Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G72. We'll break down the specs, see what they mean in real life, and figure out which phone is right for whom.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table that goes beyond the raw numbers, explaining what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | The Moto G72 is noticeably taller and wider, while the Xperia 5 IV is slightly thicker; Moto G72 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 172g | 166g | The Moto G72 is a bit lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | The Moto G72 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display due to a higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 449 | 402 | The Xperia 5 IV offers a bit more detail, but the difference may not be very visible. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both will have identical brightness, but the data provided is not accurate to provide implications |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | The Xperia 5 IV has a vastly more powerful processor, leading to significantly faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 415,300 | The Xperia 5 IV is much faster in everyday tasks, gaming, and intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Xperia 5 IV offers superior graphics for demanding applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Moto G72 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia's additional features can be useful for some users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.7 | The Moto G72 has significantly higher resolution, but the Xperia 5 IV focuses on quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/1.7 | The Moto G72 offers slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | The Xperia 5 IV has a better resolution for wide-angle shots; the Moto G72 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G72 can capture close-up details. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p up to 60fps | The Xperia 5 IV offers superior video recording capabilities. |
| Features | 4K,OIS, RAW | LAF | The Xperia 5 IV offers more professional options like 4K recording, OIS, and RAW capture; Moto has LAF |
| DXOMark | 119 (Mobile) | None | Xperia has been tested and proved to be a good camera choice |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12/13 | Android 12 | Xperia will have Android 13, and Moto will only be on Android 12 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The Xperia 5 IV offers faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with more codecs | 5.0 with fewer codecs | The Xperia 5 IV has more reliable connections and better audio quality. |
| GPS | More systems supported | Fewer systems supported | The Xperia 5 IV has more accurate positioning capabilities. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | The Xperia 5 IV offers flexibility with eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer plenty of storage, with same capacity option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer good multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage for either phone |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV offers higher fidelity audio and spatial audio and better audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted | basic | The Xperia 5 IV's sensor placement might be more convenient for many users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More sensors | Less sensors | Xperia 5 IV can have more accurate measurements and is more suitable for specialized use cases due to additional sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a massive performance advantage, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running intensive apps.
- Superior Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens and advanced video features like 4K recording, HDR, OIS, and RAW capture give the Xperia 5 IV an edge for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio and Connectivity: High-resolution audio, advanced Bluetooth codecs, and WiFi 6 ensure a premium experience for music lovers and heavy internet users.
- Premium Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection offers enhanced durability.
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM allows for digital switching between carriers without needing to physically swap SIM cards.
Motorola Moto G72 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.6-inch screen makes it ideal for users who prioritize media consumption.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: The 108MP camera is great for those who enjoy taking detailed photos, especially in bright lighting conditions.
- Slightly Faster Charging: The 33W charging is a bit quicker compared to the Xperia’s 30W.
- Lighter Build: The 6g lighter weight makes it more convenient for longer usage.
- Macro Camera: The dedicated macro lens is a good option for close-up photography.
- Lower Price: This is typically a budget friendly phone, making it a very appealing option if you need a reliable phone without the expensive bells and whistles.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The price is likely much higher, it doesn't have a macro lens, and its display is smaller than the G72.
- Motorola Moto G72: The Helio G99 is significantly less powerful, the camera system is less versatile overall (no telephoto lens), video capabilities are basic, and lacks the premium build and audio features of the Xperia. It also lacks the newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, and has fewer supported GPS systems. It is also missing screen protection information.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, photography and videography enthusiasts, audiophiles, and anyone who needs top-tier performance and premium features.
- Use Cases: Gaming, video editing, professional photography, high-quality audio listening, reliable connectivity, and having a versatile camera for different use cases.
- Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal For: Casual users, media consumers, those who prefer larger displays, and users on a budget.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, streaming videos, taking casual photos, and daily communication needs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly and quickly, the Xperia is the clear winner. If basic tasks and moderate usage are enough, the Moto G72 may be suitable.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and video quality? If you need excellent video, optical zoom, and the flexibility of a telephoto lens, go with the Xperia 5 IV. If you primarily take photos in good lighting conditions and want a good resolution, the Moto G72 might work.
- What's your budget? If money is a concern, the Moto G72 will likely offer better value. The Xperia 5 IV is a premium phone and will come at a higher cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the obvious choice, thanks to its advanced camera features, higher video recording capabilities, and RAW support.
- Scenario 2: Avid Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the best for gaming due to its powerful chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G72 offers solid value for everyday tasks with its bigger screen, and will be a lot cheaper.
- Scenario 4: Casual Media Consumer: The Motorola Moto G72 is a good pick with its larger display for binge-watching content, and is a cheaper alternative for the casual user.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Moto G72 has its merits, especially for the budget-conscious, the Xperia 5 IV provides a more premium experience in a smaller package. As a tech journalist, I need a device that can handle a variety of tasks without skipping a beat. Its superior performance, higher quality camera with better video capabilities, enhanced audio features, and more advanced connectivity mean it would be a more versatile and capable tool for me. I would also value the higher quality build with better screen protection, and the more up to date wifi and bluetooth capabilities.
While the price will certainly be higher than the Motorola, the trade-offs I would have to make with the G72 would be too significant in my daily use. I need a device that can handle demanding work tasks, and capture high-quality photos and videos, so I would make the investment for the higher end device in this comparison.
