Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Realme 12 Pro. This is going to be fun because these two phones, despite being in the same smartphone arena, are playing very different games. Buckle up, we're going deep!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm, 190g | Xperia is significantly lighter and more compact; Realme is noticeably larger and heavier, affecting handling and pocket comfort. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme offers a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen; Sony’s compact size is great for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2412 | Both are FHD+, with sharp displays for their sizes. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 394 ppi | Xperia’s display will appear noticeably sharper, due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme has superior outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight; This is a significant advantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia has a flagship-tier chip, excelling in gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps; Realme’s chip is mid-range, great for everyday use but not as powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 574,000 | Xperia offers significantly better performance than the Realme, especially in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Xperia will handle graphics-intensive tasks better, crucial for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a full day of typical usage; Battery life will depend on usage patterns, as always. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme will charge up significantly faster; A game-changer for those frequently in need of a quick top up. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia's Bypass charging can preserve battery health; Reverse charging is a nice perk. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm | Xperia: larger sensor and pixels, better in low light; Realme: higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme offers a slightly better selfie camera in terms of resolution. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme has higher resolution and wider aperture; Better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | Xperia offers an ultrawide lens while the Realme does not. |
| Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm | Realme offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps EIS | Xperia has more advanced video capture, with higher frame rates and better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 overall, 121 photo, 113 video | N/A | Xperia has been benchmarked by DXOmark, indicating good performance of its camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme offers a newer version of Android and is likely to have better longevity of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Direct | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Direct, MIMO | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards; Realme's MiMO can improve performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Various Audio Codecs | 5.2, Various Audio Codecs | Both offer the newest bluetooth standards. Sony Xperia 5 IV has additional bluetooth profiles for connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1, B1 | Sony has better GPS accuracy because of its dual GPS bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano+eSIM) | Dual SIM (nano+nano) | Xperia is more flexible with an eSIM option, Realme supports two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Realme offers double the storage at the higher end of the range, good for people with lots of videos, games, and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Realme can have more RAM (12GB), excellent for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; Choose wisely based on your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, Noise-cancelling mic | Realme offers some better audio features due to the addition of a noise cancelling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Sony offers a more advanced, side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia has a much more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Sony offers a wider range of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Exceptional performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a superior display with higher pixel density, a comprehensive camera system with more advanced video capabilities, including 4K@120fps, and unique features like bypass charging and reverse charging. Its compact design also appeals to those who like one-handed operation. It's a powerhouse in a small package.
- Trade-offs: The brightness isn't the highest. It's not as bright as the Realme. Older operating system, less storage options and RAM, more modest charging speeds.
- Realme 12 Pro:
- Strengths: A brighter display, the latest Android OS, faster charging, and large storage capacity, a better telephoto lens, and generally good cameras for everyday use. Its larger screen is great for content consumption.
- Trade-offs: A less powerful processor, no wide angle lens, lower pixel density.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best for: Gamers, mobile photographers/videographers, those who need top-tier performance, and people who value a compact design, as well as people that do not need a long battery life
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video recording, photography, professional content creation, and intensive multitasking.
- Realme 12 Pro:
- Best for: General users, those who prioritize screen size and brightness, those who need a faster charging phone, and those who want the latest Android OS.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, social media browsing, content consumption, photography, and everyday tasks
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you?
- If top-tier performance is paramount, go with the Xperia. If you're okay with mid-range performance, the Realme will do fine.
- What is more important, display brightness or pixel density?
- If you plan to use your phone frequently outdoors or need a larger screen, the Realme will serve you better. If you prefer a sharper display, the Xperia has a higher pixel density.
- What are your camera needs?
- If you need a more robust camera with 4K120fps video, go with the Xperia. If you want to capture better zoomed-in pictures, and a macro lens, go with the Realme.
- Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Power User: If you are a mobile gamer, photographer or videographer, the Xperia is the clear choice.
- Casual User: If you mainly browse social media, consume content, and take casual photos, the Realme is a well-rounded option.
- Value-Conscious Buyer: The price point is key, and it wasn't provided in the data given, but it's worth mentioning to consider value for money. If you're looking for a balance of features and price, the Realme might be a better fit as it will be the less expensive of the two.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys both gaming and photography, the performance and camera capabilities of the Xperia 5 IV are very compelling. I need a device that can keep up with my workflow, which often involves running multiple applications simultaneously, creating high-quality content, and having a compact, high-quality display on the go.
The Xperia’s performance is simply superior to the Realme, and that difference is significant for the type of tasks I frequently undertake. The better camera system is a major advantage for me, making it an easy decision for me. While the smaller screen may not be ideal for everyone, I prefer the more compact form factor for portability and one-handed use. It is a trade-off I am willing to accept.
The faster charging of the Realme is certainly appealing, but it doesn’t outweigh the other advantages of the Xperia in my situation.
Ultimately, the Xperia 5 IV aligns better with my needs, providing a powerful and capable device that would greatly enhance my productivity and creative output.
