Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. I'll break down the specs, offer my insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 163.5 × 74.5 × 9 mm, 197g | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and lighter, better for one-hand use, Moto G24 Power is larger and heavier |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV's screen offers better scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.56" | Moto G24 Power has a bigger screen, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 720x1612 | Xperia 5 IV's screen is significantly sharper and clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 269 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper, more detailed image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV's OLED screen offers better contrast, colors, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 500 nits | Moto G24 Power is much better in bright sunlight due to higher screen brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers superior processing power for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 266,894 | Xperia 5 IV is much faster for apps, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks much better. |
| RAM | 8GB | Not Listed | Xperia 5 IV is better for multitasking with more memory. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" (IMX557) | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xperia 5 IV has larger pixels and better low-light performance, Moto G24 has higher res. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 (IMX650) | None | Xperia 5 IV has dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 (IMX363) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV captures much more detailed wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Motorola can take close-up shots. |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly superior video recording quality and stability. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 4K Video, RAW | PDAF, HDR, RAW | Xperia 5 IV offers many additional features for advanced photography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh | Moto G24 Power has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both fast charging with Motorola a little faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, bypass charging | Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV offers additional charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Android 14 | Moto G24 Power has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xperia 5 IV supports faster, more stable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version for better connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | Xperia 5 IV has more accurate dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Xperia 5 IV has Hi-Res Audio for superior audio fidelity. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones have similar fingerprint authentication. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | None | Sony has advanced sensors like barometer and hall, suitable for gaming and professional applications. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | Not Listed | Sony Offers larger storage capacity |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers a significant performance advantage, making it ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Premium Display: The OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much sharper, more vibrant, and smoother visual experience compared to the Moto G24 Power's LCD.
- Advanced Camera System: The Xperia boasts a more versatile camera setup with better low-light performance, telephoto zoom, and 4K video recording with image stabilization.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support coupled with stereo speakers provides a superior audio experience for music lovers.
- eSIM Support: Dual SIM with eSIM allows for more flexible carrier usage.
Motorola Moto G24 Power Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, making it ideal for users who prioritize endurance.
- Brighter Display: The 500 nits brightness is significantly better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14 out of the box which means longer software update cycles.
- Price Point: Likely to be much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV: The main trade-off would be the higher price point and the smaller screen. Also, while bright, the screen might not be as bright outdoors as the G24 Power.
- Moto G24 Power: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera versatility, and build quality for a lower price and longer battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who value top-tier performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful processor and high refresh rate provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
- Content Creators: Users who want a capable camera system with advanced video recording and editing capabilities.
- Audiophiles: The Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers make it perfect for music lovers.
- Professionals: Those who need a phone with advanced features, comprehensive sensor package and reliable performance.
Motorola Moto G24 Power is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a reliable phone at an affordable price.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last a full day without needing a recharge.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and basic web browsing.
- Users in Bright Environments: The brighter screen makes it suitable for users who frequently use their phone outdoors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
- What do I prioritize most? Is it top-tier performance and a great screen, or maximum battery life and an affordable price?
- What is my typical use case? Do I game heavily, create a lot of content, or do I mainly just browse and do basic tasks?
- How much is my budget? Are you looking for a premium device at a higher cost, or a budget-friendly option that does the basics?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Power User: If you're a mobile gamer, content creator, or tech enthusiast, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice. It excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, and has premium audio features.
For the Everyday User: If you're someone who needs a reliable phone for everyday use without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G24 Power is a solid option. It offers longer battery life, a brighter screen, and a modern Android experience.
For the Budget Gamer: While not the primary focus of the Moto G24 Power, it can handle light gaming, but serious gamers should invest in the Xperia 5 IV.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The combination of the superior display, high-end processor, enhanced audio features and advanced camera technology is something I value a lot in a phone. As someone who appreciates performance and quality I can see myself enjoying the advanced camera, the powerful processor, the sharp display and other features that come with the device. Although the G24 Power's battery life is tempting, for me personally, the advantages of the Xperia 5 IV significantly outweigh its disadvantages.
