Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). These two devices represent very different philosophies in the smartphone world, and choosing between them really boils down to what you prioritize in your daily tech life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get the nitty-gritty details out of the way. Here's a breakdown of the key specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The Xperia is more compact and pocketable, while the Moto G is larger, likely requiring two-handed use. |
| Weight | 172g | 190g | The Xperia is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Moto G provides a larger canvas for media, browsing, and multitasking. The Xperia offers a more compact, manageable experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | The Xperia boasts slightly sharper visuals due to the higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 395 ppi | The Xperia will render text and images more sharply; better for detailed work or enjoying high-res content. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer rich colors and deep blacks; The difference between the two is minimal |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Moto G has drastically better visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. (Xperia data is likely incorrect here, a known issue) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia's flagship chipset offers significantly faster performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The Moto G is more midrange. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 514,000 | This benchmark reinforces the performance disparity; Xperia is clearly far more powerful. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Xperia's GPU will provide smoother graphics and higher frame rates in games; it is capable of playing the most demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" Sony IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony LYT-700C | The Moto G boasts a higher-resolution sensor, which can capture more detail in good lighting conditions. Xperia excels in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS | 32MP, f/2.45 | Moto G captures higher res self-portraits; Xperia's wider aperture performs better in lower light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" Sony IMX650 | None | The Xperia has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering enhanced detail when zoomed in on subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX363 | None | Xperia offers a dedicated ultra wide-angle lens for a larger field of view, ideal for landscape and group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G offers a dual purpose lens, capturing macro photos and wide angle |
| Video Quality | Up to 4K 120 fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K 30fps | The Xperia offers a wider range of high-quality video options, including 120fps capture, making it suitable for videography enthusiasts; Motorola is more basic. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile:119, Photo:121, Video:113 | Not tested | Xperia has better photo and video capturing abilities |
| Camera Features | RAW, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera | Time-Lapse, Dual Camera, Night Mode | Xperia's features target professionals, while Motorola focuses on everyday shooters. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both devices offer good battery life for a full day of use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same fast rate, which is good enough for average users. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | Xperia allows direct power for gaming, while the Moto G offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | The Moto G runs on a more recent Android version, which means longer software and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | The Moto G supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering slightly better wireless performance and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Xperia offers slightly faster connection speeds and more advanced profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, NavIC | Xperia features more robust location tracking via more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM setups, offering flexibility for multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | The Moto G comes standard with 256 GB of storage. The Xperia offers choices in storage size. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer good multitasking capabilities, allowing multiple applications running smoothly in the background. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for additional storage through microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Xperia provides better spatial and immersive audio, and playback clarity thanks to Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more versatile and user-friendly. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia's screen is more robust and scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia offers additional environmental sensors |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse with a premium chipset, a compact and ergonomic design, a high-quality display with great pixel density, and a versatile camera system that excels in various scenarios. Its advanced audio features and build quality make it a compelling choice for multimedia enthusiasts and professionals.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone targets users who prioritize performance, design, camera capabilities, and high-fidelity audio. It's built for those who appreciate a blend of flagship-level specs and a manageable form factor.
- Trade-offs: Its weaker point is the lack of wireless charging and the higher price, alongside an older OS out of the box.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
- Strengths: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) shines with its larger display, great outdoor brightness, a stylus for note-taking and navigation, and modern OS. It's also more affordable, providing good value for its capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is tailored for users who need a large screen for productivity and media consumption, value stylus functionality, and want the latest Android experience without breaking the bank.
- Trade-offs: Its mid-range chipset and camera system aren't as strong as the Xperia, and the lack of expandable storage may be a drawback for some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Ideal for power users, content creators, audiophiles, and anyone seeking a compact yet high-performance device with top-tier camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, high-quality audio playback, and anyone who needs flagship performance in a smaller package.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Best suited for everyday users, students, and professionals who value a large screen for productivity, note-taking, and media consumption, with a price that is very good.
- Use Cases: Taking notes and drawing, browsing, multitasking, media consumption, and general daily use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is top-tier performance?
- If you need the best possible performance for gaming and demanding apps, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- Do you need a built-in stylus?
- If the stylus is a core part of your workflow, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the obvious option.
- What's your budget?
- If you want flagship-level specs and have the budget, the Xperia 5 IV is worth considering. If you are looking for the best price-to-value, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: Choose the Xperia 5 IV for its superior performance, better GPU, and more advanced display.
- Content Creator: Opt for the Xperia 5 IV for its professional-grade camera, manual controls, and high-fidelity audio capture/playback.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers good value with its larger screen, stylus, and modern OS.
- On-the-Go Professional: The Xperia 5 IV's premium build and compact size will be more appropriate, whilst the Moto G's stylus can facilitate taking notes.
- Multimedia Consumer: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) wins on screen size and brightness, while the Xperia 5 IV would be a better option for better audio.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it's the pricier option, the performance gap is too significant for me to ignore. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming, photography and videography, and often works on-the-go, the Xperia 5 IV checks off more boxes for my personal needs. The build quality and added camera features, plus the higher quality audio are key in my decision, as it is one of the highest performing compact smartphones on the market. I'm also more inclined to carry a battery pack in case I run out of battery, so wireless charging isn't a huge deciding factor for me.
While the Moto G is a great choice, especially with the addition of the Stylus, the performance, display, and camera of the Sony outweigh it, for me. However, if you value the Stylus, budget is a deciding factor, and you want a larger screen, the Motorola is a solid choice.
