Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro, two contenders with distinct strengths and target audiences. As a tech journalist with a penchant for the nitty-gritty, I'm here to break down what these specs really mean for you, the end-user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, paired with real-world implications to help you understand what these numbers mean in your day-to-day life:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 161.2 × 72.4 × 8.2 mm | Motorola is taller and wider, but same thickness; Sony is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 172g | 186g | Sony is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use and long periods of holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Motorola offers a more immersive experience, better for media consumption; Sony is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1220x2712 | Motorola has sharper visuals with 21.6% more pixels, ideal for detailed viewing. |
| PPI | 449 | 446 | Both have very sharp displays; negligible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer rich colors and deep blacks; P-OLED is a variant of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Motorola offers superior outdoor visibility, a huge advantage in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Sony has a more powerful chipset for demanding tasks, better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 866,863 | Sony performs about 18% better in benchmarks, noticeable in app loading and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 720 | Sony's GPU provides better graphics performance, important for high-end mobile gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Sony has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola charges significantly faster, reducing downtime considerably. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Sony has bypass charging for gaming, Motorola has fast wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.4, 2.0µm pixel size | Motorola has a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.9, 0.64µm pixel size | Motorola offers higher resolution selfies, but with smaller pixels. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm pixel size | 10MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm pixel size | Sony offers slightly more zoom flexibility, and Motorola with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | Motorola has a slightly higher resolution sensor, both with similar apertures. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Sony offers a higher frame rate for smoother 4k video, both with HDR and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 | Not Available | Sony has been tested by DXOMark, Motorola not yet; provides insight on camera performance. |
| Features | Ultra Stable Video, RAW | Time-Lapse, Manual Focus, Dual Capture, Night Mode | Sony has special video mode, Motorola has more flexible capture modes |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Motorola offers more up to date OS, more future update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Motorola has faster WiFi standard with better overall performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Motorola has newer Bluetooth with better efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems | Sony with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both support dual SIM functionality, including eSIM for multiple carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Motorola offers much larger storage options, ideal for storing a lot of media and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12/16 GB | Motorola offers more RAM for seamless multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting total storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Sony with better Hi-Res audio for music lovers; Motorola with 3 Mics for better audio recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted FP | Basic FP | Sony side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient for right-handed users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both provide similar scratch and drop protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | None | Sony has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a compact powerhouse, prioritizing performance and audio quality. It boasts a more potent chipset, better graphics performance, and a superior camera system. Its video capabilities, including 4K recording at up to 120fps, will be a huge advantage to vloggers. The inclusion of a barometer sensor also stands out for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro emphasizes display quality, fast charging, and software. With its high brightness display, faster refresh rate, and quicker charging, it offers a smoother and more convenient experience. The latest Android OS and advanced connectivity features also make it a more future-proof device.
Trade-offs:
- The Xperia 5 IV sacrifices screen size, brightness and faster charging for performance, a more compact body and better camera features.
- The Edge 50 Pro gives up some raw processing power and camera features for a larger, brighter screen, faster charging, and more storage and memory.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is ideal for:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Adreno 730 GPU, and enhanced video capabilities will be appealing to those who play games on their mobile devices.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: The triple camera setup with advanced video recording features and manual camera options will appeal to those that take lots of pictures.
- Audio Purists: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos makes it a good choice for audiophiles.
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro: This phone is best for:
- Media Consumers: The larger, brighter, high refresh rate display is perfect for watching movies, videos and social media.
- Power Users on the Go: 125W fast charging and up to 16GB of RAM make it a great choice for people that need their phone to keep up with them all day.
- Everyday Users: The software and display make it a great all around daily driver.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to consider before making your choice:
Do you prioritize performance or display experience?
- If performance, gaming, or better camera features are key, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- If you want a larger, brighter screen with smoother animations and fast charging, then the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is for you.
How important is size and weight vs display size?
- If you prefer a more compact, lighter phone that fits easily into your pocket, choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If you prefer a larger screen for more immersion and media consumption, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the one you want.
Do you value camera quality, or overall usage with faster charging?
- If you need better camera functionality with a focus on taking lots of videos, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is your phone.
- If you need faster charging, a newer OS and overall daily use, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro will be better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its superior performance, and 4K 120fps video recording.
- The Content Creator: Sony Xperia 5 IV will offer better overall video capabilities and photography with a dedicated camera button.
- The On-The-Go Professional: Pick the Motorola Edge 50 Pro for fast charging, a larger display, and up-to-date software.
- The Everyday Media Consumer: Motorola Edge 50 Pro will give you the best media experience, large display and fast charging for daily use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally opt for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Motorola Edge 50 Pro has some compelling features, my priorities lean towards performance and camera capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and more advanced video capabilities would enhance the photography and videography aspects of my daily use. Additionally, its more compact form factor is something I am looking for in a device. While the Edge 50 Pro is a great overall device, the Xperia 5 IV fits my needs better and is the right phone for me.
Ultimately, the "best" choice depends on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your phone daily. Weigh the strengths of each device against your individual needs to make a well-informed decision.
