Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. These are two very different phones that cater to distinct user needs, and I'm excited to break down what makes each one tick.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-05-15 | Motorola is significantly newer with updated tech. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.9 mm | Motorola is taller and wider, while Sony is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 172g | 174.9g | Both are similarly lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Motorola has a noticeably larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Sony’s slightly higher resolution means sharper images. |
| PPI | 449 | 393 | Sony's higher PPI provides sharper text and images on the display. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use excellent OLED technology, delivering rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Motorola’s display gets far brighter, making it ideal for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Sony’s flagship chipset offers superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 776,541 | Sony is faster and smoother in overall usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Sony has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 68W | Motorola charges significantly faster, which is a huge convenience. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | Reverse | Sony has Bypass charging, useful during prolonged gaming, but Motorola charges faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 12MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Motorola offers higher resolution, Sony has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Rear Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | Motorola's sensor is slightly larger. |
| Rear Pixel Size | 1.80µm | 1.00µm | Sony’s larger pixels capture more light per pixel. |
| Selfie | 12MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Motorola has higher resolution for selfies; Sony has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Sony offers a dedicated telephoto zoom for portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | Sony can capture a wider range of the world in frame. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | Motorola offers wide + macro lens. |
| Video Quality | 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | Sony has a clear advantage in video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark | 119 (Mobile) | N/A | Sony has a benchmark to go by, Motorola lacks independent testing. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Many | Sony includes Optical zoom, and RAW shooting, Motorola has Night Mode and Dual Capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 (max 17) | Motorola has a more up-to-date OS with more years of future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Motorola has faster WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Motorola has the latest Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | More Satellites | NavIC | Sony offers a wider array of satellite system for GPS use. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Both support dual SIM and eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Motorola offers larger storage options for power users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola can have more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby, Hi-Res | Dolby, 2 mics | Sony has Hi-Res audio, Motorola has dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Sony's sensor is more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Sony has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Basic sensor | Sony includes a barometer and Hall sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset gives this phone an edge in speed and smoothness, particularly with graphically intensive apps and games.
- Pro-Grade Camera System: A versatile triple-lens setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, combined with high-quality video features like 4K at 120fps, caters to serious photographers and videographers.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res Audio support and advanced audio technology make this great for audiophiles.
- Compact Design: Smaller form factor and superior build quality.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Barometer and hall sensor provide more data and capabilities for the phone.
- Trade-Offs:
- Older Chipset: Given its launch date, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a generation older.
- Slower Charging: 30W charging is significantly slower than the competition.
- Lower Screen Brightness: Not as ideal for bright sunlight use.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion:
- Strengths:
- Modern Design: The design is newer, featuring a larger, brighter screen.
- Super Fast Charging: 68W charging is a massive convenience, getting you back to 100% much faster.
- Larger Display: A larger display is great for consuming content and better multitasking.
- Up-to-Date OS: It comes with Android 14 out of the box, promising more years of software updates.
- More Storage and RAM: It is available with up to 512GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM.
- Macro Capabilities: The additional macro lens provides additional flexibility in everyday photography.
- Trade-Offs:
- Mid-Range Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip is adequate for daily tasks but not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Less Flexible Camera: Missing a telephoto lens and with lower video specs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the highest performance for gaming, heavy app usage, and multitasking will appreciate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Multimedia Creators: The advanced camera system, especially the telephoto lens and robust video features, is ideal for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
- Audio Lovers: Those that prioritize high-quality audio.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Those that value a small form factor.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is best for:
- Casual Users: Those looking for a reliable phone with a good display, great battery life, and quick charging.
- Media Consumers: The large, bright display is fantastic for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Value Seekers: Those looking for a modern phone with excellent value for money.
- Those Looking For a New Phone: This phone comes with Android 14, so it will be supported longer than the Sony.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need the absolute highest performance for demanding tasks, or is smooth everyday usage sufficient?
- Photography Priorities: Are you looking for a versatile camera with multiple lenses and advanced video features, or is a good general-purpose camera enough?
- Battery and Charging Needs: Do you need super-fast charging more than other considerations, or is good battery life with standard charging acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power Gamer - Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The powerful chipset and superior GPU will provide a much better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast - Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The large screen and faster charging makes it great for on-the-go content consumption.
- Scenario 3: Casual User on a Budget - Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. It provides great bang for your buck, with good performance, fast charging, and modern features.
- Scenario 4: Photographer/Videographer - Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The camera is superior in most categories.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As a tech journalist and analyst, I value a device that offers top-tier performance and versatile camera capabilities. While the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a compelling option with its fast charging and modern features, I prioritize a more powerful processor and a complete camera system, especially the telephoto lens. Furthermore, I value a smaller form factor that fits nicely in one hand. The slightly higher price is acceptable for the improved experience. The more complete and capable performance and camera system of the Sony is far superior, even if it's not brand new. The Motorola is a great phone for value, but the Sony is the one I would choose.
