Okay, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola Moto G85. As a tech journalist, I'm keen to get beyond the marketing jargon and see how these phones stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-06-25 | The Moto G85 is significantly newer, likely with newer software features and potentially better long-term support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab-style phones. |
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | The Moto G85 is larger and thinner, while the Xperia is more compact and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 172g | 171g | Practically identical weights; both will feel similar in hand in terms of heaviness. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | The Moto G85 offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better text readability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | The Xperia has a slightly sharper display due to its slightly higher resolution on a smaller panel. |
| Pixel Density | 449 PPI | 395 PPI | Xperia 5 IV will have noticeably sharper text, images, and smoother gradients due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; P-OLED is similar to OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but the experience is similar in daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | The Moto G85 has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it superior for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | The Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful flagship-level chipset, offering superior app performance, and gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 475,000 | The Xperia 5 IV will feel dramatically faster and smoother in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better graphical performance, essential for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" Sony IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony LYT-600 | The Moto G85 has higher resolution, but the Xperia has a larger sensor and wider aperture, implying better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS | 32MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G85 has a higher resolution for sharper selfies, but the Xperia might have better low-light performance due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, enhancing versatility for distant subjects. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Xperia 5 IV has a higher-resolution wide-angle lens for capturing more detailed landscapes and group shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The Xperia 5 IV offers much higher video quality, with 4K and high frame rate options for professional video. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 119 | 88 | The Xperia 5 IV has a significantly superior overall camera performance based on DXOMark testing. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS | Dual camera, OIS | The Xperia offers richer functionality such as 4K video capabilities, Optical zoom while Moto G85 has additional Laser autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer comparable charging speeds. |
| Features | Bypass/Reverse Charging | None | The Xperia 5 IV offers additional battery-related features like Bypass Charging for gamers and reverse charging for accessories. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | The Moto G85 comes with a newer version of Android, likely with newer features and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth with more audio features |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) | Single-band GPS | The Xperia 5 IV has better GPS accuracy and quicker lock-on, particularly in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano/eSIM) | Both offer similar dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both provide similar storage configurations but do not have expandable storage capabilities. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | The Moto G85 has an optional higher RAM configuration which may be beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanded storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | The Xperia has higher quality audio thanks to Hi-Res support, offering a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | The side-mounted sensor on the Xperia is generally considered more ergonomic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Xperia 5 IV has a more durable screen, offering better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer, Hall Sensor | Basic Sensor set | The Xperia features additional sensors for more comprehensive environmental data collection. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly higher processing power, making it ideal for demanding apps, multitasking, and high-end gaming.
- Better Camera System: It features a superior overall camera with a higher DXOMark score, optical zoom, and better low-light performance with a larger main sensor and wider aperture lens. It can record 4K video at 120FPS and offers additional features like Ultra-stable video.
- Higher Quality Display: Offers higher pixel density, making the display look significantly sharper with excellent detail.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio offers superior sound quality and immersive experience.
- More Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and drop protection.
- Advanced Features: It has features like Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, and dual-band GPS.
Motorola Moto G85 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Larger Display: Provides a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and easier text readability.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Good Selfie Camera: Provides high-resolution selfies.
- Optional 12GB RAM: Offers a higher RAM configuration for better multitasking.
- Slightly slimmer design: The device is thinner making it easier to hold.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV: Lacks the newer Android version and expandable storage; may be more expensive.
- Moto G85: Significantly weaker performance, less capable camera system, and lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The display is not as sharp and lacks the advanced audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Power Users: Perfect for those who need a high-performance phone for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: A great choice for users who prioritize camera quality, optical zoom, and the ability to record high-quality video.
- Audiophiles: The Hi-Res Audio, and higher quality audio offers a superior experience for those who enjoy music with better sound quality.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Casual Users: Suitable for users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and watch videos; people who want the latest version of Android and good battery life.
- Outdoor Users: Ideal for those who need high screen brightness to use their phone outdoors in bright light.
- Budget-Conscious: A more affordable option that provides a large screen and decent performance for everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is raw performance to me? (Are you a gamer, heavy multitasker, or someone with light usage?)
- Do I prioritize camera quality or screen size? (Is a high-end camera with zoom and 4K video essential, or is a large, bright display more important?)
- What is my budget? (Are you willing to pay more for higher performance and features, or is a more affordable option sufficient?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Media: If you prioritize gaming and media consumption, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice due to its powerful chipset and excellent display.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focus: For photography enthusiasts, the Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, better main sensor, and 4K high frame rate video capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious and Everyday Use: If you're looking for an affordable phone with a big display and good battery life, the Motorola Moto G85 will be sufficient for most everyday tasks.
What I Would Choose
After carefully considering the specs, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values performance, I need a phone that can keep up with my demanding workflow. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset ensures that the Xperia 5 IV will handle anything I throw at it. The camera quality is also a big draw for me, as I often need to take high-quality photos and videos. The Hi-Res audio, better screen sharpness, additional build quality protection also appeal to me.
While the Moto G85 is a solid phone, it simply doesn't offer the level of performance and camera capabilities I require. I also value the extra features like Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, and Dual-band GPS.
In essence, the Xperia 5 IV is a more robust and capable device for my specific needs, even if it's a bit older and potentially more expensive. The trade-off is worth it for the performance and features it offers.
