Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. We’ll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison, keeping in mind what these specs actually mean for daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle, while the Nord CE 3 Lite is larger and may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 172g | 195g | The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.72" | The Nord CE 3 Lite offers a larger screen, which can enhance media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 391 ppi | The Xperia 5 IV’s display will look much crisper due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Xperia 5 IV has superior contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than the Nord CE 3 Lite. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide very smooth scrolling and animations, which are great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Nord CE 3 Lite gets significantly brighter, making it much more visible in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | The Xperia 5 IV has a much faster processor, leading to quicker app loading, multitasking and smoother gameplay. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 402,916 | The Xperia 5 IV delivers significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating a more powerful device. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Xperia 5 IV's GPU will offer much better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | The Nord CE 3 Lite captures much higher resolution images. The Xperia 5 IV's larger pixels often mean better low-light performance, but this depends on overall image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | The Nord CE 3 Lite has a slightly higher-resolution front camera, but the Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture might result in better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed images. The Nord CE 3 Lite relies on digital zoom which degrades image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated ultrawide lens which makes it versatile for different perspectives. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nord CE 3 Lite has a dedicated depth sensor to better separate a subject from the background in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nord CE 3 Lite has a dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The Xperia 5 IV offers vastly superior video capabilities, with higher resolutions, frame rates, and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 | Not Tested | The Xperia 5 IV has a rated score, showing its camera’s capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life due to the same capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Nord CE 3 Lite charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | The Xperia 5 IV's bypass charging feature can be helpful during prolonged gaming or heavy tasks by sending power directly to the system rather than the battery, helping with battery health. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The Nord CE 3 Lite ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The Xperia 5 IV supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. The Nord CE 3 Lite supports Wi-Fi MiMO, however. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | The Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS | The Xperia 5 IV provides better accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | The Xperia 5 IV offers eSIM support for flexible carrier options. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options with no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have the same amount of RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV has Dolby Atmos, while the Nord CE 3 Lite has noise-cancelling mics. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer the same basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia 5 IV provides superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer included | Barometer not included | The Xperia 5 IV has a barometer which is suitable for more advanced tasks. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with the Adreno 730 GPU offers top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Premium Display: The OLED panel with higher pixel density provides an exceptional viewing experience with vibrant colors and crisp details.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, combined with superior video capabilities, makes it a more versatile camera phone.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides robust screen protection against scratches and accidental drops.
- More Precise Location Tracking: Enhanced GPS with dual frequency L1+L5 and Galileo E1+E5a offers improved location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM provides more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers and carriers.
- Bypass Charging: A feature that greatly enhances the overall battery health.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Strengths:
- Larger Display: A 6.72-inch screen is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and general usability.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging capability significantly reduces charging times.
- Brighter Display: A 950 nits of brightness makes it much more visible in bright sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: A 108MP primary sensor captures very detailed images, although these are often down-sampled.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable, making it a better choice for budget-conscious users.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Macro and Depth Sensor: Additional sensors for more versatility in different types of photography.
Trade-offs:
- The Xperia 5 IV’s smaller size and OLED panel are traded for the Nord CE 3 Lite’s larger and brighter screen that has IPS LCD technology.
- The Xperia 5 IV’s superior performance and camera versatility comes at a significantly higher cost.
- The Nord CE 3 Lite’s faster charging comes at the cost of a more powerful chipset and better performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Power Users & Gamers: This phone is ideal for those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatility, optical zoom, and high-quality video recording.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest technologies, such as eSIM support, bypass charging, and enhanced GPS.
- Those who Prefer a more Compact Size: Users that value a phone that is easier to handle and lighter.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for those looking for a capable phone with a large display at an affordable price.
- Media Consumers: Suited for users who spend a lot of time watching videos, browsing social media, and playing casual games.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life and Fast Charging: Those who need a phone that charges quickly and lasts through the day.
- Those who Prioritize a Brighter Screen: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors, where they will appreciate the brightness on this phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance and gaming to you?
- If gaming and heavy apps are key, the Xperia 5 IV is the way to go due to its superior processor and graphics.
- What is your budget?
- The Nord CE 3 Lite is more budget-friendly, making it a good option if you’re looking for value.
- What are your priorities in a phone's camera?
- If you prioritize a versatile camera setup with optical zoom and top-quality video recording capabilities, the Xperia 5 IV is a better option.
- If you prefer higher resolution stills, and a more budget friendly option, the Nord CE 3 Lite may be better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice because of its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Adreno 730 GPU, and 120Hz OLED display.
- For the Budget-Conscious Media Lover: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is ideal due to its larger, brighter screen, great battery life and faster charging, all at a more affordable price.
- For the Aspiring Mobile Photographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option due to its versatile triple camera system with optical zoom, its superior video recording quality, and great image quality and processing.
- For the Everyday User: The choice will depend on preference. The Xperia 5 IV offers better all around performance, while the Nord CE 3 Lite offers a larger display and faster charging, at a more affordable price.
My Choice
If I were making a decision between these two, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers impressive value with its larger display and faster charging, the Xperia 5 IV is a significantly better device, especially in terms of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, which are important to me. As a tech journalist, I value the best performance and want to experience the full capabilities of a device, and while it comes at a much higher price, for me it's a worthwhile investment. The ability to capture great pictures and videos, a superior display, and top-tier performance with all the newest technology make the Xperia 5 IV a much better choice for me, personally.
