Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy A05. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, and their specs reflect that. We're going to break down exactly what those differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what really matters:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 168.8 × 78.2 × 8.8 mm | The Xperia is significantly more compact, which is great for one-handed use. The A05 is noticeably larger and may feel bulky. |
| Weight | 172g | 195g | The Xperia is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The A05 has a bit of heft to it. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | The A05 gives you more screen real estate for media consumption. Xperia's smaller size is better for portability and single hand use |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 720x1600 | The Xperia's display is far sharper with considerably more detail. The A05 will appear less crisp, especially for text and images |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 262 ppi | Xperia’s display will look much clearer, and individual pixels will be indiscernible. The A05 will have noticeably less sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | The Xperia's OLED display has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. A05's LCD is generally lower quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xperia offers noticeably smoother animations and scrolling, providing a much more fluid experience. A05 will look choppy in comparison. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical brightness on paper, making outdoor visibility identical |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xperia packs a high-end processor for seamless app loading, multitasking, and gaming. The A05 uses a budget chipset, making it slower and struggle with demanding tasks |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 225,154 | The Xperia's performance is vastly superior, capable of handling anything you throw at it. The A05 will be noticeable slower at everything. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia's graphics processing is much faster, making it better for gaming and graphically intensive apps. The A05 will have lower gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | While the A05 has higher megapixel count, the Xperia's sensor size and aperture suggest better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Xperia has a higher resolution front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xperia includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing you to get closer without losing image quality. The A05 cannot zoom like that. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The Xperia includes a dedicated ultrawide lens, allowing you to capture more of the scene in your photos. The A05 does not have this feature |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A05 uses a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, giving blurry backgrounds. The Xperia does not feature a portrait sensor. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p@60fps | The Xperia can capture high-quality video with advanced stabilization. The A05 cannot record in 4K or record as smoothly. |
| DXOMARK | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Not Tested | The Xperia has very good camera performance overall, based on independent testing |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xperia has a much more sophisticated camera system with a lot of additional settings |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a large battery that should last a full day of use, depending on usage |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Xperia has faster charging. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | None | The Xperia has a battery that can charge the phone while bypassing the battery, and it can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The A05 has a more up-to-date version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Xperia supports the latest WiFi standard which provides a faster more reliable connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The A05 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS | The Xperia has dual-band GPS which can provide better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The Xperia offers an eSIM for more flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | The Xperia offers a larger base storage option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 6GB | The Xperia has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xperia has a more comprehensive audio experience with better quality speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Xperia has a fingerprint sensor which provides faster more secure login. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia is more protected against accidental drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Xperia is packed with additional sensors for a more feature-rich experience. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers top-tier speed for everything from gaming to heavy multitasking.
- Stunning Display: The OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredibly smooth visuals.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens setup, featuring a dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lens along with advanced video capabilities, is a content creator’s dream.
- Premium Audio Experience: With Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers, you get top-tier audio quality for media and gaming.
- Compact Design: The smaller size makes it comfortable to use with one hand and easy to carry around.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for those who prefer a bigger screen for viewing media.
- Affordability: The A05 is a budget-friendly option for basic smartphone users.
- Longer OS support: The A05 launches with a newer OS
- Bigger Bluetooth support: The A05 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: It’s more expensive. Does not have expandable storage
- Galaxy A05: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display, basic camera system, and lacks many features offered by the Xperia. No expandable storage
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal for: Power users, content creators, mobile gamers, and those who want a premium multimedia experience.
- Use Cases: High-fidelity music, 4K videos, intensive gaming, professional-level photography and video editing.
- Value: Justifies the price with top-tier performance, camera capabilities and multimedia features
Samsung Galaxy A05:
- Ideal for: Basic smartphone users, first-time smartphone buyers, or those who want a large screen on a budget.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic photography, media consumption on a budget.
- Value: Provides basic smartphone functionality at a budget-friendly price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and multimedia capabilities? If yes, the Xperia is the obvious choice. If no, then the A05 might be suitable.
- How important is a high-quality camera for you? If very important, the Xperia’s advanced camera system will be a game-changer for you. If not important, the A05 is ok.
- What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the A05 is the more affordable option. If budget is less of a concern, the Xperia justifies its higher price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: If you love capturing high-quality photos and videos, the Xperia's advanced camera system and video recording capabilities make it the better choice.
- The Mobile Gamer: For gaming enthusiasts, the Xperia's powerful processor and high refresh rate display provide a more engaging and smooth gaming experience.
- The Casual User: If your needs are basic and you prioritize affordability, the A05 will be sufficient for web browsing and social media.
- The Audio Enthusiast: If you enjoy high-quality audio, the Xperia's premium audio features with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support will be a standout choice.
Final Decision:
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Why? As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and high-quality multimedia experience, the Xperia 5 IV is the phone that checks all my boxes. The OLED display with 120hz, the advanced camera system with a telephoto lens, and the top of the line performance, combined with a compact form factor make it an easy decision. Yes, it’s significantly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy A05, but it offers a premium experience that aligns perfectly with my daily use case. The A05 would be ok for a basic user, but it is not suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, or anything performance related. For me, the Xperia is worth every penny.
