Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. It’s a classic clash of different design philosophies and engineering priorities, and I'm excited to break it down for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; (2a) Plus is larger and might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 172g | 190g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | (2a) Plus offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2412 | Very similar resolutions; both offer a sharp display for daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 395 | Xperia 5 IV boasts a sharper, clearer display due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; OLED and AMOLED are very similar technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | (2a) Plus offers much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro | Xperia 5 IV’s Snapdragon offers higher processing power; (2a) Plus is efficient and good for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 805,721 | Xperia 5 IV will provide faster app loading and smoother performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU provides better performance in graphic-intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.88 | (2a) Plus has a higher resolution; Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/2.2 | (2a) Plus has a significantly higher resolution; Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 12MP f/2.4 | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities that (2a) Plus lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Xperia 5 IV can capture more of the scene without moving back. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP f/2.2 | (2a) Plus has Macro capabilities that the Xperia 5 IV lacks |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xperia 5 IV is capable of recording high quality video at higher frame rates and higher resolution |
| DXOMark Score | Main 119 | None | Xperia 5 IV has a well-tuned camera system based on the tested score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery endurance for typical daily usage. |
| Charging | 30W | 50W | (2a) Plus charges significantly faster, reducing wait times. |
| Features | Bypass & Reverse Charging | No Charger In Box | Xperia 5 IV has versatile charging features; (2a) Plus is more environmentally conscious. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Android 14 (Up to 17) | (2a) Plus offers newer software with more features and long term software support. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | (2a) Plus handles multitasking better, especially with heavier apps. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB | Both offer sufficient storage, but the Sony has a lower variant |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones require cloud storage or external devices for additional space. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Sony Xperia 5 IV offers Dolby Atmos, while Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features 3 microphones |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 and Wi-Fi MIMO | Both provide fast and stable Wi-Fi connectivity; (2a) Plus additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | (2a) Plus has newer Bluetooth and features, Sony has a lot of features that the (2a) Plus does not |
| GPS | Multiple GPS Systems | Multiple GPS Systems including NavIC System | Both have GPS, (2a) Plus has more satellite systems, better location accuracy; |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Sony has eSIM and dual sim; (2a) Plus only has dual sim |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia 5 IV is more convenient; (2a) Plus provides basic security for daily use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | Gravity | Sony has environmental sensors and Hall for compass, while (2a) has gravity |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact and Premium Design: The Xperia 5 IV is a masterclass in compactness, offering a truly pocketable experience without sacrificing high-end specs.
- Superior Display Sharpness: The higher pixel density on the Xperia 5 IV results in a noticeably sharper display.
- Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers superior raw performance, ensuring smooth operation for demanding apps and games.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens and wide angle lens enhances photography capabilities, giving it an edge in image quality.
- Advanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos gives it a clear edge.
- Versatile Charging: The inclusion of Bypass charging and reverse charging makes this very versatile.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching.
- More Sensors: The inclusion of a barometer and hall sensor makes this a more versatile device.
- Better Screen Protection: Superior Gorilla Glass provides better scratch protection.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Strengths:
- Larger Display: The (2a) Plus offers a larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Screen Brightness: It has significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 50W charging significantly reduces charging time, which is a big plus for people on the go.
- Better Selfies: The much higher resolution front camera may appeal to users who prioritize this.
- Newer Software and Updates: The phone runs a newer operating system and will get updates for longer.
- More RAM: With 12 GB of RAM, the (2a) Plus will handle multitasking much better.
- Improved GPS: It has access to a higher amount of satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Macro Camera: Offers macro photography that the Sony lacks.
- 3 Microphones: Captures clearer audio in loud environments and allows better clarity in video calls.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Its smaller size might not appeal to users who prefer larger displays. The chipset, while powerful, is not the latest and may get outdated sooner. The brightness is also a significant downside for outdoor usage.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: It has a bulkier build and might not be as comfortable for one-handed use. The processor is good but lacks the raw power of the Snapdragon in the Xperia 5 IV. The camera system also lacks the versatility of the Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a compact, high-performance device with a premium feel.
- Use Cases: Professional photographers who want a pocketable option with great telephoto lens, users who value audio quality, power users who value speed and performance, or users who need versatile charging options.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Ideal For: Users who want a large display experience and better outdoor brightness.
- Use Cases: Casual users who love to consume media, or users that require fast charging capabilities, or users that want newer software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a compact form factor or a larger display? If you prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle device, the Xperia 5 IV is the way to go. If you want a bigger screen, the (2a) Plus will be more enjoyable.
- Do you prioritize high performance or faster charging and a newer OS? The Xperia 5 IV is for performance enthusiasts, while the (2a) Plus focuses on a user friendly experience with fast charging, and newer software.
- Do you need a versatile camera system with optical zoom or a larger front facing camera and macro lens? The Xperia has a more versatile camera, while the (2a) Plus excels at selfies.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Professional Photographer: Go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its telephoto lens and powerful camera system.
- For the Casual Media Consumer: The larger display of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will provide a better viewing experience.
- For the Power User on the Go: The fast charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus might be more convenient.
- For the User who wants a balance of size and speed: Go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV, it has a very well rounded balance.
My Pick
Personally, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the larger screen of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is appealing, I value the balance of power, portability, and advanced features that the Xperia 5 IV offers. The compact size makes it incredibly comfortable to use one-handed, and the powerful Snapdragon chipset means I can throw anything at it without worrying about slowdowns. Plus, the versatility of the camera system, with its telephoto lens, is a huge win for me. I do a lot of photography and I'd prefer to have an advanced system. While the screen brightness is a downside, I feel I can always find shade, but the other upsides of the device are too large to pass up for my daily usage patterns.
