Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G04s. We have two very different phones here, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The key is understanding how those differences will play out in your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-04-29 | Motorola is newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Sony is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; Motorola is larger. |
| Weight | 172g | 178.8g | Sony is lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.56" | Motorola has a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 720 x 1612 | Sony offers a much sharper, more detailed picture. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 269 | Sony's display is noticeably crisper, with better clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Sony has superior color, contrast and black levels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Sony's screen has smoother scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are identical, but both missing information, this is not correct and should be ignored. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Sony is significantly faster and more powerful for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 220,000 | Sony is much more powerful overall. App loading, gaming, and multitasking are notably better. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Sony offers superior graphics performance, which results in better game fidelity. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | Sony's larger sensor excels in low-light and has a wider aperture, despite the lower MP count. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | Sony's front camera captures more detailed and brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | Sony has a dedicated zoom lens, allowing for better quality zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Sony offers a wider field of view, useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps | 1080p 30fps | Sony records much higher quality videos, with more frame rate options. |
| DxoMark Main Score | 119 (Mobile) | None | Sony's camera has better quality, color, and detail. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, EIS, etc. | OIS, EIS etc | Sony offers additional video and photography features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast | 15W fast | Sony charges much faster. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Sony has unique features that enhance battery life. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 | Motorola has a newer Android version with potential for longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Sony has faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Sony has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems | Sony has support for more navigation systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Sony offers eSIM option for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both come in similar storage options, but Motorola also offers 64 GB which is the lowest capacity option |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | Sony has more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos | Sony has a more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Sensor | Side-Mounted Sensor | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Sony has a newer more robust glass for better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Multiple | Multiple | Sony has a more comprehensive sensor set for diverse applications. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse packed into a smaller form factor. Its display is superior in sharpness, color, and responsiveness. The camera system, despite its lower megapixel count, captures higher-quality images and videos thanks to its larger sensor, wider aperture, and a dedicated telephoto lens. The processor provides high-end performance for demanding tasks, and the extra RAM keeps everything running smoothly. Unique features like bypass charging and reverse charging add convenience for power users.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantages are its exceptional screen, versatile camera, and superior performance. It’s the choice for those who want the best in visual quality, photography, and processing power in a compact form.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It is older, having been launched nearly 2 years before the Motorola. It is also more expensive compared to the Motorola, and its software may not be as up-to-date.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Strengths: The Motorola Moto G04s is a budget-friendly phone that offers a larger display, the latest Android version, and decent battery life. It's perfect for users who prioritize a big screen for media consumption and want to be on a current operating system. The 50MP camera is adequate for everyday photos.
- Competitive Advantages: The newest Android version and lower price point make the Motorola Moto G04s more accessible.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The biggest trade-off is its performance. The Unisoc processor can feel sluggish with more demanding tasks, and the lower-resolution display can appear grainy, especially compared to the Sony. The camera lacks the image quality and features offered by the Sony, particularly in low light and zooming.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Ideal For:
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, advanced video features, and high image quality make this a great mobile tool.
- Power Users: Users who frequently multitask, play graphically intense games, or require fast app loading will appreciate the powerful processor and abundant RAM.
- Multimedia Lovers: The OLED display, stereo speakers, and high-resolution audio make the phone a treat for watching videos, listening to music, and consuming media.
- Users who prefer compact designs: Despite having a large display the Sony Xperia 5 IV is easily manageable with one hand.
Motorola Moto G04s is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those looking for a basic, reliable smartphone with a large screen.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Those new to smartphones and want a straightforward, easy-to-use device.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a large screen for watching videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What do I prioritize in a phone? Is it the best possible screen quality and camera, or a larger screen and more recent software?
- What is my budget? The Sony is significantly more expensive, so budget constraints will be an important factor.
- How do I plan to use my phone? Will you be doing graphic-heavy work, playing games, taking photos? Or just checking email and browsing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High Performance and Visual Quality
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. If you value top-tier display quality, powerful performance, and versatile camera capabilities, the Sony is the clear choice.
Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly Option
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G04s. If a large screen, a modern Android version, and a low price point are the priorities, the Motorola is a solid option.
Scenario 3: Balanced Performance, Value, and Future-Proofing
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. While not the newest model, the Sony delivers a better experience for most people, with a more powerful chipset, much better display and more versatile camera system.
Personal Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Despite being older, its powerful processor, fantastic display, and vastly superior camera system are non-negotiable for my needs. I appreciate the compact design, and even though I'd be sacrificing the latest Android version, the jump in performance and visual fidelity outweighs that. For me, as someone who relies heavily on their phone's camera and often engages in demanding tasks, the Sony is simply the better fit. While the Motorola provides good value, it's clear that the Xperia 5 IV delivers a more premium and overall higher-quality experience.
