Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. These are two titans of the smartphone world, but they take different approaches, each with its own strengths. I’ll break down the specs, give you some real-world context, and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of each phone, with a focus on what these numbers mean for daily usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is significantly smaller and easier to hold one-handed; S23 Ultra is larger, bulkier |
| Weight | 172g | 234g | The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | S23 Ultra has a substantially larger screen for media consumption, gaming; Xperia is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1440x3088 | The S23 Ultra has a sharper display with much higher pixel density |
| PPI | 449 | 500 | S23 Ultra offers a visibly crisper image, especially for detailed content |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED generally has slight advantage in brightness |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animation on both devices |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra has a newer, more powerful and efficient chip for faster performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra is significantly faster in benchmarks, loading apps and games quicker |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra's GPU offers higher graphic performance, better for gaming and video |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.80µm | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3", 0.60µm | S23 Ultra captures more detail with its massive 200MP sensor |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S23 Ultra provides optical zoom and portrait capabilities |
| Selfie | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia's wider aperture may offer better low-light selfies |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.00µm | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | Xperia's wider aperture and slightly larger sensor can help with more light gathering |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Comparable wide-angle performance |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps | 8K up to 30fps | S23 Ultra has an advantage for recording higher resolution video, while Xperia has impressive slow-motion capture at 120fps |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Main: 140, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | The S23 Ultra out performs overall in Mobile camera score, while Xperia 5 IV is better in Photo and Video |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, 4K Video, OIS, EIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, HDR, RAW | Quad Camera, 8K Video, OIS, EIS, Tracking AF, Flicker sensor, Time-Lapse, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, PDAF, LAF, HDR, RAW, Night Mode | The S23 Ultra offers a more extensive suite of camera features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have good battery life but real-world battery will depend on user behaviour |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The S23 Ultra charges faster |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Bypass Charging | Xperia 5 IV has a reverse charging feature that S23 Ultra doesn't |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 13 | Android 13, Max 17 | The S23 Ultra runs the latest Android out of the box and is scheduled for more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | S23 Ultra has MIMO technology for faster wifi and more stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S23 Ultra has a newer, more efficient version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra has more satellite bands for a more precise GPS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S23 Ultra offers much more storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | S23 Ultra can be configured with higher RAM for heavy users |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device support external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S23 Ultra has noise cancellation mic and dual microphones, Xperia has Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia has a more advanced sensor mounted in a better position for most users |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have same level of screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Geomagnetic | S23 Ultra has more sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The Xperia 5 IV is a compact powerhouse designed for users who want a smaller phone that still delivers flagship performance. It excels in multimedia creation, especially video, with great color reproduction and advanced camera software, and offers professional features for enthusiasts. It also boasts a more comfortable form factor for one-handed use and more advanced audio codecs for audiophiles.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The S23 Ultra is a no-compromise, feature-packed juggernaut. It stands out with its larger, higher-resolution display, superior processing power, and a highly versatile camera system with incredible zoom capabilities. It is aimed at users who want the absolute best in every category and don't mind a larger, heavier device. The larger screen also offers a better experience with media and gaming.
Competitive Advantages
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Compact and Lightweight: Easier to hold and use one-handed.
- Advanced Audio Features: Including Dolby Atmos and support for high-quality audio codecs.
- Pro-Level Video: Great software options with very impressive video output.
- Reverse Charging: Allows you to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Advanced fingerprint scanner: Side-mounted scanner in a better position.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, and brighter screen for better visibility.
- Cutting-Edge Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset for smoother, faster operation.
- Versatile Camera System: 200MP main camera and incredible zoom capabilities, plus a ton of features.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging versus 30W on the Xperia.
- More storage options: Up to 1TB of storage
- Latest Android Version: More future updates
- Wi-Fi MIMO Technology: Faster and more stable connections.
- More sensors: More options for functionality.
Trade-offs and Limitations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Lower Resolution Display: Not as sharp or detailed as the S23 Ultra.
- Older Chipset: Not quite as fast or efficient as the S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- Smaller Screen: Less immersive for media and gaming.
- Basic fingerprint scanner: Less convenient than the side-mounted scanner of the Xperia 5 IV.
- Less storage options: Smaller storage capacity available
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Bulky and Heavy: Not comfortable for one-handed use for some people.
- Less Focus on Audio: Lacks the audiophile focus of the Xperia 5 IV.
- Larger Size Is not always ideal for users wanting a smaller smartphone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Content Creators: Ideal for video and audio enthusiasts, filmmakers on the go.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Prefer a smaller, lighter phone that's easier to use one-handed.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-quality audio playback and recording.
- Value-oriented buyers: Users who are more concerned with the usability and video quality of the camera instead of all out benchmark performance.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Power Users: Need the fastest processing, top-tier gaming performance, and all the bells and whistles.
- Mobile Photographers: Want the best camera system available, with incredible zoom and detail.
- Media Consumers: Prefer a large, immersive screen for movies, TV shows, and gaming.
- Professionals: Users who use their phone for work and need to be connected at all times, and also capture content.
- Users who need the best: Users who are not so value-oriented, and just want the best of the best.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help guide your decision:
Do you prioritize size and comfort, or do you want the biggest, most feature-rich screen possible?
- If compact size and one-handed use is key, go with the Xperia 5 IV.
- If screen real estate and immersive media are essential, the S23 Ultra is the way to go.
How much of your phone usage revolves around content creation and consumption?
- If you are a video enthusiast or need high-quality audio, the Xperia 5 IV is a strong choice.
- If you are looking for superior visual fidelity, the S23 Ultra will suit your needs.
What are your processing needs?
- If you need the most cutting edge chipset available, then the S23 Ultra is the only choice.
- If you want a capable processor with great battery life, then the Xperia 5 IV will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Professional Photographer/Videographer: The S23 Ultra offers a more versatile camera, and with 8K video capture and a range of manual controls, it is the clear choice.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The S23 Ultra's more powerful chipset and larger display make it a better option.
- For the Everyday User who values comfort and audio: The Xperia 5 IV is a solid choice for most users.
- For the User who wants the best of the best: The S23 Ultra is a clear winner, offering more of everything with just a few trade-offs.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While I appreciate the Xperia 5 IV's smaller size and emphasis on audio and video quality, the S23 Ultra’s sheer power, better screen, and cutting-edge camera system are hard to ignore. For someone who is always testing different technology and loves to consume media, the S23 Ultra is the only choice for me. The ability to take better pictures is also important to me, and the extra performance and feature set on the S23 Ultra gives it the edge in my eyes.
However, the Xperia 5 IV is a phenomenal device in its own right, and if I were someone who was primarily using the device for professional video and audio capture, and needed a device that was smaller and more comfortable to hold, then the Xperia would be my only choice. I would also consider the Xperia 5 IV if budget was more of a concern.
Both devices are fantastic, and the "better" phone really depends on personal preference and the use cases most important to each person.
