Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. We've got a classic matchup here—Sony's compact powerhouse versus Huawei's camera-centric flagship. Let's break it down and see what each brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 226g | Xperia is more compact & lightweight for one-handed use, Pura 70 is bulkier & heavier. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown front | Xperia has known front protection. Pura 70's front protection is unconfirmed |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | Pura 70 offers more screen real estate for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 has sharper and more detailed visuals with more pixels. |
| PPI | 449 | 460 | Both are very sharp, but the Pura 70 has a slightly higher pixel density |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 display will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Xperia has a more efficient chipset offering marginally better performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 869,707 | Xperia scores higher in benchmark tests, indicating slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU architectures. Xperia's GPU is often seen in gaming devices. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 has a slightly larger battery; might last a bit longer. |
| Charging | 30W | 100W | Pura 70 charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 80W | Pura 70 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 80W wireless charging, 20W reverse wireless charging | Pura 70 has more charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", 1.6µm | Pura 70 has a significantly larger sensor, higher resolution, and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | 50MP, f/2.1, Unknown | Pura 70 has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7", 1.0µm | Pura 70 has a much higher resolution and a larger sensor for wider perspectives. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 13MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Xperia has a wider aperture, might perform better in low light, the Pura has a slightly higher resolution |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 4K, 960fps slow motion | Sony offers a broader range of 4K recording options. Pura 70 offers much higher slow-motion fps |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 119 | 163 | Pura 70 has higher camera score overall, but the Xperia performed better in photo and video tests |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Unknown OS | Xperia has a known OS, Pura 70's OS is unknown |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | Pura 70 offers much more storage options for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB | Pura 70 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and handling demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Xperia has eSIM support for easy switching between carriers; Pura 70 only has physical nano SIM support; Both have dual standby |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio; Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia's sensor is more convenient to use. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
Strengths:
- Compact & Lightweight: A true pocketable phone for those who prefer smaller form factors.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 still offers very respectable performance and excels in gaming.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers very wide 4k video capabilities, and excellent camera software, with Hi-Res audio support, making it ideal for creators.
- eSIM Support: Dual-SIM flexibility with an eSIM option, which is handy for travel or switching carriers.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res audio for audiophiles
- Advanced Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint is generally faster and more accurate than a basic sensor
Competitive Advantages:
- A more pocketable phone without compromising on flagship features.
- It is much lighter, making it better for extended periods of use.
- Offers advanced audio quality and 4k video options that are not available on the Pura 70.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Stunning Display: Larger, higher-resolution, and extremely bright OLED screen.
- Revolutionary Camera: Cutting-edge camera system with much larger sensors and higher resolutions.
- Fast Charging: Lightning-fast 100W wired and 80W wireless charging.
- Ample Storage & RAM: Lots of storage and RAM for heavy usage and multitasking.
- Great Video Slow Motion: Shoots slow motion at a stunning 960fps
- Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier camera performance with incredible sensor size and high resolution on all lenses.
- Faster charging and larger battery, making it convenient to use for extended periods.
- More RAM and internal storage than its rival.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: Older chipset, smaller screen, and slower charging. It also lacks wireless charging.
- Pura 70 Ultra: Bulkier, heavier, unconfirmed OS, and has an unknown front glass screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone with very good performance and high-quality video. Good for content creators and those who value the portability and high-quality audio of a smaller phone.
- Use Cases: On-the-go professionals, travel photographers and videographers, gamers who prefer high-performance with compact form-factor, those who value advanced audio and video recording capabilities.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, media consumers, and power users who value a large screen, cutting-edge camera, and top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Heavy social media users, mobile photographers, those who want a phone with a large display, and those who need a phone with the fastest charging options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help users choose:
- Form Factor: Do you prioritize a compact and lightweight phone or a larger screen experience?
- Camera Performance: Is having the absolute best camera system the highest priority, or are good video and audio recording capabilities more important?
- Charging Speed & Battery: Do you value faster charging and wireless charging or a more well-rounded suite of features that come with the Sony?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Content Creator: If you value excellent video and audio recording capabilities, while also wanting something compact and lightweight, and don't mind less storage, the Xperia 5 IV is your go-to device.
- For the Serious Mobile Photographer: If a cutting-edge camera system with the best low light performance, high resolutions, and fast charging is most important, the Pura 70 Ultra is the more compelling choice.
- For the Average User: If you're looking for a reliable daily driver with a good balance of performance, a great screen, and good cameras, and don't mind a bulkier design, the Pura 70 Ultra provides a larger screen, more storage, and fast charging.
My Pick
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Pura 70 Ultra clearly wins in the camera and charging departments, I value the compact size and lightweight build. The Xperia still holds its ground in performance, and the superior audio, alongside the robust video capabilities, means it would fit my daily workflow better. The e-sim capabilities are also a big plus for me.
The Xperia is also significantly lighter, more convenient to use and carry, and would be the perfect travel companion for my use cases. The superior side-mounted fingerprint is also something that I would highly value. For these reasons, I'd go with the Sony.
