Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. I’ll put on my tech journalist hat and aim to provide an insightful and practical comparison.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, presented with a focus on real-world user implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-04-29 | Pura 70 Pro is significantly newer, offering potentially more updated features |
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; Pura 70 Pro is larger, potentially less comfortable |
| Weight | 172g | 220g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use; Pura 70 Pro feels more substantial |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience; Xperia 5 IV is better for single-hand use |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display with higher pixel count |
| PPI | 449 | 460 | Both have crisp screens, with Pura 70 Pro slightly sharper, but negligible to the eye |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both provide excellent color and contrast for vivid content |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are smooth and responsive, ideal for gaming and scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro is far superior in bright sunlight, making the screen easily visible outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Xperia 5 IV uses a Qualcomm chipset, known for consistent performance and efficient power, Pura 70 Pro uses Huawei's own chip |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 869,707 | Xperia 5 IV benchmarks higher, possibly resulting in slightly smoother operation for intensive tasks and games |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs, making it difficult to compare raw power. Both should be good for gaming, the Adreno 730 has a slight edge |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Similar battery sizes, suggesting comparable battery life |
| Charging | 30W | 100W | Pura 70 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | 80W Wireless Charging, 20W Reverse Wireless Charging | Pura 70 Pro is ahead in charging technology with faster wired and wireless charging capabilities |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Pro captures much more detail in photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.4 | Pura 70 Pro performs better in low light thanks to the wider aperture |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.3" | Pura 70 Pro’s larger sensor gathers more light, improving image quality |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 13MP | Similar selfie resolutions |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV has better low light selfies with wider aperture |
| Telephoto Camera Res | 12MP | 48MP | Pura 70 Pro has better detail at zoom |
| Telephoto Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro has a slight advantage in low-light zoom photography |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 12MP | 12.5MP | Similar wide-angle capabilities |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 4K | Xperia 5 IV offers high frame rates for more flexibility in video recording |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 119 | Not Available | Only the Xperia 5 IV is tested. |
| Camera Features | Many | Many more | Pura 70 Pro includes features like Laser Autofocus, Manual Focus, Night Mode |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | N/A (Likely HarmonyOS or Android based) | Xperia 5 IV has a clear android update path, OS unknown for Huawei |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have current WiFi standards, Huawei has MIMO, slightly better connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (with advanced codecs) | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV offers more advanced audio codecs |
| GPS | Multi-band, including L1+L5 | Multi-band, including L1+L5 | Pura 70 Pro supports more satelite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Xperia 5 IV offers the convenience of eSIM; Pura 70 Pro uses physical SIMs |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1024 GB | Pura 70 Pro offers much more storage; Xperia 5 IV storage is somewhat limiting |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Pura 70 Pro is better for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports memory expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers higher quality audio due to Hi-Res and better codecs |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia 5 IV has a more convenient side-mounted sensor for security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, RGB | Xperia 5 IV has additional environmental sensors (Barometer) |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact Design: Its smaller form factor makes it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Performance: Strong benchmark scores and a Snapdragon chip provide smooth, consistent performance.
- Advanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and a focus on codec support cater to audiophiles.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior drop resistance and scratch resistance.
- eSIM Support: Dual SIM functionality with eSIM adds convenience for international travelers and those with multiple lines.
- More Complete Sensor Suite: Offers a barometer for environment sensing which is good for people who hike.
- Better Video Recording Capabilities: Offers flexibility in video capture, up to 120fps at 4K
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The larger, brighter, and higher-resolution screen offers a more immersive visual experience.
- Camera Prowess: Significantly higher megapixel counts and wider apertures result in superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Fast Charging: Its 100W wired and 80W wireless charging capabilities are a major advantage for quick power top-ups.
- More Storage Options: Offers higher internal storage options for users who store a lot of media.
- More RAM: 12 GB of RAM is great for multitasking and performance.
- Better Location Accuracy: Uses more satellite systems for better location accuracy
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV:
- Slightly older chipset, though still capable.
- Lower charging speeds.
- Smaller display, which may not be ideal for media consumption.
- Lower storage options.
- Pura 70 Pro:
- Bulkier and heavier, making it less comfortable for extended single-handed use.
- Less clear software support.
- Unknown Screen protection.
- Less Video options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- The Audiophile: Excellent audio quality and codec support make it great for music lovers.
- The One-Hand User: Its compact design is perfect for those who prefer a phone they can easily use with one hand.
- The Practical User: Offers a balance of performance and functionality without unnecessary bulk.
- The video enthusiast: It allows for capture of slow motion 4k videos.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- The Photographer: Superior camera capabilities, especially in low light, make it a strong contender for mobile photography enthusiasts.
- The Media Consumer: The larger, brighter screen provides a superior experience for watching videos and browsing content.
- The Power User: It has a fast charging phone which is a godsend when you are in a hurry, has more storage, and more RAM.
- The Traveler: Boasts superior location accuracy, which is excellent for those that explore the world.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize one-handed use and portability or a larger, immersive display?
- If portability matters, go with the Xperia 5 IV. If immersive experience matters go with the Pura 70 Pro.
- Do you need the absolute best low-light camera performance and fast charging?
- If yes, go with the Pura 70 Pro.
- Is having high quality audio more important than a stunning screen and low-light camera performance?
- If yes, go with the Xperia 5 IV.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the On-The-Go Professional: If you need a reliable, compact device with good performance, the Xperia 5 IV is a solid choice.
- For the Creative Photographer: If you need the best mobile photography capabilities, the Pura 70 Pro is the better option.
- For the Casual User: If you watch a lot of media, then the Pura 70 Pro is the clear choice with a beautiful screen. If you use headphones and listen to music then the Xperia 5 IV is the choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd personally go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Pura 70 Pro is impressive with its camera and charging speeds, the compact form factor of the Xperia 5 IV is a huge draw for me. The better audio quality and the fact that it has a known software path is another factor. I also appreciate the more subtle, less flashy design of the Xperia 5 IV and find the screen more than adequate for my needs. As someone who uses their phone one-handed a lot, the Xperia 5 IV just feels like a more convenient and practical choice for daily use, and the added video capture capabilities are also very welcome.
Both are excellent devices, but it comes down to personal preferences and how each device would fit into your day-to-day life.
