Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy M35. This isn't just a spec-sheet showdown; we're dissecting what these numbers mean for your daily life. I'll break down each category with a tech journalist's eye, blending engineering insight with practical application.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications, focusing on how these specs translate to real-world usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm, 222g | The Xperia is smaller, lighter and easier to handle with one hand, while the M35 is larger, and heavier. The M35 has higher overall volume making it more cumbersome. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer robust screen protection, resisting scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | M35 provides a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen; Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable due to its smaller size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2340 | Xperia 5 IV offers a slightly sharper display with a higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 390 | The Xperia 5 IV provides sharper images and text, making it better for detailed content viewing. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar quality display technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Xperia 5 IV offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 578,500 | The Xperia 5 IV boasts a considerably faster processor, translating to smoother app usage and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia 5 IV offers superior graphics performance for advanced gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm pixel | The Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and bigger pixels, which results in better low-light and dynamic range. The M35 has a higher pixel count which is better for very high resolution detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm pixel | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom for distant subjects. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 IV can take sharper ultrawide pictures. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M35 includes a dedicated Macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixel | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | The Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture which may perform slightly better in low light. The M35 offers a 1MP higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Xperia 5 IV captures higher-quality, smoother, and more detailed videos at faster frame rates. Both offer image stabilization. |
| DxoMark | 119 (Overall), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV is professionally rated for camera performance, which M35 is not. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The Galaxy M35 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Xperia 5 IV offers slightly faster charging than the M35. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia 5 IV offers extra charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | M35 offers a more up-to-date OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both devices support the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | M35 uses a newer Bluetooth version. Both devices support high quality audio codecs, Apt-X and LDAC. |
| GPS | Dual-band L1+L5 | Single-band L1 | Xperia 5 IV has the dual-band and supports more precise positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV offers the flexibility of eSIM, the M35 uses traditional Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both devices provide the options of 8GB RAM. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer up to 256GB of internal storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers additional storage capacity via external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both offer high-quality audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer a convenient and fast unlock method. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xperia 5 IV includes a barometer and compass and traditional proximity sensor. The M35 offers an ultrasonic proximity sensor and geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a huge performance advantage, making it ideal for heavy usage, demanding applications, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera: The Xperia 5 IV's main camera features a larger sensor, larger pixels, and better aperture, resulting in better overall camera quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, plus a dedicated telephoto lens. Its video recording capabilities are also superior.
- Compact Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more ergonomic and pocketable.
- Enhanced Features: The Xperia 5 IV has better GPS with Dual-band, it features reverse charging and bypass charging, and it supports eSIM.
- Professionally Tested Camera: The Xperia 5 IV has been tested by DxOMark, with scores published indicating it is a high quality camera, which the M35 does not offer.
Competitive Advantages:
- The Xperia 5 IV targets users who prioritize performance and premium camera capabilities with a more compact design.
Trade-offs:
- The Xperia 5 IV does not feature a macro lens.
- It's older than the M35, meaning it may not have the latest software updates and features.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 6000 mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life compared to the Xperia 5 IV.
- More Up-to-Date Software: The M35 comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots.
Competitive Advantages:
- The M35 is a budget-friendly device with good battery life and an up-to-date OS.
- Trade-offs:
- The Exynos 1380 chipset in the M35 cannot compete with the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, especially in gaming and heavy multitasking.
- The Camera performance is inferior to that of the Xperia 5 IV.
- The lack of an optical zoom telephoto lens is a notable omission compared to the Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, professional photographers and videographers, and users who demand top-tier performance in a compact package.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional-quality photography and videography, editing on the go, and multitasking with demanding apps.
- Considerations: If high performance, a more sophisticated camera, and a more ergonomic form factor are paramount, the Xperia 5 IV is an excellent choice. The price point is generally higher due to its high-end hardware.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who need long battery life, who aren't demanding of the performance and camera of their phone, and prioritize value for money.
- Use Cases: Regular social media, media consumption, web browsing, taking casual photos, and general daily tasks, users who want an up-to-date OS.
- Considerations: The Galaxy M35 is an excellent value pick for those who need long battery life and are not heavy phone users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance for you? If you need the best possible processing power for gaming and heavy apps, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner. If you only require smooth everyday usage, the Galaxy M35 is sufficient.
- What's your priority for photography? The Xperia 5 IV excels in low-light and is a more sophisticated camera overall, plus it has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens. The Galaxy M35 is fine for casual photography, with a macro lens as a bonus.
- What about battery life? The Galaxy M35 has a significantly larger battery, making it a better pick for extended use without a charger. The Xperia 5 IV has decent battery life but will not last as long as the M35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior choice due to its high-performance chipset and advanced GPU.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: The Sony Xperia 5 IV provides superior photo and video quality with a larger sensor, wider aperture, and telephoto lens.
- For Long Battery Life and Value Seekers: The Samsung Galaxy M35 offers outstanding battery life and a more budget-friendly price.
- For Users Seeking a Compact Phone: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is smaller and easier to handle with one hand.
- For Users Seeking the Most Up-To-Date Software: The Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a more up-to-date Android OS out of the box.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two, I'd go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values performance, photography, and a compact form factor, the Xperia 5 IV ticks all the right boxes for me. I spend my days testing apps, playing graphic intensive games, taking photos and videos for reviews, and need a phone that can keep up with my demands. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ensures that the device is responsive, and that I can run demanding apps with no lag. The superior camera system with better low-light performance and an optical zoom is a must for my needs. The smaller, more ergonomic form factor makes it easier to use and carry all day. I am also not too concerned about having the latest version of Android, as long as the operating system is stable and performant.
While the Samsung Galaxy M35 is an excellent phone with great value, I need more performance, a better camera, and I am willing to sacrifice having the latest Android version and the longer battery life to get this.
