Alright, let's dive deep into the specs of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the realme 8. As a tech journalist who enjoys getting into the nitty-gritty, I'm excited to break down what these numbers mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-05-28 | realme 8 is newer, but it does not necessarily make it better. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Physical Size | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier for one-handed use, while realme 8 is larger with greater screen real estate. |
| Weight | 172g | 191g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | realme 8 offers a significantly larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming. Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has a higher resolution screen with greater pixel density, providing a sharper and clearer image. |
| PPI | 449 | 450 | Both have similar pixel density, ensuring a very sharp display, and will make very little difference. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display technologies, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth 120Hz displays, making scrolling and animations fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither are specified, this will have to be taken on good faith for the quality of the displays, and is a major caveat for this analysis. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | The Sony's chip, while older, offers flagship performance. The realme 8 chip is a more recent mid-range processor offering a different experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | N/A | The Sony's higher score suggests better performance in demanding tasks. The lack of information about the realme is a drawback of the analysis. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | Both GPUs are quite similar, but the realme is more recent, while the Sony is a tier higher. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 0mAh | The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 5000mAh battery, while the realme's battery information is not present, This is a big caveat for this analysis. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | Sony supports fast charging, allowing for quick power-ups, the realme is unknown. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | Standard | Sony offers extra battery features for more control and flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP f/1.7 | N/A | Sony has a dedicated standard lens with good low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP f/2.0 | N/A | Sony provides a decent selfie camera for clear photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | N/A | Sony has a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom without losing details. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | N/A | Sony includes an ultrawide angle lens for expansive landscape shots. |
| Video | 4K@120fps HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K@60fps OIS, EIS | Sony excels with its high frame rate video and stabilization. Both do not have stabilized video. |
| DxOMark | Main: 119 Photo: 121 Video: 113 | N/A | Sony has a respectable camera performance rating. The realme is unknown, a major caveat of this analysis. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Basic | Sony boasts additional features like optical zoom and RAW capture for enthusiasts. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | realme is newer software but that does not necessarily mean it is better. |
| Max OS Update | 13 | Unknown | Sony's update path is limited. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | Unknown | Sony supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Unknown | Sony has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Advanced | Basic | Sony supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual + eSIM | Unknown | Sony supports eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | Unknown | Sony has more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | Unknown | Sony has a reasonable amount of ram. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic | Sony provides better audio quality, but this depends on the quality of the speakers, which is not specified. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted FP | Basic FP | Sony has a more modern and easily accessible fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony's screen is more scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Sony has a complete sensor suite for advanced functionality, gaming and much better quality of life features. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it very comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers powerful performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: With a multi-lens setup, 4K video recording at 120fps, OIS and EIS, and additional features like RAW capture, the Sony is a good choice for camera enthusiasts.
- Superior Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and advanced GPS make this a connected device.
- Build Quality: With Gorilla Glass Victus protection, this device will be more resistant to drops.
- Better Sensors: This will improve the quality of life and gaming.
realme 8 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The larger display will be ideal for media consumption, browsing, and gaming.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest software enhancements and features.
- Potentially Cheaper: As a more mid-range option, it's likely more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- realme 8's lack of specifications: Many key specifications like battery capacity, camera details, connectivity, storage options and even screen protection are not specified. This greatly limits the analysis.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV's Aging Chipset: While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is powerful, it's older than the 7+ Gen 3, but is still a higher tier processor, it is also less efficient.
- realme 8's Missing Features: The realme has fewer specified features compared to the Sony, lacking many of the advanced camera, audio, and connectivity options.
- Battery information: Only the Sony's battery capacity is listed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize performance, photography and media.
- Those who like a compact phone that is comfortable for one-handed use.
- Users who appreciate high-quality audio and connectivity options.
- Tech enthusiasts who want a full suite of sensor options.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and video editing.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Daily use where performance and portability are important.
- Advanced users that need detailed sensor features.
realme 8:
Ideal For:
- Users who want a bigger screen for media and gaming.
- Those who prefer the latest version of Android.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for good value.
- Those who do not need a full sensor suite.
Use Cases:
- General use for browsing, social media, and video watching.
- Casual gaming and entertainment.
- Everyday tasks that don’t require intensive performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Help You Decide:
- Do you value a compact design and portability, or do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption?
- Is it critical for you to have the highest possible level of performance, or do you prefer a more affordable option?
- Do you need advanced camera features and high-fidelity audio, or do you have a more basic approach to your tech?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you're a mobile gamer, photographer, or someone who needs the best performance and additional sensors the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice, assuming it fits your budget.
- For the Casual User: If you mainly use your phone for media consumption, browsing, and social media, the realme 8 might be a good option for you if you don't need the features the Sony offers and are on a tighter budget, however the information deficit is a major issue with the comparison.
- For the Balanced User: If you want a good all-around phone that doesn’t compromise on performance and features, and can fit it into your budget the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a solid contender.
What Would I Choose?
Given the information, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it is the older phone, it is a flagship phone with a clear technological advantage over the realme. Its premium camera system, powerful chipset, full sensor suite, and better build quality give it a clear win. While the realme is newer, its lack of specifications make it impossible to judge, and I can't recommend a device that has such a big deficit of information. I prefer the more compact form factor and the additional features such as bypass charging, reverse charging, and the advanced audio features. For the information provided the Sony offers better overall experience, and while it may be more expensive, it offers better value.
