Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Nokia G42. It’s a classic showdown between a tech powerhouse and a more budget-friendly option, and understanding their differences will really help you figure out which one fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what those specs actually mean for your day-to-day use.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-06-28 | The Nokia G42 is the newer device, potentially featuring updated components, although not necessarily better overall |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both phones are traditional smartphones, not foldables or anything fancy. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm, 193.8g | Sony is smaller and lighter, which feels much more comfortable for one-handed use; Nokia is larger and more substantial, but bulkier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.56" | The Nokia offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption, whereas the Sony is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 720 x 1612 | Sony display is significantly sharper, leading to clearer text and more detailed images. The Nokia's screen is not as crisp, you will notice the difference |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 269 | The Sony is sharper. Images, text, and graphics will appear more defined. Nokia is a visible downgrade in clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Sony's OLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The Nokia LCD display is not as vibrant or deep. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Sony display appears smoother for everyday use, and gaming. Nokia's screen is not as responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness levels (which is not defined), not good for sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Sony’s chipset is significantly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games easily. The Nokia's is much slower, better for basic tasks only |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 380,000 | Massive performance gap. The Sony runs apps much faster and is smoother overall. Nokia is visibly slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 730 in the Sony provides superior graphics processing, essential for gaming. Nokia's GPU not as powerful, limited gaming experience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7, 1/1.7” IMX557, 1.8µm | 50MP f/1.8 | The Sony's larger sensor and wider aperture captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, despite lower MP count. Nokia is a standard camera but is nothing to write home about. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 Exmor RS, 1.25µm | 8MP f/2.0 | Sony has better resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4, 1/3.5” IMX650, 1.0µm | None | Sony offers optical zoom, Nokia lacks that. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55” IMX363, 1.4µm | None | Sony has an additional wide camera for expansive shots. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Nokia has a dedicated sensor for better depth perception in portrait mode. Sony lacks a dedicated portrait lens. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Nokia has a dedicated macro lens. Sony lacks that. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p 30fps | The Sony can record much higher resolution and has optical and electronic stabilization, making for more professional-looking videos. Nokia is basic for video capture. |
| DXOMARK Score | 119 Overall, 121 Photo, 113 Video | None | The Sony camera performance is significantly better than Nokia's, but no benchmark for the Nokia. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for everyday use (although usage matters). |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Sony charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable, No charger in box | Sony offers added charging flexibility, Nokia has no charger included and you must buy your own. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Nokia is newer and has a more up-to-date OS out of the box, but the Sony will eventually get the newer OS as well. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both have the same WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Sony has a more recent version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Sony has more accurate GPS due to the multiple frequencies used. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Sony has dual SIM with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 128GB | Sony offers more storage capacity, which is great for media. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB or 6GB | The Sony has more RAM for smoother multitasking and app handling. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Sony has significantly better audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use fingerprint readers for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Sony has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Sony has extra sensors for precise movement and environment information. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is a performance beast wrapped in a compact form factor. It offers a superior display, a flagship-level chipset, and an excellent camera system. Its high-resolution screen, coupled with OLED technology, makes for an immersive viewing experience. It's the clear winner when it comes to raw processing power, multitasking, and video quality. It's designed for those who demand top-tier performance without sacrificing portability.
Nokia G42: This device is designed for users seeking good value, a large display, and a reliable Android experience, offering decent battery life. It's not designed to compete with the flagship level Sony, but rather is meant to be a good phone that lasts and is simple to use. While the camera has a higher megapixel count on the main lens, the smaller sensors and lower quality lenses make the final results inferior when compared to the Sony. It is a good option for budget conscious shoppers.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, mobile gamers, and anyone who values top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and professional-grade photography and videography in a compact design.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, high-resolution media consumption, professional photography, and fast, responsive multitasking.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: High cost but offers exceptional performance and features to match.
Nokia G42:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, users who prioritize battery life, and those who prefer larger screens. Great for basic use and for the elderly who don't need all the features, but a clear screen to read with.
- Use Cases: Basic tasks, social media, web browsing, media consumption, and casual photography.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Good for the price, as it provides a solid balance of functionality without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What’s Your Priority?
- If you need the absolute best performance, a top-tier display, and advanced camera features, go with the Sony.
- If budget is a primary concern and you need a larger screen, the Nokia is a solid option.
How Do You Use Your Phone?
- If you frequently game, edit videos, or rely on your camera, the Sony is the clear choice.
- If you mostly use your phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps, the Nokia will serve you well.
Do You Value Extras?
- The Sony offers features like optical zoom, a higher refresh rate, and faster charging.
- The Nokia prioritizes a no-nonsense approach with solid battery life and a newer OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Its powerful chipset and high refresh rate screen are ideal for gaming.
- Professional Photographer/Videographer: The Sony’s superior camera system and video capabilities make it the better choice.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Nokia G42 provides a great balance of cost and features for essential tasks.
- Media Lover: The Sony’s superior OLED screen will make a huge difference for enjoying content. However, the Nokia does have a larger screen which could be beneficial.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. I value the overall performance boost, the incredible screen, and the amazing camera capabilities. The ability to capture professional level video and photos are important to me, and I prefer a phone that fits well in my hand. While the Nokia is definitely a decent phone for the budget conscious, it’s just not designed for my particular use cases, and the Sony delivers in every aspect that I require. I do not mind paying a bit more for the premium performance and features that the Sony offers, because it allows me to be more productive, and ultimately enjoy my mobile experience much more.
