Okay, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and Samsung Galaxy S24, and see what they mean for the real world. I’m Alex, and I'm excited to break down this comparison for you. We’re going beyond the numbers to understand how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-01-24 | S24 is newer, likely has more up-to-date features and software |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | Xperia is taller and thicker, S24 is wider, and overall the Xperia has slightly larger volume |
| Weight | 172g | 167g | S24 is slightly lighter for easier handling and portability |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.2" | S24 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2340 | Xperia is slightly sharper with higher pixel density |
| PPI | 449 | 416 | Xperia has better pixel density resulting in sharper text and images |
| Technology | OLED | N/A | Xperia offers superior color and contrast with OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 has dramatically higher peak brightness, best for outdoor use |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | S24 has a much newer chip for better performance, efficiency, and AI |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,639,695 | S24 is significantly faster in all areas, offering quicker app launches, better multitasking and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 / Xclipse 940 | S24 provides better graphics performance for gaming |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24 has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor for detailed shots |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | Xperia has a slightly higher resolution and sensor size for better zoom photos |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Both cameras are comparable |
| Video | 4K@120fps | 8K@30fps | S24 supports higher video resolution for professional-grade video creation |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 119 | N/A | Xperia has a good camera score; Samsung hasn't been tested yet |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Xperia has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 30W | 25W | Xperia has slightly faster charging |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | Bypass, Reverse | Both phones have similar battery features |
| SOFTWARE & OTHER | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 offers a newer version of Android with the latest features, security and performance |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 offers more future proof Wi-Fi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 offers newer bluetooth version, resulting in better and faster connections |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Both offer dual SIM and eSIM capabilities |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 offers more storage options, reaching a maximum of 512GB |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | S24 has an additional 12 GB option for heavy users |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Noise Canceling | Xperia is better for music lovers; S24 best for calls |
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia has more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 is built with a slightly newer glass variant |
| Sensors | Incl. Fingerprint | Incl. Geomagnetic | Xperia comes with a fingerprint sensor, Samsung comes with a geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Superior Audio Experience: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, make it an audiophile’s dream.
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery will get you through a full day, if not longer, and the 30W charging is slightly faster than Samsung's.
- Slightly Sharper Display: With higher pixel density the display is slightly sharper for better text and image clarity.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Reader: The side mounted fingerprint reader makes for a more convenient experience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a massive leap in processing power and efficiency.
- Much Brighter Display: The 2600 nit display is great for outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight.
- Enhanced Camera Capabilities: Higher resolution main sensor and 8K video for better pictures and professional quality videos.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with the latest features and updates out of the box.
- More Storage and RAM options: 512GB storage option and the option for 12 GB of ram.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia: Slightly older chip and less bright display for outdoor use.
- Samsung: Smaller battery, potentially affecting those who need extended use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Audiophiles: Those who prioritize high-quality audio output and listening experience.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who need their phone to last a full day, or more.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who care about the telephoto lens and video recording capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S24 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and require a highly visible display.
- Content Creators: Those who need high-quality video recording (8K) and photo-taking capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who prefer the latest software, features, and technologies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize high-quality audio and long-lasting battery life, or top-tier performance and a bright display?
- Are you an avid mobile gamer or content creator who needs the newest tech, or do you value a more traditional audio-focused experience?
- Is a slightly more compact form factor of the S24 more important than the slightly larger display of the Xperia?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Audio Lover: If you spend hours listening to music on your phone and prioritize sound quality above all else, the Xperia 5 IV is a clear choice.
- For the Power User: If you are a gamer, multi-tasker or need peak performance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the superior choice for you.
- For the General User: If you value an equal balance between price and overall quality then either of the phones are suitable, the main factor comes down to personal preference of audio vs display.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy S24. While I appreciate the Sony Xperia 5 IV's focus on audio quality and its larger battery, the sheer processing power and display brightness of the S24 are more appealing to me. As someone who often works on the go and enjoys gaming, the S24's cutting-edge performance and outdoor visibility is something I value more. The newer software and more advanced main camera also tips the scales in the S24's favour.
In essence, it comes down to priorities. Both phones are outstanding in their own right, but the S24 is a more complete, modern package with fewer compromises for my specific needs.
