Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G24. I'll break down the specs, dissect the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone is the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let’s get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed comparison table:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable, while the Moto G24 is larger and may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 181g | The Xperia 5 IV is lighter, which may make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus screen | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV is likely more durable and resistant to scratches and drops, where the Moto G24 protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.56" | The Moto G24 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV is easier to use one-handed due to its smaller display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 720x1612 | The Xperia 5 IV's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed visuals, while the Moto G24's display is less crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 269 ppi | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly sharper display with finer details. Text is more crisp and images look much cleaner. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Xperia 5 IV's OLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, while the Moto G24 uses LCD, which is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xperia 5 IV's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Moto G24's 90Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 500 nits | The Moto G24 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | The Xperia 5 IV's flagship-level chip offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps compared to the Moto G24. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 266,894 | The Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster in real world use, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Xperia 5 IV's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly, resulting in better gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP f/1.8 | The Moto G24 has higher resolution photos on paper. Xperia 5 IV has larger sensor, allowing it to capture more light and may result in better quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | The Xperia 5 IV provides higher resolution selfies with better detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4, 1/3.5" sensor | None | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, providing better quality at greater zoom ranges. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | The Xperia 5 IV’s wide-angle camera offers much higher resolution and better image quality. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Moto G24 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Xperia 5 IV lacks. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Xperia 5 IV offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution and advanced stabilization, while the Moto G24 is basic. |
| DXoMark Score | Main 119 / Photo 121/ Video 113 | Not Tested | The Xperia 5 IV camera is of higher quality than most mid-range devices. |
| Features | 4K, Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, RAW | Digital Zoom, EIS, RAW | Xperia 5 IV has enhanced features such as optical zoom and optical image stabilization, leading to better image and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity for all day use. |
| Charging | 30W | 15W | The Xperia 5 IV charges faster, meaning less time plugged into a wall. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV offers added features to charge the phone while gaming and to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | The Moto G24 comes with the newer version of Android, where the Xperia 5 IV will receive an update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Xperia 5 IV supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | The Xperia 5 IV features a newer Bluetooth version, providing faster data transfer rates. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | Standard GPS | Xperia 5 IV offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The Xperia 5 IV has an eSIM for easy carrier switching and dual sim, where the Moto G24 only has two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage capacity, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/8 GB | The Xperia 5 IV comes with 8 GB of RAM for smooth multi-tasking, where the Moto G24 has options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | The Xperia 5 IV provides a superior listening experience with Hi-Res Audio playback, where the Moto G24 is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer a quick fingerprint reader for basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass | The Xperia 5 IV contains more sensors which can add functionalities such as in gaming and navigation, where the Moto G24 is basic. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip ensures smooth, snappy performance for any task.
- Advanced Camera System: With features such as a telephoto lens, 4K video at 120fps, and OIS, the Xperia 5 IV captures higher quality images and videos than the Moto G24.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res audio support and Dolby Atmos ensure an immersive audio experience.
- More comprehensive set of features and technologies: Sony includes a wide array of technologies such as Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band GPS, eSIM, and reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s designed for users who prioritize top-tier performance, a premium display, and an excellent camera system. It shines in content creation, gaming, and media consumption.
Motorola Moto G24:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: Its larger screen provides a more expansive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Long Battery Life: It includes a 5000 mAh battery for long usage.
- Affordability: The Moto G24 provides a capable entry-level option for those with a limited budget.
- Modern Software: The Moto G24 comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a basic, no-frills smartphone experience for casual users who primarily focus on social media, browsing, and basic apps.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xperia 5 IV: The primary tradeoff for the Xperia 5 IV is its potentially higher price and smaller size. It does not include a Macro lens and has an average outdoor brightness.
- Moto G24: The Moto G24’s primary limitations include its low-resolution display, slower chipset, and basic camera system. It is suitable for the basics but it is not a high performer for demanding tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For:
- Content Creators: Those who need a high-quality camera for video and photo work, complemented by a top-notch display.
- Gamers: Users who want excellent gaming performance and smooth graphics on a portable device.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value cutting-edge technology and premium features.
- Media Consumers: Those who love watching movies and videos on a vibrant display with high-fidelity audio.
- Use Cases:
- Editing 4K videos on the go.
- Playing demanding mobile games at high frame rates.
- Enjoying movies and shows with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Capturing high quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Motorola Moto G24:
- Best Suited For:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks such as social media, browsing, and calls.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: People looking for an affordable smartphone with a large screen.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day without frequent charging.
- Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Streaming music and podcasts.
- Making calls and sending texts.
- Taking basic snapshots of everyday moments.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What’s Your Primary Use Case? If you need peak performance, a top-tier display, and advanced camera features, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice. If you need a basic, reliable phone for everyday tasks on a budget, the Moto G24 is more suitable.
- How Important is Display Quality? The Xperia 5 IV has a superior OLED display with high resolution, color accuracy and pixel density. The Moto G24 has a basic LCD screen with low resolution and limited clarity. If display is critical for you, the Xperia 5 IV is a better choice.
- What is your Budget? The Xperia 5 IV is likely more expensive due to its higher performance and premium features, while the Moto G24 is designed to be affordable. Your budget should play an important role in your final decision.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Creator: You’re constantly filming, editing, and sharing content. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior choice due to its advanced camera system, high-quality video recording, premium display, and fast processor.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: You mostly browse, use social media, and occasionally take photos. The Motorola Moto G24 will be adequate for these tasks, offering good value at an entry-level price point.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: You love to play mobile games at the highest settings with the highest fps possible. The Sony Xperia 5 IV's flagship-level processor and GPU will run any game smoothly and offer top-tier performance, unlike the Moto G24.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a powerhouse device with an excellent screen and a superb camera system, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior choice. It can perform any demanding task you throw at it. However, you must pay a premium for the hardware. On the other hand, the Motorola Moto G24 is a budget-friendly option that's perfect for casual everyday tasks. The main limitations are in its performance, camera, and screen quality. The Moto G24 will serve well for those on a tight budget and don't need the high specs offered by the Xperia 5 IV.
Which would I choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As someone who spends a lot of time creating content, the advanced camera system, premium display, and flagship performance are features that make a noticeable difference. I value the ability to record high-quality videos, enjoy sharp and vibrant images, and engage in demanding tasks smoothly. While it might come at a higher price, it provides a superior overall user experience that suits my needs. In short, if you can afford the premium price, the Xperia 5 IV is worth the extra investment.
