Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy A55. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-03-15 | A55 is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | Xperia is more compact; A55 larger and slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 172g | 213g | Xperia feels significantly lighter and more pocketable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | A55 offers a larger screen for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2340 | Xperia has a slightly sharper display. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 390 ppi | Xperia display is noticeably crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar high-quality display technology on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical brightness values - no discernible difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Exynos 1480 | Xperia offers more raw power, faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 713,393 | Xperia has a significant performance advantage for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Xclipse 530 | Xperia has a more powerful GPU for smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | A55 captures more detail in good lighting; Xperia has larger pixels for better low-light |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Xperia has slightly better light gathering. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | A55 has a larger sensor for better light capture in general. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Xperia has bigger pixels which capture more light, better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 32MP | A55 captures more detail in selfies, more pixel to work with. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Xperia has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Xperia offers true optical zoom; A55 is missing a telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 12MP | 13MP | A55 has slightly more megapixels for wide shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/3.06" | Xperia's sensor is physically bigger, might provide slightly better image quality. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | A55 can take close-up macro photos; Xperia is missing a dedicated macro camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xperia captures higher-quality, smooth video. |
| DXOMark Main Score | 119 | 108 | Xperia has better photo quality overall. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 121 | 110 | Xperia is better in photos. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 113 | 117 | A55 is better at videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xperia charges slightly faster than A55. |
| Charging Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia offers additional features. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 18) | A55 has newer Android version with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A55 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More Systems | Fewer Systems | Xperia offers more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | A55 offers 12 GB RAM configuration for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Both offer high-quality audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Xperia features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have the same protection level. |
| Sensors | More Sensors | Fewer Sensors | Xperia has more sensors such as a Hall and proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers superior performance, making it smoother for heavy use, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Display: Despite being smaller, the Xperia boasts a sharper display with higher pixel density.
- Camera: Provides better photo quality overall, with a dedicated telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and 4K@120fps video recording.
- Compact Design: Lighter and easier to handle for extended periods.
- Better location tracking: Support for more Satellite systems for GPS.
- More Sensors: Includes more sensors like a proximity and hall sensor.
- More Battery Features: More battery features, such as bypass and reverse charging.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Strengths:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive experience for watching videos and browsing content.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android and will likely receive longer support.
- Better Selfies: The front-facing camera has a higher resolution for detailed selfies.
- Macro Lens: Offers a macro lens for close-up shots.
- Video: A55 shines with its better video score.
- More RAM: The A55 comes with a 12 GB RAM option, which is excellent for multitasking and heavy usage.
- Newer Bluetooth: The A55 has a newer version of Bluetooth.
Trade-offs
- Xperia 5 IV: Slightly older software version and less feature-rich software experience.
- Galaxy A55: Larger and heavier, might not fit comfortably in small hands. Slower processing power.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and users who need a phone that can handle heavy tasks.
- Photography Buffs: Those who value camera quality and versatility, especially the telephoto zoom lens, and 4K 120fps video recording.
- Compactness Seekers: Users who prefer a smaller, lighter device that’s easy to hold and use with one hand.
Samsung Galaxy A55 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who want a large, vibrant display for watching videos and browsing.
- Software Prioritizers: Users who prefer the latest Android version and long-term software support.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who value high-resolution front-facing cameras.
- Macro Photographers: Those who enjoy taking close-up photos.
- Heavy Multitaskers: Those who want the most RAM possible in a phone in this class.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance vs. Display Size: Do you prioritize raw speed and camera performance or a larger, more immersive display? If you lean toward raw performance, then the Xperia is a great option, but the A55 is a better option if you want a large screen.
- Camera Features vs. Software: Do you need a telephoto lens and superior video quality or do you want newer software version and more camera modes, for example macro and night mode?
- Compactness vs. Battery Features: Do you prioritize battery features and a lighter phone or the extra screen real estate and extra ram?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gaming and Photography Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the stronger performer and provides an edge in mobile photography and video recording with its telephoto lens and 120 fps.
- For the Average User Who Values a Large Display and Up-to-Date Software: The Samsung Galaxy A55 offers a larger screen and newer software for a very smooth experience.
- For the User Who Values Compactness and Performance: The Xperia 5 IV is the best choice with its lightweight design and better performing chipset.
Final Thoughts and My Choice
After analyzing the specs and their real-world implications, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. My reasons are as follows. Although it's an older device, the sheer power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the superior photo quality (especially with the telephoto lens), and the more compact design align perfectly with my needs. I often find myself pushing my devices to their limits, and the Xperia's processing advantage would be noticeable in my daily use. Plus, the sharper display is a personal preference, and the additional battery features are a great addition for my use case. While the A55 has some advantages, including more software updates, the performance of the Xperia 5 IV makes it a compelling option for me.
