Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Realme 12 Pro+. These two phones represent different approaches to the smartphone market, and it's worth understanding where each one shines.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, potentially with software advantages. |
| Size | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Sony is more compact, better for one-handed use. Realme is larger, better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 172g | 196g | Sony is lighter, more comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme has a larger screen, great for immersive content. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness, though the Sony is slightly sharper. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 394 ppi | Sony has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Sony offers faster performance, better for gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 603,400 | Sony has a significantly higher score, indicating much better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Sony provides better graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme offers a higher resolution sensor but smaller pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.8µm | Realme has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme has a higher resolution telephoto sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | Sony has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 30fps | Sony offers more video options, including high frame rates and enhanced stabilization. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | N/A | Sony’s camera is tested by Dxomark and has a good rating |
| Features | Ultra stable video | None | Sony’s camera has ultra stable video recording capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Realme has significantly faster charging capabilities. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse charging | None | Sony offers additional charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with the latest OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MIMO | Realme has Wi-Fi MIMO support |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Sony includes a wider array of bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | BeiDou (B1) | Sony includes more satellite systems for more precise locations |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Sony includes eSIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme has an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Realme offers options for higher RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Realme includes additional audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Sony has side-mounted, more advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Hall | Geomagnetic | Sony includes additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Perfect for those who prefer a smaller phone that fits comfortably in one hand and is easy to carry.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides significantly better performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers more video recording options and is tested by Dxomark, with great scores in mobile, photo and video. Features like ultra-stable video are beneficial for content creators. It also has a dedicated wide-angle camera.
- Better GPS and Bluetooth Support: Includes a wider array of GPS and Bluetooth features for enhanced connectivity and location accuracy.
- Premium Build: Features a more premium build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Additional charging features: Offers reverse charging and bypass charging
- Competitive Advantages: The combination of a compact size, high-end performance, and advanced camera capabilities makes it stand out for users who prioritize performance and a smaller form factor.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: Ideal for media consumption and those who prefer larger screens.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds mean less time tethered to the power outlet.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Boasts higher resolution sensors across the board for more detailed photos.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, potentially offering better features, longer support, and better performance optimization.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Provides more options for internal storage and RAM, catering to users who need more space and multitasking capabilities.
- Additional Audio Features: Offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture
- Dedicated macro lens: Offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
- Competitive Advantages: The larger display, faster charging, and higher-resolution cameras make it a strong contender for media enthusiasts and casual photographers who want a modern device.
Trade-offs:
- Sony: Lacks expandable storage, has slower charging, and is older tech.
- Realme: Lower AnTuTu score, lacks premium build quality, and fewer video options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best For:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Content Creators: Users who value high-quality video and the advanced video features and tools for better recording capabilities.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Individuals who prioritize one-handed use and pocketability.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the nuances of a well-engineered phone.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best For:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger screen.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want good-quality photos and the latest software features.
- Battery Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize faster charging.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a phone with a good balance of features and value.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
- Do you prioritize performance and a compact form factor over everything else? If yes, the Sony is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a larger screen and faster charging for media consumption and everyday use? If yes, the Realme is more suitable.
- Which features are non-negotiable for you? For instance, if you absolutely need the ultra stable video recording feature, or a wider array of bluetooth features, then the Sony is your choice, however, if you need faster charging and more storage, then the Realme is the best for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a phone for gaming, note-taking, and consuming educational content.
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+. The larger screen, good enough performance, and faster charging will cater for your needs.
- Scenario 2: You're a professional photographer who needs a secondary phone with good video capabilities and portability.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. You'll get access to the advanced camera features with the best possible video output, alongside a more compact build, making it easier to carry around.
- Scenario 3: You're an everyday user who wants a reliable phone for social media, communication, and light gaming without breaking the bank.
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+. The Realme strikes a great balance of features at a good price, fulfilling all of your daily requirements.
My Personal Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Realme 12 Pro+ is a compelling device with its larger screen and faster charging, my preference lies with the Sony for a few key reasons:
- Compact Design: I find that a smaller, more manageable phone fits my daily life perfectly. It's much easier to handle one-handed and slips into a pocket without issue.
- Superior Performance: As someone who uses their phone for more than just basic tasks, having a processor that doesn't break a sweat is crucial. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Sony offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
- Advanced Video: The Sony really stands out when it comes to video recording. The plethora of high framerate options, the inclusion of HDR, OIS and EIS are very compelling, especially for on-the-go recording.
- Attention to Detail: I appreciate the extra engineering nuances in the Sony, from the superior GPS and Bluetooth support, the additional sensors, eSIM support and the bypass and reverse charging options.
While the Sony might be considered the 'older' phone of the two, it has more than enough going for it to be a great phone for the foreseeable future.
