Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. It's a classic David versus Goliath scenario, where we see a high-end contender from Sony taking on a more budget-friendly offering from Samsung. My aim here is to cut through the jargon and see how these differences impact your real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the two devices, focusing on how these specs translate into real-world usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier for one-handed use; A24 is larger, which may feel less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 195g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.5" | A24 offers more screen real estate; Xperia 5 IV provides a more immersive experience in a smaller package. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2340 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly sharper. |
| PPI | 449 | 396 | Xperia 5 IV has a noticeably sharper, more detailed display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV delivers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable while gaming or browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | A24 has vastly superior brightness for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers much faster processing, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 411,900 | Xperia 5 IV is over twice as powerful; A24 will handle daily tasks adequately but might struggle with heavier apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics and faster rendering in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.8, Unknown | A24 captures higher resolution photos; Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Exmor RS | 13MP, f/2.2, Unknown | Similar selfie camera quality, A24 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" IMX650 Exmor RS | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom for far away subjects, A24 does not have a dedicated Telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" IMX363 Exmor RS | 5MP, f/2.2, Unknown | Xperia 5 IV's wide angle is much higher resolution, offering better quality. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A24 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, a feature that is missing on the Xperia 5 IV. |
| Video Recording | 4K@120fps (HDR, OIS, EIS) | 1080p@30fps (EIS) | Xperia 5 IV records high-quality 4K videos with superior stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV has a very high DxoMark score, indicating excellent camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster; both phones are pretty quick. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia 5 IV allows direct power while gaming and can charge other devices via reverse charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | A24 ships with a newer version of Android, and has guaranteed future support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xperia 5 IV offers faster WiFi speeds, especially in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A24 has a newer version of Bluetooth offering slightly better power efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | Xperia 5 IV offers more accurate GPS thanks to dual frequencies. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | Xperia 5 IV has an eSIM for easy digital carrier switching and dual-sim functionality. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128 GB | Xperia 5 IV can come with more storage capacity; No expandable storage on either phone. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | Both phones offer 8GB configurations, but lower spec variants of the A24 may hinder performance. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xperia 5 IV has superior sound with spatial audio and stereo speakers, great for audiophiles and media consumers. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both use the same fingerprint sensors. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall sensor | Geomagnetic Sensor | Xperia 5 IV is better equipped with various sensors for advanced use cases and better gaming experience. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths and Advantages
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a significant step up, offering superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Exceptional Camera Quality: Features a versatile triple-lens camera setup, optical zoom, and high-quality video recording (4K at 120fps), backed by a strong DxoMark score and a more capable set of features, including RAW image capture.
- Premium Display Experience: Offers a sharper display with a higher pixel density and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- Superior Audio: Boasts Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Features: Includes reverse charging, bypass charging, and an eSIM.
- Robust Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability and a suite of environmental sensors, providing a more premium and robust experience.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Strengths and Advantages
- Brighter Display: The higher peak brightness provides better visibility in outdoor, sunny conditions.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box and is guaranteed future updates for longer support.
- Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up images.
- Newer Bluetooth: Has a slightly more power efficient Bluetooth 5.3.
- Good Value: Positions itself as a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
- Long Software Support: Receives 4 major android OS updates and 5 years of security updates which makes it an excellent long term daily device.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Lacks a macro camera and has less impressive display brightness compared to the A24. The most important tradeoff is price, as this phone will be a lot more expensive.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Significantly less powerful and has a less capable camera, a basic audio experience, and no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Target User: Gamers, content creators, media enthusiasts, and anyone who values top-tier performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording, professional photography, immersive media consumption, fast multitasking, users needing a secure dual-sim device.
- Reasoning: The powerhouse performance, premium camera features, and robust build quality justify the higher price for power users.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Target User: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize battery life and outdoor visibility, and average users who need a dependable daily driver.
- Use Cases: Daily social media browsing, web browsing, taking occasional photos, consuming media, and basic mobile gaming.
- Reasoning: The larger, brighter screen, decent battery life, and lower price point make it suitable for those with more basic needs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How Important is Performance?
- If performance is key, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner.
- If you're okay with good, not excellent, performance, the A24 will likely suffice.
What are your Camera Needs?
- If you need a high-quality versatile camera, especially in low light and want the option of optical zoom and 4K video, go for the Xperia 5 IV.
- If you just need a decent daily camera and occasionally take a close up macro photo, the A24 may do the job.
What's Your Budget?
- If you're willing to invest more for the best features, the Xperia 5 IV is worth the expense.
- If you are very budget conscious the A24 is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: Opt for the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its raw performance, superior graphics, and excellent camera capabilities, including high-quality 4K video.
- The Casual User/Student: The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is a solid choice. It’s budget-friendly, has a long software support life, and boasts excellent screen brightness.
- The Social Media Enthusiast: Consider the Sony Xperia 5 IV if you want high-quality photography to upload to your social media, if not the A24 may suit you fine.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Why? As a tech journalist and phone enthusiast who values high-performance, great photography, and a suite of modern features, the Xperia 5 IV has it all. The sheer processing power, the versatile camera system, and the superior audio experience make it a much more appealing device despite the higher price and lower screen brightness. While the A24 is excellent for its targeted audience, for my personal use case it doesn’t offer the performance and features that are important to me. The Xperia 5 IV's robust set of features, combined with top-tier performance, make it a more compelling choice, especially for those of us who push our devices to their limits every day. The additional sensors are also a nice touch for more advanced use cases.
