Alright, let's dive deep into this showdown between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the OnePlus Nord 4. I've got my engineering hat on and a user-first perspective, so let's break this down into something more digestible.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on real-world impact:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | The Nord 4 is noticeably taller and wider; the Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 199.5g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.74" | Nord 4 has a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4 has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 449 PPI | 450 PPI | Similar pixel density, both offering sharp images, however, the Nord 4 has a higher resolution across the panel |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are great for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is much brighter, easily visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Nord 4 has a newer, more efficient chip resulting in a benchmark score that's nearly 35% higher. The 7+ Gen 3 is no slouch. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 has significantly better performance in terms of loading apps and overall smoothness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's GPU offers better graphics processing for demanding games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 has a bigger battery, likely leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges much faster, a huge advantage. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | - | Xperia 5 IV has bypass charging, meaning you can use the phone while plugged in without damaging the battery and can reverse charge your accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance, whereas the Nord 4 captures more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. Nord 4 captures slightly more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | N/A | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom, the Nord 4 does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Xperia 5 IV has higher resolution and a larger sensor for the wide-angle, potentially better wide angle pictures. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps HDR OIS EIS | Up to 4K 60fps EIS | Xperia 5 IV has a higher refresh rate and HDR while recording with a slightly better stabilization system. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 119 | N/A | Xperia 5 IV has been tested, scoring 119 overall, with 121 for photo and 113 for video; This gives you an idea of its camera quality. |
| Camera Features | Full suite of features including RAW, OIS, Triple Cam | OIS, Dual Cam | Xperia 5 IV has more pro-level features like optical zoom, triple camera, RAW. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | Nord 4 comes with the latest Android version, receiving updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have standard WiFi 6 connectivity. Nord 4 has MIMO capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1+L5, E1+E5a, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1/B2), QZSS (L1+L5) | Nord 4 has better GPS due to its compatibility with a wider range of positioning systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM; Nord 4 has a dual physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Nord 4 has more options including up to 512 GB, the Xperia 5 IV is limited to 256GB and no expandable storage |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 has configurations up to 16GB, allowing better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Xperia 5 IV has an advanced side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a premium screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Full Sensor Suite | Limited Sensor Suite | Xperia 5 IV has a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact Design: Excellent for one-handed use and portability.
- Premium Camera Features: Telephoto lens, RAW support, wider aperture lenses and high-quality video recording capabilities make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor and it has more in-depth security.
- Bypass Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: This is useful in some scenarios.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths:
- Larger, Brighter Display: Superior for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 offers better performance with a more efficient architecture.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging is a game-changer for fast top-ups.
- Bigger Battery: Likely to offer longer battery life.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, with promises of extended updates.
- More RAM Options: 16GB RAM Option for a better multitasking experience
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The older chipset, lower screen brightness and slower charging are drawbacks compared to the Nord 4. It is also heavier than the Nord 4.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Lacks the telephoto lens and Hi-Res Audio, as well as a premium build.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts who value premium camera capabilities in a compact size. Users who listen to music, requiring a high-end audio output.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, videography, detailed audio output, users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Ideal User: Gamers, media consumers, users who need a high-performing, fast-charging device for extended usage.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming, browsing, multitasking, users who need all-day battery life and are always on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What matters more: Photography or Performance?
- If photography and pro-level features are your priority, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice. If raw performance and smooth gaming is more your speed, go for the Nord 4.
- How important is battery life and charging speed?
- If battery life and speed is important, Nord 4's larger battery and 100W charging is a must. If fast charging isn't a necessity, then the Xperia 5 IV is a good option.
- How important is a compact, one-handed experience?
- If you want a pocketable, one-handed phone, the Xperia 5 IV is your best bet. If a bigger screen for media consumption is more appealing, the Nord 4 is the winner.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd lean towards the OnePlus Nord 4. While I appreciate the Xperia 5 IV’s compact size, refined camera features, and audio prowess, the Nord 4 hits the sweet spot for the things I value most right now: a large, vibrant display, the latest chipset, plenty of performance, excellent battery life and significantly faster charging. The superior performance also opens up future possibilities of better optimization for games. The Nord 4 offers a better overall experience with fewer limitations.
That being said, if photography were my primary focus, I would consider the Xperia 5 IV. But for an everyday workhorse that can handle anything I throw at it, the Nord 4 is the clear winner for me. It's a testament to how much of a difference a newer, more balanced approach can make in the real world.
