Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. Both are solid contenders, but they cater to different priorities. Let's break down the specs and see which one comes out on top for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 152.9 × 71.2 × 7.8 mm | The Xperia is taller and thicker; the Edge is wider and thinner. Consider your hand size and preferred feel. |
| Weight | 172g | 155g | The Edge 30 Neo is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.28" | The Edge has a slightly larger display for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | The Xperia has a slightly sharper display. Most users may not notice a difference. |
| PPI | 449 | 419 | Xperia offers higher pixel density, potentially sharper text and images |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both are excellent technologies; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. This value is incorrect, and both should offer ample brightness for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | The Xperia's chipset is significantly faster, offering better performance in gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 425,200 | The Xperia will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience in daily use and intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Xperia has a more powerful GPU, making it better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm | The Edge has a higher resolution sensor but smaller pixel size. The Xperia's larger sensor and pixels capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm | The Edge has a higher resolution but smaller pixel size. Xperia captures more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | None | The Xperia offers optical zoom capabilities; Edge lacks a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | The Xperia provides a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape and group photos. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The Edge includes a macro lens, allowing for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 1080p@120fps | Xperia offers higher video resolution and framerates for more professional-quality recordings. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 119 | Not Tested | Xperia is a capable camera phone overall according to the tests |
| Features | OIS, 4K Video, Triple Cam, RAW | OIS, Dual Cam, LAF | Xperia boasts superior camera features, like optical zoom and 4K video capabilities. Edge has a Laser Autofocus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | The Xperia has a significantly larger battery, which should provide longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 5W Wireless | The Edge charges significantly faster via cable and has wireless charging capabilities, while the Xperia has 30W charging. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse charging | Wireless Charging | The Xperia offers bypass charging to reduce heat buildup while gaming and reverse wireless charging, the Edge offers wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 15) | The Edge offers longer software support (to Android 15) and Xperia up to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Xperia supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | The Xperia has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | The Xperia offers more precise location tracking using dual frequency GPS. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The Xperia provides the flexibility of an eSIM, while the Edge has dual physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have 8GB of RAM which is sufficient for everyday multitasking and smooth performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, 2 mics | The Xperia has a slight edge in audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support. The Edge provides two microphones for better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | The Xperia has a more sophisticated side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering great screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | Basic Set | The Xperia has additional sensors for more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is a powerhouse with a focus on high-end performance and camera quality. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, advanced camera system (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses), and high-resolution video capabilities are geared towards power users and photography enthusiasts. The dual-frequency GPS also adds value for those who rely heavily on accurate location services. However, it has slower charging and no wireless charging.
- Motorola Edge 30 Neo: The Edge 30 Neo is a more affordable option that prioritizes a lightweight design, fast charging, and a capable main camera. It also comes with wireless charging. While it might not match the Xperia in raw performance or camera versatility, it offers excellent value for the price. The inclusion of a macro lens is also a plus for close-up photography enthusiasts.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Gamers, photography and video enthusiasts, power users who need the best performance available and rely on GPS for navigation, and audiophiles seeking Hi-Res audio playback.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, shooting 4K videos, professional photography, precise navigation, and listening to high-quality music.
- Consideration: Worth the premium price if the power, camera system, and advanced features are priorities.
- Motorola Edge 30 Neo:
- Ideal For: Casual users, those looking for a lightweight phone with good battery life, and people who value fast charging and basic wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Daily social media, general photography, consuming media, light gaming, and fast charging on-the-go.
- Consideration: Excellent value for money for most users with a good balance of features and performance at a mid-range price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to decide which phone is right for you:
Performance: Do you require the absolute best performance for gaming or intensive applications?
- If Yes: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If No: Motorola Edge 30 Neo.
Camera Capabilities: Do you need features like optical zoom, wide-angle lenses, and 4K video recording?
- If Yes: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If No: Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Charging Preference: Is fast charging or wireless charging a must-have feature for you?
- If Yes: Motorola Edge 30 Neo for fast wired and wireless charging.
- If No: Sony Xperia 5 IV, which has a larger battery but slower charging, will also serve the purpose.
Final Choice
If it were me, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. My reasoning is primarily centered around my priorities:
- Performance: As a tech journalist and someone who uses my phone heavily, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and a higher AnTuTu score are crucial. I frequently run multiple apps, edit photos/videos, and play demanding games. I need a phone that can handle all of that smoothly.
- Camera: I appreciate the versatility of a great camera system with a wide angle and telephoto lens, and this one excels with a larger sensor, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses along with 4K video recording. I also do a lot of video and photo tests for work and having the 4K capabilities and a good dynamic range is a must.
- Audio Quality: The Hi-Res audio support is a great addition, making the experience better when using headphones.
- Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the screen gives me that extra peace of mind.
- GPS: The dual frequency will make navigating a breeze, with a very precise location.
- eSIM: I tend to use several SIMs and the eSIM addition makes this more flexible and ideal to my needs.
While the Edge 30 Neo is a great option, and the 68W charging is tempting, the Xperia 5 IV better fits my needs for power, camera, and build quality, and I'm willing to pay the premium. I often trade between battery life and performance, opting for more performance in most cases.
