Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Realme 11 Pro+. We've got a fascinating matchup here: a sleek, performance-focused device from Sony against a feature-rich contender from Realme. Both phones have their unique strengths, so let's break it down to see which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table outlining the core differences and similarities, focusing on how these translate to everyday usage.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | The Sony is noticeably more compact and pocketable; Realme is larger, potentially more immersive for media. |
| Weight | 172g | 183g | Sony is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme offers a larger canvas, great for multimedia; Sony is more manageable with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2412 | Both have sharp displays, but Sony's is slightly sharper (more pixels packed into the same area). |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 394 | Sony's screen will look noticeably sharper, with finer details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies produce vibrant colors and deep blacks; very similar quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme's display is significantly brighter for outdoor visibility, perfect for sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 | Sony has the superior chipset, smoother multitasking, faster app launches, better for high-end gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 540,800 | Sony provides significantly better raw performance, ideal for heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Sony has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics, better for gaming and heavy applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7) | 200MP (f/1.69) | Realme has a higher resolution sensor, great for detailed shots; Sony has a larger pixel size on the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Realme boasts higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4) | None | Sony offers better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Sony provides sharper wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.3) | Realme has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Sony offers more comprehensive video recording features, including 120 fps in 4K. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes, OIS+EIS | Yes, EIS | Both phones have image stabilization for smoother video. |
| DXOMark (Main) | 119 | N/A | Sony camera scored 119 in DXOMark, no score for Realme. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, similar day-to-day battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Realme charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Bypass/Reverse Charging | 2x2500mAh | Sony offers reverse and bypass charging; Realme offers a double-cell battery setup for faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Realme has the latest Android version and future updates; Android 12 is a bit older. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities; Realme also supports MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Realme has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, could offer better stability/range. |
| GPS | Full GPS Suite | Full GPS Suite, with more satellite support | Realme has more satellite options for potentially more reliable GPS tracking in remote areas. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Sony offers more SIM options; Both support dual SIM, and Sony additionally supports eSIM. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Realme offers more storage options, ideal for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme offers more RAM in the higher-end config, better for multitasking, gaming etc. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones offer good audio; Sony focuses on high-fidelity audio; Realme has additional features like noise cancellation and dual mics, which is great for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Sony has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, faster and potentially more reliable than the standard in-display solution. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full set, inc. barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Sony has a more comprehensive set of sensors, including a barometer; Realme has less sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV shines with its compact design, superior processing power (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), sharper display, and more advanced camera features. It's a powerhouse in a small package, excelling in raw performance and media capture. It's also great for anyone who prefers a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- Competitive Advantages: Its more powerful processor is great for demanding applications and gaming, and the full suite of camera features including the zoom and a better main sensor offer higher quality images.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen, and lacks the blazing-fast charging of the Realme.
- Limitations: Not as bright of a display, less storage options, and only 8GB of RAM.
Realme 11 Pro+:
- Strengths: The Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a larger, brighter display, super-fast charging, a high-resolution main camera, and great storage options. It is a multimedia and content consumption powerhouse with all-day battery life.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a more immersive experience thanks to its larger and brighter screen. Its impressive charging speeds mean that you will be able to recharge the phone in no time.
- Trade-offs: The processor is weaker than what is offered in the Sony, the overall performance is not as good, and it misses out on some of the more advanced features of the Sony.
- Limitations: The raw performance is not as good as the Sony, no Telephoto lens, and not as good of a display (although it is brighter).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Ideal For:
- Power Users: People who prioritize performance and need a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking with ease.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value image quality, zoom capabilities and advanced camera features.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who want a high-end smartphone that's easy to handle and pocketable.
- Creators: People who need a phone that can record high-quality video and be used for professional applications.
Realme 11 Pro+ is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their phone for watching videos, browsing, or gaming.
- Heavy Users on the Go: People who need a large screen with very fast charging and a phone that can last all day.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a versatile camera with high resolution for social media sharing.
- Price-conscious users: Those who want a good value smartphone for a mid-tier price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance above all else, including image quality and the fastest processor? If yes, go for the Sony. If you'd rather have a larger screen and fast charging, then the Realme would be more suitable.
- Do you need a highly pocketable phone or a more immersive experience? If you prefer a smaller, more ergonomic form, the Sony is your choice. If you want a bigger display for gaming and media, the Realme is better.
- What is your budget and how important is the latest OS? The Realme is the more budget-friendly option and ships with a newer OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: Go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV, since it has a better chipset and GPU for gaming.
- The Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a better choice given its superior video capabilities and better cameras.
- The Casual User: The Realme 11 Pro+ is ideal with its large screen, fast charging, and higher storage options.
Which one would I choose?
After carefully analyzing these two devices, I would personally choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist with a strong engineering background, I value raw performance, advanced camera features, and build quality above all else. The Sony Xperia 5 IV, despite being a bit older, shines in these aspects.
While I do appreciate the larger, brighter display and the fast charging capabilities of the Realme 11 Pro+, I think I value the higher performance, compact design, and superior camera quality of the Sony. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a big win for me, and it ensures a smooth, lag-free experience for even the most demanding tasks, and the additional camera features are more appealing to me. The build quality and additional sensors are also a bonus for me.
I also value the fact that the Sony Xperia 5 IV includes a Telephoto lens, and has additional recording options. I also prefer the compact design since it is more pocketable than the Realme 11 Pro+.
