Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. These two phones are definitely aiming for different niches, and understanding their strengths will help you decide which one is best for you. I'll break it down in a way that's clear, concise, and focused on what matters most: real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-05-15 | The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is significantly newer, with potentially better longevity. |
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | The Sony is smaller and easier to handle; Motorola is larger and may feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 172g | 197g | The Sony is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | The Motorola offers a more immersive experience with its larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1220x2712 | The Motorola screen is sharper with 21.6% more pixels. |
| PPI | 449 | 446 | Both offer very sharp visuals, differences are negligible. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use premium OLED technologies, similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola has smoother scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Motorola is dramatically better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | The Motorola has a newer chipset, likely with better efficiency and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,523,879 | Motorola is much faster in benchmarks, showing faster app loading and operations. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 735 | Motorola has a newer GPU, offering better graphics performance. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Sony has a larger battery, potentially providing longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Motorola charges significantly faster, a big convenience for busy users. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Sony has bypass charging, beneficial for gaming. Motorola has fast wireless charging. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3" sensor | Motorola has higher resolution and a larger sensor for better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.9, 0.64µm pixels | Motorola has higher resolution and a wider aperture for brighter selfies, but smaller pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" sensor | 64MP, f/2.4, 1/2" sensor | Motorola has much higher resolution and a larger sensor for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor | Motorola has higher resolution, but smaller sensor compared to Sony. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 60fps | Sony offers smoother 4k video, with higher frame rate; Motorola has impressive 1080 slow-motion capabilites. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 119 | 146 | Motorola has significantly better overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video | Time-Lapse, Manual Focus | Different strengths; Sony has ultra stable video; Motorola offers more flexibility with manual focus. |
| SOFTWARE & CONNECTIVITY | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Motorola will get more Android updates, which means longer software support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7, MIMO | Motorola is more future-proof with the latest Wi-Fi technology and MIMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Motorola has newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, NavIC, Galileo | Sony has more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM and eSIM for flexible connectivity. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | Motorola offers significantly more storage capacity for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12/16 GB | Motorola has more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Both phones have great audio, Sony has Hi-Res, Motorola has more microphones. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Sony's side fingerprint sensor is generally faster, more convenient. |
| BUILD | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar premium screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | None | Sony has additional environmental sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Compact design, comfortable to hold, slightly better battery capacity, more satellite positioning support for better GPS, Hi-Res Audio. Its video recording at 4K 120fps with all its stabilization options is top-tier.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for those who prefer smaller, lighter phones, its bypass charging makes it great for gaming.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, lower benchmark scores, and lower camera overall performance compared to the Motorola.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra:
- Strengths: Larger, sharper, brighter screen, much faster processor, significantly better camera, faster charging, and future-proof Wi-Fi 7 support. Significantly better DxOMark score for camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Excellent for media consumption, gaming, and photography, with a premium feeling and future-proofed tech.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, slightly less battery capacity, more standard fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For: Users who prefer a compact, easy-to-handle phone, gamers who need bypass charging, users who consume content with Hi-Res Audio, and those who prioritize video shooting at higher frame rates.
- Use Cases: Ideal for one-handed use, frequent travelers, mobile gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a solid experience at a lower cost, especially if you value a compact design and advanced video capabilities over overall processing speed.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra:
- Best Suited For: Users who want a premium multimedia experience, photography enthusiasts, power users who need fast performance, and those who prefer future-proofed devices.
- Use Cases: Excellent for watching videos, playing graphics-intensive games, professional photography, and demanding multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies a higher price with its superior display, performance, and camera system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do I prioritize a compact, lightweight design or a larger display for immersive media?
- Is top-tier performance and camera quality essential, or is a good experience sufficient?
- How important is fast charging versus maximum battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Content Creator: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra for its superior camera system, larger and brighter display, and faster processing. Its manual focus options add flexibility when shooting video, too.
- The Casual User: The Sony Xperia 5 IV would be a good, more economical choice, especially if a comfortable, pocketable design is important and you enjoy video creation.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV with bypass charging is the better option, but if the user values speed and high graphics, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra would be a better choice for graphic intensive games.
- The Power User: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is the better choice for those who want the newest tech, highest performance, and fast charging.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is definitely the better pick, with its higher resolutions, bigger sensors, and better DxO scores.
- The Audiophile: The Sony Xperia 5 IV would be the preferred device for it's Hi-Res Audio.
My Choice
Personally, I'd go for the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. Here's why: While the Sony's compact design and unique video capabilities are appealing, the significant jump in performance, vastly superior camera system, and the sheer vibrancy of the Motorola's display are hard to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for a mix of media consumption, photography, and work, I need a device that excels in all of those areas. The larger screen, higher resolution, brighter display, faster processor, and superior camera system make the Motorola a clear winner for my needs, despite its slightly larger size and weight. For the tasks I use a phone for, the Motorola provides the superior device.
