Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy A06. These two phones are positioned for very different users, so let's get into the details to see where they shine and where they might fall short.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown, putting the tech specs into a user-friendly context:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy A06 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-08-22 | The A06 is newer, but that doesn't always mean better. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical slabs; no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 167.3 x 77.3 x 8 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable; A06 is larger and may feel less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 172g | 189g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | A06 provides a larger canvas for media consumption, but less convenient to carry. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 720x1600 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper screen with more clarity and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 262 ppi | Xperia 5 IV's display is significantly crisper and more visually appealing. |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | Xperia 5 IV offers better contrast, richer colors, and true blacks for a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, which is important for a premium feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Helio G85 | Xperia 5 IV's flagship chip offers dramatically better performance for everything, from apps to gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 225,154 | Xperia 5 IV is much faster – smoother operation, faster app loading, better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV provides superior graphics performance for games and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity which should offer similar battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 25W Fast | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster, getting you back on the go quicker. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia 5 IV has bypass charging (reduces battery wear while gaming) and reverse charging (charge other devices). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | A06 has higher resolution, but the Xperia 5 IV's larger sensor size (1/1.7") often gives better low light and sharpness. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV captures more detailed self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Xperia 5 IV has more versatile zoom capabilities with a dedicated lens. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | Yes | No | Xperia 5 IV allows for wide angle capture which lets you cram more into one picture. |
| Portrait Mode | No | Yes | A06 has a dedicated depth camera to provide better portrait shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 1080p 60fps | Xperia 5 IV shoots much higher-quality videos, especially if you want 4k and higher frame rates. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | No | Xperia 5 IV's video will be smoother, with less shaky footage. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile 119 | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV's camera performance is considered top tier |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Basic | Xperia 5 IV offers more options and control, and is better for professional use. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | A06 has the latest Android version with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia 5 IV supports the newer and faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A06 has slightly newer Bluetooth. However, Sony offers more codec support for audio. |
| GPS | More Systems | Basic | Xperia 5 IV is more accurate in GPS positioning, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM; you can run a physical sim and an eSIM without having to chose between the two. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Xperia 5 IV provides more storage space, and better memory options for the base model. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM for smoother multitasking and faster performance for demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic | Xperia 5 IV offers a superior listening experience through Dolby Atmos with better stereo speakers and hi-res audio |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide basic fingerprint unlock functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV's screen is more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive | Basic | Xperia 5 IV provides more sensors for advanced applications, such as gaming and AR. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers top-tier speed and smoothness, making it a great choice for demanding users.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate is much crisper and more fluid, making it great for consuming media.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers versatile shooting options, including a telephoto and wide-angle lens, and great video quality.
- Premium Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for enhanced audio.
- Better Build and Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus protects against scratches and bumps better than the A06.
Samsung Galaxy A06: Strengths
- Latest Android OS: Ships with the latest Android 14, ensuring longer software support and security updates.
- Larger Display: Offers a larger screen for those who prefer a big viewing experience.
- Affordable Price: It’s positioned as a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to more users.
- Decent Main Camera: The 50MP main camera captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.
- Portrait Camera: The dedicated portrait camera can be used to take great bokeh shots.
Trade-Offs
- Xperia 5 IV: More expensive, lacks expandable storage, older version of Android.
- Galaxy A06: Noticeably less powerful, has lower display quality, and has a basic audio experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV: This is the phone for power users, photographers, and multimedia lovers. Those who value high performance, excellent camera quality, and a premium viewing experience will find this a great fit. Gamers, photographers and video creators will be happy with this.
Samsung Galaxy A06: This phone is for budget-conscious users who want a larger screen and the latest software. It’s suitable for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and occasional photography. This is a great option for a basic smartphone that gets the job done.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you need a snappy phone for gaming, heavy apps, or smooth multitasking, the Xperia 5 IV is the only choice here.
- What’s your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the A06 is the more sensible choice. However, you will be sacrificing a lot of quality for that affordability.
- What do you value most in a screen? For better clarity, colors and a smooth refresh rate, the Xperia 5 IV's OLED display is a clear winner. But if screen size is your priority, the A06 is larger for viewing content.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer/Power User: Go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV for the best experience.
- For the Casual User: The Samsung Galaxy A06 is a budget friendly option, which comes with its compromises.
- For the Photographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the way to go with its advanced camera system.
- For the Budget Shopper: The Samsung Galaxy A06 is the more affordable option, but it's not going to give you top-notch performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV, hands down.
Here's why: As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates smooth performance, great cameras and great displays, the Xperia 5 IV checks all the boxes. The vastly superior performance, high-quality OLED display, and advanced camera system make it a device that caters to the core things I care about in a smartphone. While it is older, it still provides a vastly superior experience to the Galaxy A06.
The price difference is significant, but the sheer leap in performance and overall experience makes the Xperia 5 IV worth it for me. I value having a device that can keep up with my heavy usage, offers high fidelity for media and is a solid camera. While it would be nice to have the latest Android version, the overall quality of the Xperia 5 IV makes it a clear winner.
