Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Realme C65. We'll cut through the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-04-01 | Realme C65 is much newer, potentially with longer software support |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable or unusual |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | C65 is taller and wider, but thinner; 5 IV is more compact |
| Weight | 172g | 185g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | C65 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 720 x 1604 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper, detailed screen |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 264 | Xperia 5 IV's display will look significantly clearer |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV offers better contrast, blacks, and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV’s scrolling and animations will feel smoother |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones seem to have identical peak brightness, which is unusually low and should be investigated further. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | Xperia 5 IV is far more powerful, better for gaming, and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 225,154 | Xperia 5 IV's speed is drastically higher, a real difference in everyday experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV’s GPU offers substantially better graphics performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should have similar battery endurance |
| Charging | 30W | 45W | C65 charges faster |
| Charging Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia 5 IV is more feature rich in terms of battery management |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and wider aperture, better low-light performance. C65 has a higher pixel count |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV captures sharper, more detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom for better zoomed-in photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C65 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Video | Up to 4K/120fps HDR | 1080p/30fps | Xperia 5 IV excels in high-quality video recording |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 119 | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV has a good score, while C65 has not been tested |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 | C65 ships with a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, more features |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | Xperia 5 IV has a more accurate GPS |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | Xperia 5 IV offers eSIM compatibility |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer ample RAM for most tasks, but some versions of the Realme may be lesser |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Xperia 5 IV delivers a far superior audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted | Side Mounted | Both offer a basic, convenient fingerprint unlock method |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV is much more likely to survive scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Gyro, Barometer | None | Xperia 5 IV has an additional sensor for enhanced features |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse with a flagship-level processor, a superior OLED display, a versatile camera system, and high-quality audio. It's a much more premium device.
- Competitive Advantages: It excels in performance, display quality, camera versatility, and audio capabilities and includes eSIM support, bypass charging, reverse charging, a barometer, and a gyroscope.
- Trade-offs: It's an older device, and the lack of expandable storage might be a deal breaker for some. The peak brightness is suspiciously listed as 0 nits, but that is likely an error.
- Realme C65:
- Strengths: The C65 offers a larger display and faster charging at a potentially more budget-friendly price. It is a newer model and thus has newer software (Android 14).
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantages are the larger screen size and slightly faster charging.
- Trade-offs: It's significantly less powerful, has a lower-resolution LCD screen, a more basic camera, and a basic audio experience compared to the Xperia 5 IV.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Audiophiles: Individuals who value high-quality audio playback and spatial sound.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent low-light capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who seek a premium experience and cutting-edge features.
- Travelers: Those who value eSIM support and accurate GPS
- Realme C65 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a larger screen for media consumption at a more affordable price.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who prefer newer Android software: The C65 has a newer software version.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for intensive tasks or are you mainly concerned with basic usage?
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a sharp, vibrant screen with excellent color accuracy or a large display for media consumption?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend to get the features you want?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Heavy Multitasking: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU provide a far superior gaming and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual Usage & Media Consumption: Choose the Realme C65. The large screen is great for watching videos, and its basic performance will be adequate for light social media and web browsing.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The 4K Video, Optical Zoom, and superior camera setup will greatly enhance your ability to capture high-quality videos and photos.
- Scenario 4: Budget is the primary concern: Choose the Realme C65. It delivers adequate performance for casual use and boasts a bigger screen.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it is an older device, the performance difference is so vast that it would be a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. The higher quality display, superior camera system, and more advanced features are all things that I value, and the added benefit of advanced WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS is very enticing. I prefer a device that can keep up with my demands without lag, and even the best versions of the C65 would fall short. I am fine with the device being less recent, as the core technology is more important than having the latest version of Android. For me, the trade-off is absolutely worth it, but for many, the choice will depend on their individual needs and priorities.
