Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Huawei nova 12i. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications, along with the real-world implications for each feature:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm, 199g | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and lighter, easier for one-handed use. nova 12i is larger and heavier. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | nova 12i has a larger display for immersive media consumption. Xperia is smaller, better for pockets. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2388 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper visuals. Both are sufficient for daily viewing. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 391 ppi | Xperia 5 IV display looks noticeably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are identical. Note that these are peak brightness and typically the max. brightness is stated |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers flagship-level speed, ideal for intensive apps and gaming. nova 12i is for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 289,000 | Xperia 5 IV is much faster, handling multitasking, gaming and intensive apps more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Xperia 5 IV provides superior graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7, 1/1.7") | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.67") | nova 12i captures more detail in daylight, Xperia 5 IV has better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Xperia 5 IV captures higher quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/3.5") | Not available | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capability for better long-range shots. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | Not available | Xperia 5 IV captures more in-frame content, ideal for landscapes and group shots. |
| Portrait Lens | Not available | 2MP (f/2.4) | nova 12i has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps | 1080p at 30fps | Xperia 5 IV records significantly higher quality and smoother videos. |
| DXOMARK Score | 119 | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV has strong, well tested and rated camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide all day battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | nova 12i charges a bit faster, allowing quicker refills. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia 5 IV can act as a power bank and bypass charging to reduce heat while gaming |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, up to 13 | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV offers a stock android experience, with access to the Playstore |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia 5 IV supports faster and more efficient WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a more modern and efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Dual band and more systems | Basic GPS systems | Xperia 5 IV offers more accurate and faster location tracking. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | Xperia 5 IV is good for travellers with the eSIM function. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage variants, though cannot be upgraded with an SD card. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both phones can multitask without a problem. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio | Xperia 5 IV delivers a more immersive and richer audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both provide basic and convenient biometric unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More sensors | Basic sensors | Xperia 5 IV has more sensors and is better suited for apps and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse that packs flagship-level performance into a compact design. Its OLED display offers top-tier visual quality, complemented by a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The camera system is versatile, capable of capturing stunning photos and videos, and the inclusion of features like optical zoom and 4K 120fps video recording makes it a strong contender for creative users. The phone also has additional features such as reverse and bypass charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The compact form factor with flagship specs, especially the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and the quality OLED display, places it in a unique position. It also boasts superior audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support.
- Trade-offs: The main trade-offs would be the lack of expandable storage, which may limit users who want a lot of files on their phone and the 30W charging is slightly slower compared to its competitor.
Huawei nova 12i:
- Strengths: The nova 12i stands out with its larger display and faster 40W charging. The 108MP main camera promises high levels of detail in good lighting conditions, making it a decent option for those who value large and detailed images. It also provides good performance for everyday tasks.
- Competitive Advantages: Its affordability is a major selling point, offering a large screen and fast charging at a lower price.
- Trade-offs: The IPS LCD screen, weaker chipset, and lack of advanced camera features and software features limit its appeal to users seeking the best performance and visual experience. It also lacks a lot of software features compared to the Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photographers, videographers, and users who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, and robust camera features in a compact body.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality content creation, media consumption, and daily tasks.
- Price-to-Value: The Xperia 5 IV is a premium device, justified by its flagship-level performance and features, though not as affordable.
Huawei nova 12i:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who want a large display for media, casual photography, and a phone that performs well in everyday tasks, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Social media, casual gaming, browsing, and watching videos.
- Price-to-Value: The nova 12i is very budget-friendly, offering a lot of value for its price point, with a decent camera and fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help guide your decision:
- Performance and Display: Do you need the fastest performance and the best display quality possible, or is a good enough performance and larger screen sufficient?
- Camera Features: Are advanced camera features like optical zoom, 4K 120fps video, and high-quality low-light photos important, or are basic daylight photos and videos enough?
- Budget vs. Experience: Are you willing to pay a premium for top-tier specs and experience, or is a more budget-friendly phone with a few compromises acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you're a gamer or someone who needs raw power, then the Sony Xperia 5 IV will be the better choice.
- For the Creative: If you plan on recording videos or taking professional photos, then the Sony Xperia 5 IV will suit your needs.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If you primarily want to consume media and value fast charging on a large screen phone, then the Huawei nova 12i is the better choice, with its great value at a lower price.
What would I choose and why
If it were my money on the line, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As someone who values a blend of power and compactness, the Xperia 5 IV ticks all the right boxes. I need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, from intensive gaming to 4k videos on the go. Additionally, I value the quality of the display, preferring OLEDs rich contrast, vibrant colors and better power efficiency. The advanced camera features are something I also value, and the extra features such as Optical Image Stabilisation and high framerate 4k video make it a very compelling offer. Furthermore, the phone has other nice-to-have features such as the Bypass charging function, which allows me to play games without degrading the battery and the reverse charging that enables me to use the phone as a power bank in a pinch.
While the Huawei nova 12i is an appealing budget phone that ticks some boxes, especially in terms of screen size and charging speed, the overall compromises that have to be made are too great for me.
For me, the Xperia 5 IV offers a more complete and premium experience, justifying the higher price. The superior performance, amazing display, and camera quality are the main reasons why I'd choose it, making it the better choice for my needs and use cases.
