Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm keen to dissect these devices not just by their specs, but also by how they translate into the user's day-to-day experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-06-02 | The Motorola is a newer device, potentially having slightly more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm, 202g | The Sony is significantly more compact and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | The Motorola has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking, while the Sony is better for one handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | The Sony has a slightly sharper display due to more pixels packed into a smaller area, a bit better if you have great vision. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 399 | The Sony offers a noticeably clearer and more detailed image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Sony boasts better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles due to the OLED panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Sony has a significantly more powerful chipset, resulting in much smoother performance, better multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 565,000 | The Sony will handle demanding apps and games with ease, while the Motorola is better suited for lighter tasks and less intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | The Sony's more powerful GPU will give you much better graphics and frame rates, improving gaming performance.. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" | The Motorola's 50MP sensor captures more detail, but Sony's larger pixels (1.8 µm vs 1.0 µm) should do better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.5 | The Motorola offers more resolution, but Sony's wider aperture captures more light (and a nicer bokeh). |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | None | The Sony has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The Sony has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing you to take better scenic photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Motorola includes a wide-angle with macro capabilities, useful for closeup photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 4K 30fps | The Sony captures much more detailed and smoother video with higher frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 (Mobile) | N/A | The Sony has a very respectable camera score, showing great performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar all-day battery life given the same capacity, but the more powerful Sony may drain battery faster. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | The Sony charges faster, which is a key feature for heavy users. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | None | The Sony allows charging while using it, and can also wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | The Motorola has the latest version of Android out of the box. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8GB | The Sony offers a minimum of 8GB, which can be better for multitasking, while Motorola offers varying options. |
| Storage | 128/256GB, No Expandable | 128/256GB, No Expandable | Both phones offer ample storage for files and media, but have no expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Sony has higher audio quality due to Hi-Res support, great for music lovers. |
| Connectivity | Full Suite | More Basic | The Sony offers more advanced GPS and Bluetooth features. |
| Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Sony has greater screen protection. |
| Sensors | Full Suite | Basic Suite | The Sony features a full set of sensors including a Barometer and compass, useful for specific use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact and Premium Build: It's notably lighter, more compact, and built with premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus. This is great for those seeking a high-end, pocketable device.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel offers much better visual quality.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a significant performance advantage, excelling in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: With a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, plus its amazing video capture performance the Xperia 5 IV offers a more versatile photography experience.
- Advanced Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio support and quality speakers make the Sony ideal for audiophiles.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Strengths:
- Larger Display: Its bigger screen is excellent for media consumption and multitasking.
- Latest Android OS: It ships with Android 13, providing a more current software experience.
- 50MP Main Camera: The high-resolution main sensor produces detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
- Stylus Integration: As its name implies, the Moto G Stylus comes with a built-in stylus, great for note taking and creative tasks.
- Lower Price Point: It's generally more affordable, offering good value for the features provided.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Its higher price may make it inaccessible to budget-conscious users. The lack of expandable storage may be limiting for heavy media users.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Its performance is not comparable to the Sony, especially in graphics-intensive applications. It does not have telephoto lens, and screen is a little less sharp.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value a premium display, superior audio, and an advanced camera system for creative tasks and high-quality content consumption.
- Those who value portability: Users looking for something more compact and light.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a good all-around phone at a more accessible price.
- Note Takers and Creators: Users who need a stylus for note-taking, drawing, and other creative activities.
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize screen size for media consumption and everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users choose:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you're a power user or gamer, the Sony is your clear choice.
- Do you value camera flexibility and picture quality? If so, the Sony offers much more with its telephoto and wide angle, with a higher Dxomark score.
- What is your budget? If you need a more affordable phone with a stylus, the Motorola is a good option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-End User: If money isn't a primary concern and you need the best performance, camera, and overall experience, choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- Budget User with Stylus Needs: If you need a larger screen and stylus functionality at a good price, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a solid pick.
- Balance of Cost and Performance: If you want a good balance of performance, features, and price, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) might be a good choice, as long as you don't mind the lesser chipset and camera.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Motorola is a respectable phone and the latest Android OS, the Sony's blend of a powerful processor, superior OLED screen, and a more flexible camera system makes it the winner for me. The smaller and lighter build also suits me well and it's a plus that I love to consume media and the audio on the Xperia 5 IV is a great plus for me! As a tech enthusiast who values high performance and multimedia quality, the higher cost of the Sony is worth the experience.
