
- One-Handed Users: People who prefer a smaller, more ergonomic device for daily use.
- Gamers: Bypass charging is incredibly useful for those playing on their phone.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is Best For:
- Photography Lovers: Users who seek the best image quality in various conditions.
- Power Users: Those who need fast charging and a larger display for media consumption.
- Users with High Storage Needs: Individuals who prefer to keep all their files directly on their device.
- Travellers: Those who require the most accurate and flexible location tracking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your main use case? (E.g., Camera, video, general use, gaming, media consumption, productivity)
- How much do you value portability vs screen size? (Do you want a pocketable phone or a larger display?)
- How crucial is charging speed and battery features for you? (Do you need the fastest charge, or prefer wireless charging or do you want bypass charging?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual Photographer: If you just want great shots and videos with reliable point-and-shoot ease, either phone will work. The Mate 50 Pro, however, provides slightly better photos and low light performance.
- Scenario 2: The Power User: You need a device that can keep up with heavy multitasking, media streaming, and extended gaming sessions. The Mate 50 Pro has more storage and faster charging, making it a very strong option.
- Scenario 3: The Audiophile or Videographer: The Xperia 5 IV is the obvious choice, offering a superior audio experience and a wide range of video recording features.
- Scenario 4: The Ergonomic Lover: You like a phone you can use with one hand easily, and pocketable. The Xperia 5 IV is an obvious winner.
My Choice
If I were making a personal choice between these two, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a strong camera system and a larger display, my priorities in a smartphone align more with the Xperia 5 IV’s strengths. I enjoy the smaller, lightweight build, the focus on audio and video, and the added benefits of a more versatile SIM setup with the eSIM.
As a tech journalist, I also find myself creating more video content than taking pictures, and having 4K 120 fps is very convenient, and this coupled with the bypass charging for when I play games makes it the more useful device for me. While the superior camera on the Mate 50 Pro is tempting, I feel the video capabilities of the Sony are a better fit for my specific needs and a smoother workflow.
The additional features of Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio would also add to my media consumption experience, which is something I value highly.
