Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G35. I'm approaching this not just as a tech journalist but as someone who appreciates the blend of engineering and practical user experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, formatted to help you see how they translate into real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | Xperia is more compact & lighter, easier to handle; Moto G35 is larger but thinner and slightly heavier. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xperia has better scratch resistance for screen |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.72" | G35 has a larger screen, better for media consumption; Xperia is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Xperia has slightly more detail on screen |
| Pixel Density | 449 PPI | 392 PPI | Xperia has significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia has superior color accuracy and deeper blacks, better overall quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 is dramatically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Xperia has a much faster chipset, suitable for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 423,297 | Xperia is noticeably faster for gaming and heavy applications by more than 140% |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | Xperia's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xperia's main sensor captures more light and detail; Moto G35 offers higher-resolution output. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP, f/2.45, µm | Moto G35 offers higher resolution output; Xperia has wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | None | Xperia offers optical zoom and better image clarity at longer range |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Xperia takes higher quality wide angle photos with better detail |
| Video | 4K @120fps, OIS, EIS, HDR | 4K@30fps | Xperia has superior video quality with stabilization, more fps and more features |
| DxoMark | Main: 119, Photo:121, Video:113 | Not Available | Xperia has been tested with respectable numbers, offering great camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, meaning similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xperia charges quicker than Moto G35, less time plugged in |
| Battery Features | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia has additional power management features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xperia has newer standard for faster and stable network speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia has newer standard with extra features for better audio quality |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xperia offers better accuracy for location tracking |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G35 is newer with more modern OS |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/8GB | Xperia offers 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone support external memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Xperia has better audio fidelity for immersive sound experience; Moto G35 good for voice calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer basic biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia has more sensors for detailed data gathering. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 paired with 8 GB RAM provides a huge leap in performance for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking.
- Premium Display Quality: The OLED display with higher pixel density and color accuracy makes for a visually stunning experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, and better sensor sizes across the board, coupled with features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), results in top-tier photography and videography.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Hi-Res audio and better Bluetooth codecs provide a richer, more immersive listening experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is substantially quicker than the Moto G35's 18W charging.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness makes it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Larger Screen: The 6.72-inch display caters well to media consumption.
- Decent Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery offers a full day of usage.
- Affordability: Likely to be a more budget-friendly option, this makes it attractive to a wider customer base.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xperia 5 IV: Lacks expandable storage. Might get hot under heavy loads due to the high-performance chipset. Its display brightness isn't ideal for very bright outdoor settings.
- Moto G35: The Unisoc chipset is significantly weaker compared to the Snapdragon, leading to limitations in gaming and heavy applications. The camera quality falls short of the Xperia, especially in low light. The screen, while larger, is less sharp and vibrant due to the LCD technology.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a high-end media experience. Gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts will find the Xperia a great fit. It's for those willing to pay more for superior technology.
- Use Case: Mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, high-fidelity music playback.
- Motorola Moto G35: This phone is targeted at budget-conscious users seeking a large screen for media consumption and general use. It’s suitable for day-to-day tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Use Case: Casual media consumption, social media, everyday mobile tasks, bright sunlight use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you're a gamer, use demanding applications, or multitask heavily, the Xperia is the clear winner. If your needs are basic, the Moto G35 will suffice.
- Do you need a great camera? If photography and videography are crucial, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's camera system is superior in almost every aspect. If your needs are for casual use, the Moto G35 will do the job.
- Do you prioritize screen quality or size? If you prioritize a large display over pixel density and picture quality, the Moto G35 is the better option. If quality is more important, the OLED panel of the Xperia is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The "Power User" Scenario: If you're someone who needs the best performance and camera quality without compromise, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the phone you should choose.
- The "Budget-Conscious" Scenario: If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone for media consumption and daily tasks, the Motorola Moto G35 is a solid choice.
- The "Outdoorsy" Scenario: If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Motorola Moto G35 with its 1000 nits brightness will be far easier to use.
- The "Multimedia Enthusiast" Scenario: If you consume a lot of video content, while also prioritizing image quality, the Sony Xperia 5 IV will be the one to choose.
My Choice
If it were me choosing, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV, without a doubt. I'm a tech enthusiast, someone who values performance, camera quality, and display quality; and given the superior processing power, advanced camera system, and premium screen, the Xperia is the only option for me. The Moto G35 is more appropriate for people who have budget as their main consideration. While the G35's brightness is a plus for outdoor use, it's not enough to outweigh the Xperia's advantages. The Xperia's feature set and performance align perfectly with my tech needs and personal preferences.
