Okay, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. I'll break down their specs, translate them into real-world user experiences, and help you figure out which might be the right fit for you.
Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | S24+ is taller & wider but thinner. Sony is more pocketable & easier to hold one-handed. |
| Weight | 172g | 196g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a larger screen, better for media & multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a much sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 513 | S24+ images and text look crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | OLED | N/A | Xperia 5 IV uses OLED for excellent blacks and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (USA/Canada/China) | S24+ is significantly faster, providing smoother performance and better app loading. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,639,695 | S24+ is significantly faster in performance, better for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 (USA/Canada/China) | S24+ has more advanced graphics, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" Sony IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN3 | S24+ offers higher resolution and larger sensor for more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU | Xperia 5 IV has slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" Sony IMX650 | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" Samsung S5K3K1 | Xperia 5 IV has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX363 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX564 | Both have very comparable Wide Angle cameras. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR | S24+ shoots in 8K, offering higher quality video for professional use. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 119 Photo: 121 Video: 113 | N/A | Xperia 5 IV camera performance is benchmarked (S24+ N/A). |
| Additional Features | Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus | Night Mode 2.0, 8K Video | Xperia offers Ultra stable video, continuous AF. S24+ provides Night Mode and 8K video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both have very similar capacities, offering good daily usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 45W fast charging, Li-Ion | S24+ charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S24+ offers wireless charging, which Xperia 5 IV lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24+ has newer OS with more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ has a newer standard with faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S24+ offers latest Bluetooth standards for better range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24+ has better accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Both offer Dual Sim and eSIM support. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | S24+ comes with more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | S24+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | Xperia provides higher quality audio for media; S24+ offers better clarity during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia has more advanced fingerprint scanner than S24+ basic option. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has newer and stronger glass. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | S24+ offers a Geomagnetic sensor for additional advanced features and more accurate navigation. |
Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: This is a compact powerhouse that excels in media consumption and creative photography. It has a focus on professional video capabilities, a sleek design, and impressive audio. The compact form factor is ideal for those who prefer a smaller, more pocketable device. The side mounted fingerprint sensor is also more convenient for many.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: This is the all-rounder, the king of benchmarks, featuring cutting-edge performance, a brilliant display, and an advanced camera system. The large, bright screen makes it ideal for media consumption, productivity, and gaming, the newer bluetooth is a plus and it has modern connectivity. It is better for general use, but comes with a more standard look.
Strengths:
- Xperia 5 IV:
- Compact and lightweight design for comfortable one-handed use.
- Excellent audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Professional-grade video recording capabilities, including 4K@120fps.
- A more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- S24+:
- Superior processing power with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which means faster app loading, more responsive performance, and better gaming.
- Brighter, higher resolution display, ideal for outdoor use, and media.
- Advanced camera with higher resolution images and 8k videos.
- Faster charging capabilities and added wireless charging.
- More modern connectivity like WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
- More modern OS with more updates.
- Geomagnetic sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV:
- Less powerful chipset, making it slightly less responsive.
- Display isn't as bright, can be difficult in sunny conditions.
- Lacks the wireless charging found on the S24+.
- Older software versions and may get fewer updates than S24+.
- S24+:
- Larger size and heavier, which makes it less convenient for one-handed use and may not be pocket friendly.
- More standard fingerprint sensor, less convenient for some.
- Camera performance is not benchmarked for comparison.
User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is Best For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize excellent audio quality, compact form factor, and professional video recording.
- Creative Professionals: Those needing a device for capturing high-quality footage, who may also use external recording equipment.
- Minimalists: Individuals who want a powerful phone in a more pocketable and comfortable package for one handed use.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ is Best For:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Media Consumers: Those who want a large, bright, and crisp display for streaming, gaming, and general use.
- Everyday Users: Those who want a highly reliable and technologically advanced all-rounder with the most modern specs.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when making your choice:
- Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or do you need the biggest screen possible?
- If portability is key, the Xperia 5 IV is your choice.
- If the biggest and brightest screen is a priority, go with the S24+.
- Are you a professional content creator and need the best video recording capabilities, or just want excellent image quality in general?
- For those focused on pro video features and great audio, the Xperia 5 IV is ideal.
- For general photo quality, the S24+ will be a great choice with it's added night mode.
- Do you need the absolute best performance and more modern features, or does reliable performance with a compact size fit the bill?
- If you are always pushing your phone to its limits, the S24+ is the clear winner.
- If you just want reliable daily use in a small package, the Xperia 5 IV can perform admirably.
My Choice and Explanation
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While I appreciate the compact design of the Xperia 5 IV, and it's amazing audio features, the performance gains and modern conveniences of the S24+ win me over. The significantly faster processor, brighter screen, more advanced camera with 8k capabilities, wireless charging, newer OS with more updates, and better connectivity make it a better overall device for my needs. While it is bigger, the improvements in performance and general features, along with the better display, mean I will take the S24+ any day of the week.
