Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Nokia G100. We're not just going to rattle off specs; we'll break down what these numbers actually mean for your day-to-day use. Buckle up; it’s going to be a deep dive into the nitty-gritty!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for real-world use.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle, while the G100 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 172g | 195.1g | The Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.52" | Nokia G100 has a larger screen, better for media consumption; Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 720 x 1600 | The Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper display with finer detail, great for viewing text and images. |
| PPI | 449 | 269 | The Xperia 5 IV offers a noticeably sharper screen. Pixels are less noticeable. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV's OLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than Nokia's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The Xperia 5 IV offers smoother animations and a more fluid visual experience, ideal for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness for both phones. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Xperia 5 IV’s chip provides flagship-level speed, smooth performance for demanding apps and games, while the G100 is optimized for basic tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 201,615 | The Xperia 5 IV scores drastically higher in benchmarks, meaning a much faster overall experience with app launching, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | The Xperia 5 IV's GPU delivers much better gaming and graphics performance than the G100. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7” sensor, 1.8µm | 13MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor with a wider aperture that performs better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 8MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV takes higher-resolution selfies and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5” sensor, 1.0µm | None | Xperia 5 IV has an optical zoom option, while the G100 does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55” sensor, 1.4µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 IV’s wide angle is much higher resolution, capturing more details. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nokia G100 has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects, the Xperia 5 IV relies on software processing. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Xperia 5 IV can record much higher-quality videos with more stabilization, while the G100 is limited to 1080p. |
| DxoMark Score | Main 119, Photo 121, Video 113 | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV camera excels in mobile photography with detailed and high-quality capture; the G100 is not rated. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Night mode | Xperia 5 IV has advanced video features and support for RAW image capture, while the G100 is optimized for night photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life with the same capacity. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | Xperia 5 IV charges faster with Li-Polymer technology, better longevity. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | The Xperia 5 IV has additional features like bypass charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia 5 IV offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi with WiFi 6. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, aptX, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, supports high-quality audio codecs (aptX and LDAC), better audio. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Xperia 5 IV has more comprehensive location tracking systems, better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Xperia 5 IV offers the flexibility of an eSIM in addition to a physical Nano-SIM; the G100 uses two physical Nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 128 GB | Xperia 5 IV has more storage for apps, photos, videos and other files. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM for better multitasking and smoother operation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | 2 microphones | Xperia 5 IV has richer audio features for better experience, while the G100 is limited to dual microphones for call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic security. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 12 | Xperia 5 IV can be upgraded to Android 13, Nokia is limited to Android 12. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Compass, Hall | No compass or Hall | Xperia 5 IV has additional sensor features, comprehensive suite suitable for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse, boasting a top-tier processor, a vibrant OLED display with a high refresh rate, and a versatile camera system capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. Its compact design makes it ideal for single-handed use, a rare feat for powerful phones these days. Superior build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus ensures durability and longevity.
- Competitive Advantages: It excels in multimedia consumption, gaming, and photography, outperforming the Nokia G100 in virtually every performance metric. The inclusion of an eSIM and advanced audio codecs (aptX, LDAC) is a bonus for tech enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Lack of expandable storage is a trade-off for some users. The Sony is also the more expensive device.
Nokia G100
- Strengths: The G100 prioritizes affordability and basic functionality. Its larger display and ample battery life make it suitable for basic everyday use, while its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to those who prefer wired audio.
- Competitive Advantages: Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The presence of a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode could be attractive for casual photographers.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Its lower-resolution display, less powerful processor, and more basic camera system limits it's appeal when compared to the Xperia. The device is heavier, with a bigger footprint, and does not offer an eSIM like the Xperia 5 IV.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and anyone who values high performance, premium features, and a top-tier camera experience in a compact package.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional photography and videography, frequent travelers, and anyone who prefers a smaller phone with premium features.
- Price-to-Value: The Xperia 5 IV is priced at the premium level, but the user gets what they pay for. It excels in performance, display, and camera quality, therefore delivering value to users who prioritize these factors.
Nokia G100
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, basic smartphone users, seniors, or anyone who prioritizes battery life and a larger screen for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, light gaming, reading e-books, making phone calls, taking occasional snapshots, and as a secondary device for basic connectivity.
- Price-to-Value: The Nokia G100 provides reasonable performance for its price. It is an entry level device that provides functionality for those that are not looking for high-end features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is top-tier performance to you?
- If you prioritize smooth multitasking, demanding mobile games, and overall speed, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice. If basic performance suffices, the Nokia G100 will be adequate.
- What is your primary use case for the camera?
- For high-quality photography and videography, the Xperia 5 IV’s advanced camera system is far superior. If you only need basic photo capture for social media or casual use, the G100’s camera is sufficient.
- What is your budget?
- If budget is a primary concern, the Nokia G100 is the more affordable option. However, if you are willing to invest more for flagship features and performance, the Xperia 5 IV is worth considering.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- For the tech enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its flagship processor, vibrant OLED display, and advanced camera features.
- For the casual user: The Nokia G100 is ideal for basic use, providing good battery life and a larger screen at an affordable price.
- For the mobile gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option, offering a faster refresh rate, higher display quality, and significantly more processing power than the Nokia G100.
- For the content creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV with 4K video capabilities, optical image stabilization, and RAW photo support is the more suitable option.
- For the budget-conscious: The Nokia G100 offers a more wallet friendly option for everyday tasks.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would hands-down go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and phone analyst, I value a device that pushes boundaries in performance and features. The Xperia 5 IV isn't just a phone; it's a powerful tool for mobile content creation, gaming, and daily productivity.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, coupled with 8GB of RAM, means I could confidently run any app, edit videos, and play the latest high-end games without any lag. The OLED display's vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate are perfect for media consumption and showcasing my creations. Additionally, the robust camera features, like 4K video recording, OIS, and RAW support, align perfectly with my content creation needs.
While the Nokia G100 is fine for the average user, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner for those who demand uncompromising performance and technology. It’s a device that not only enhances my productivity but also fuels my passion for mobile innovation, and I'm willing to pay the premium. It is the device I would use and recommend to others looking for the top end mobile experience.
