Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Oppo Reno12 Pro. I'll be breaking down the specs, highlighting the key differences, and translating all that tech talk into real-world benefits. As a tech journalist with a background in engineering, I’m always looking to see how these devices perform in the hands of real users, and I hope this review gives you an excellent understanding of what these two phones offer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specifications of both devices and how they impact daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-06-18 | Oppo is newer, benefiting from more recent tech. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 161.5 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm | The Oppo is taller and wider, the Sony is thicker. The Oppo will feel more like a standard "big screen" phone, while the Sony feels more compact. |
| Weight | 172g | 180g | Sony is slightly lighter and feels less bulky. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | The Oppo offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2412 | Similar resolution, but pixel density gives an edge to Sony |
| PPI | 449 | 394 | The Sony offers sharper text and images due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | The Oppo has drastically higher brightness, making it much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7300 Energy | The Sony’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers more power for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 702,140 | The Sony is noticeably faster in benchmarks, providing a smoother experience, especially with heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Both offer capable graphics, but the Adreno 730 in Sony is more powerful, especially in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should last a full day, but actual battery life varies on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 80W Fast | Oppo charges significantly faster, a huge advantage for busy users. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | The Sony has extra battery features such as being able to supply power to other devices, which is great for travel. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2" | Sony’s larger sensor and wider aperture may offer better low-light performance despite lower megapixel count. Oppo has a higher resolution sensor for cropping. |
| Front Main Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76" | Oppo’s higher resolution front camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto lens | 12MP f/2.4, 1/3.5" | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76" | Oppo has the advantage in terms of Megapixels, and a wider aperture on the telephoto. |
| Wide Angle lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Sony has a higher resolution and larger sensor, which means better quality for wide angle shots. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 30fps | Sony has much better video capabilities. Oppo's highest slow-mo is 960fps while the Sony is 120fps. |
| Video Features | 4K, OIS, EIS, HDR | 4K, OIS, EIS, HDR | Both offer video recording features such as video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 | Not Available | Sony offers very good camera quality with a score of 119. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Oppo’s newer Android version offers more recent features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both support fast Wi-Fi; Oppo has MIMO which means that it can connect to the router through multiple connections, leading to faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Oppo’s newer Bluetooth version offers slightly better power efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony offers more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | Sony is eSIM compatible, while the Oppo uses two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Oppo provides up to 512 GB of storage, while the Sony can only be up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | Oppo has more RAM for smoother multitasking and running more intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so users must choose storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic | Sony offers much better audio quality through high-end software and hardware. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Sony has an more advanced side mounted finger print sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones offer excellent screen protection, but the Oppo is a bit more modern |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Sony offers more sensors which will improve experience within apps. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact Powerhouse: The Xperia 5 IV offers flagship-level performance in a more pocketable form factor, making it excellent for those who prefer smaller phones.
- Superior Display Clarity: With a higher pixel density, the display is noticeably sharper, improving text and image quality.
- Advanced Camera Features: While the megapixel counts are lower, the Sony's camera has larger sensor sizes, which should mean excellent photo quality in all types of light conditions, especially in low light, and offers excellent 4K video recording at high framerates.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers makes it a great choice for audiophiles and multimedia consumption.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a Barometer and Compass can be helpful for apps which need these features.
Oppo Reno12 Pro Strengths:
- Larger Display: The bigger 6.7" AMOLED display offers a more immersive experience for gaming and watching videos.
- Significantly Brighter Display: The screen will be more readable in bright daylight conditions.
- Faster Charging: With 80W fast charging, the Oppo charges its battery much faster, which is a massive convenience for users on the go.
- Better Front Camera: If you love selfies, the 50MP front camera on the Reno12 Pro will certainly give you more detailed shots than the 12MP camera on the Xperia.
- Newer OS and more RAM: The Oppo offers a newer OS, meaning it will receive software updates for a longer period of time, and offers an option of 16 GB ram which is more than the Sony.
Key Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Sony’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset outpaces the Oppo's Dimensity 7300, especially when it comes to intensive apps and gaming.
- Battery Charging: Sony's 30W charging is notably slower than Oppo's 80W charging.
- Size & Ergonomics: The Sony is smaller and easier to handle in one hand, while the Oppo is larger and more suited for media consumption.
- Storage: Sony maxes out at 256GB, while Oppo gives you a choice of 512GB.
- Camera: Although the Sony has great camera quality, the higher megapixel counts and wider apertures on the Oppo can lead to better results for some situations.
- Video: The Sony is a clear winner in terms of video, since it can record at 4k 120fps, whilst the Oppo maxes out at 4k 30fps.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Ideal for users who prioritize:
- Compact Design & One-Handed Use: Those who value a smaller, more manageable phone will appreciate the Xperia 5 IV.
- Multimedia & Audio Quality: The enhanced audio features make this phone perfect for music lovers and video enthusiasts.
- Performance: Gamers and power users looking for a fast phone with a good CPU and GPU.
- Camera quality: Those that value high quality video and excellent photos from a great camera system.
Oppo Reno12 Pro: Best suited for users who:
- Want a large, vibrant display: Great for media consumption, gaming, and browsing.
- Value Fast Charging: Perfect for those who are always on the go and need a quick battery top-up.
- Prioritize Selfies & Front Camera: Offers higher resolution and detailed shots.
- Want the latest OS: The newer Android and more consistent updates can appeal to those that value OS updates.
- Want the most storage: With an option of 512GB storage, you won't have to worry about running out of storage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
When deciding between these two excellent devices, ask yourself the following:
How important is size and one-handed usability to you?
- If you prefer a compact phone that is comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, go for the Sony.
- If you prefer a larger screen for a more immersive experience, then the Oppo is a better choice.
How much do you value battery charging speeds and outdoor visibility?
- If you need your phone to charge super-fast and have high visibility in sunlight, the Oppo's 80W charging and 1400 nits brightness is a game-changer.
- If you want more advanced battery features like reverse charging and bypass charging then the Sony is a better choice.
How important is performance, video recording, and audio quality to you?
- If you want the absolute best in performance, video, and audio features, the Sony is your best bet.
- If the difference in performance is not that big of a deal to you, then the Oppo may be preferable with its other advantages, especially faster charging and better front camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The On-the-Go User: If you are often out and about, rely heavily on your phone for communication, navigation and media, and need quick charging and high screen visibility, the Oppo Reno12 Pro is a great choice.
- The Content Creator: If you love capturing high-quality videos and photos, and appreciate high-quality audio, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is an excellent phone.
- The Gaming Enthusiast: The superior CPU and GPU on the Sony make it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts who need a fast phone with good graphical performance.
- The Compact Phone Lover: If you prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone which still packs a punch, then you should choose the Sony.
- The Multitasker: If you prefer a phone with more RAM, then the Oppo should be your choice.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As someone who deeply values excellent video, photos, and audio quality from their devices, and prefers a slightly smaller phone, the Xperia 5 IV ticks all the boxes. The Snapdragon processor ensures smooth performance, and the display's sharpness enhances my daily workflow. Although the charging speed is slower, the other advantages far outweigh this minor flaw for my specific needs.
The Oppo Reno12 Pro is still a fantastic device, and for those who prioritize a bigger screen, faster charging, better selfies, and a more modern OS, it’s an excellent contender. But for me, the Xperia's balance of performance, media capabilities, and more compact design, with the additional features such as barometer and compass makes it the ideal choice.
