Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G73. We'll look past the marketing jargon and get down to the nitty-gritty, focusing on what these specifications mean for real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm, 181g | Xperia is more compact, easier for one-handed use and lighter. Moto G73 is larger and heavier. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown screen protection | Xperia has superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.5" | Moto G73 offers a more immersive experience for media consumption, while the Xperia is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (449 PPI) | 1080x2400 (405 PPI) | Xperia has a sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Xperia’s chipset is significantly faster, better for gaming and resource-intensive apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 497,466 | Xperia offers a much faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Xperia’s GPU provides better graphics performance for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm (Sony IMX557) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Moto G73 has higher resolution, but Xperia has larger pixels which means more light which results in better image quality, especially in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm (Sony Exmor RS) | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Moto G73 has slightly higher resolution. The Xperia has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm (Sony IMX650 Exmor RS) | Not Available | Xperia offers optical zoom, while the Moto G73 doesn't. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (Sony IMX363 Exmor RS) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Xperia has higher resolution and larger pixels. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | Xperia supports much higher video quality and has better stabilization, while Motorola provides a higher frame rate for slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMARK | Main 119, Photo 121, Video 113 | Not Available | Only the Xperia has been tested by DxOMARK, receiving respectable scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Triple Camera. | Dual camera, Manual focus, Front flash, Night Mode | Xperia has more advanced features focused on high-quality images. Moto G73 has added manual focus and a front flash for selfies. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, both should comfortably last a full day for average use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Reverse Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed, but the Xperia has reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Moto G73 is running a newer Android version out of the box, but the Xperia is eligible for an update to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both share similar specs, with the Moto G73 having the added Wi-Fi MiMO feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with Advanced Codecs | 5.3 LE with Basic Codecs | Moto G73 has a newer Bluetooth version. Both support APT-x, LDAC and AAC. The Xperia provides more advanced connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Moto G73 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Xperia supports eSIM for flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Sufficient for smooth multitasking on both devices. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both support Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, with the Xperia having Hi-Res audio and the Moto G73 having 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar security features on both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | The Xperia has additional environmental sensors, making it more suitable for advanced applications. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers a significant performance advantage for gaming and intensive applications.
- Better Display: The OLED display provides superior color accuracy, contrast, and deeper blacks compared to the LCD on the Moto G73.
- Advanced Camera System: With a telephoto lens, larger sensor sizes, and more professional features like OIS, PDAF, and RAW capture, the Xperia excels in photography.
- High-Quality Video Recording: It supports up to 4K at 120fps with HDR, OIS, and EIS, a significant leap from the Moto G73's 1080p limit.
- Premium Features: Reverse charging, Hi-Res audio, and superior screen protection contribute to a premium user experience.
- Compact Size: Ideal for those preferring a smaller, more pocketable device.
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, while the Xperia 5 IV starts with Android 12, with the option of upgrading to 13.
- Larger Display: The 6.5" display offers a more immersive media consumption experience.
- More Satellites for GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Front Flash: Features a front flash for better lit selfies in the dark.
- Budget-Friendly: Likely more affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xperia 5 IV: May suffer from thermal throttling due to the powerful chipset in a compact design, could be expensive and does not have expandable storage.
- Moto G73: Performance and camera capabilities are notably less advanced compared to the Xperia, no optical zoom, and unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, and users who prioritize performance, premium build quality, a professional-grade camera system, and compact designs.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality photography and videography, multimedia consumption with superior audio, and for users who appreciate cutting-edge features.
Motorola Moto G73
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, everyday users who want a larger screen for media, and those who need long battery life.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, watching videos, general daily use, good for someone who is not a photographer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need a high-performance device for gaming and resource-intensive applications, or is general daily use sufficient?
- Camera Needs: How important is high-quality photography and video recording with advanced features?
- Budget: Are you willing to invest in a premium device, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Tech Enthusiast/Gamer: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its superior performance, display quality, and advanced camera system.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: The Motorola Moto G73 offers a balance of a larger screen, long battery life, and affordability.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a better option for its higher-quality camera with more features.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious: The Motorola Moto G73 is the better option due to it's overall price.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As someone who appreciates the finer details in technology, the Xperia 5 IV's superior performance, stunning OLED display, and professional-grade camera system make it a clear winner for me, though I acknowledge it does have a hefty price tag. The compact design is also a big plus for my personal preferences. While the Motorola G73 is a good phone for a budget-conscious user, the Xperia IV simply offers a more premium experience that aligns with my needs for quality and performance. It's the phone I'd reach for when I want to capture incredible photos, watch movies in their full glory or be immersed in a gaming experience.
