Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is a classic showdown of a compact, content-creation-focused phone versus a no-compromise powerhouse. Here’s the breakdown as if I’m chatting with a friend over coffee:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, so here’s a detailed look at the specs, laid out to show you exactly what these numbers mean in your day-to-day life:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm, 232g | Xperia is significantly more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. The S24 Ultra is larger and heavier, better for media consumption. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front, IP68 | Gorilla Glass Armor front, IP68 | Both are rugged with water/dust resistance. S24 Ultra gets a more scratch resistant glass. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra offers a much larger screen for more immersive viewing. The Xperia 5 IV is more suited for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1440 x 3120 | S24 Ultra's higher resolution provides sharper, more detailed images, particularly noticeable for text and graphics. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 505 ppi | S24 Ultra offers a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | The Xperia's OLED technology offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast; S24 Ultra missing tech specs. | |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Xperia 5 IV doesn't have the brightness to compete. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | S24 Ultra's newer chipset is significantly faster and more efficient, leading to better app performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra shows a massive performance advantage, making it smoother for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra’s newer GPU enables better gaming performance and graphic rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 12MP | 200MP | S24 Ultra's main sensor allows for incredibly detailed photos with greater dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Res. | 12MP | 50MP + 10MP | S24 Ultra has a second telephoto camera for versatile zoom. S24 Ultra offers better zoom detail thanks to higher MP count and additional sensor. |
| Wide-angle Res. | 12MP | 12.2MP | Comparable wide angle lens performance between both phones. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 12MP | Both phones have similar selfie cameras, with the Xperia having a slightly wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24 Ultra offers higher 8K resolution video, suitable for pro users. Both offer excellent stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 119 (Mobile) | 144 (Mobile) | S24 Ultra significantly outperforms the Xperia 5 IV in camera quality according to DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, OIS, EIS | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS, Night mode 2.0 | S24 Ultra offers more versatile camera setup, Night Mode 2.0 and features for low-light photography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, indicating similar battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S24 Ultra has a faster charging speed, allowing for quicker power-ups. |
| Other Features | Bypass, Reverse | Bypass, Reverse, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S24 Ultra offers more flexible charging options with wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 21) | S24 Ultra is on a newer Android version with potential for long-term updates. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S24 Ultra has larger storage options and capacities for extensive media files. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia 5 IV has side-mounted sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Its compact design is fantastic for one-handed use, a major plus for those who find large phones cumbersome. The color accurate OLED display is great for content creators. Its audio quality is top notch, and it packs a lot into its size for media consumption.
- Competitive Advantages: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and the OLED display provides a great content consumption experience. Its size is a standout.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It has weaker performance than the S24 Ultra, especially in gaming. Its camera is good, but falls short of the Samsung. The lack of wireless charging and limited display brightness are also noticeable. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Strengths: The S24 Ultra is a powerhouse. Its display is incredible—bright, sharp, and large. Performance is top of the line. It also features a much more capable camera system with multiple zoom lenses and higher resolution.
- Competitive Advantages: The best display on the market, a top-tier processor, and a very flexible camera system. Wireless charging and better software support are also advantages.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It’s a large, heavy phone, which might not be ideal for everyone. Its size can also make it difficult to use single-handedly.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Compact Phone Lovers: If you want a phone that’s easy to hold, pocket, and use with one hand, the Xperia 5 IV is a great pick.
- Content Creators on the Go: If you need the color accuracy for a reference on the go, and you care about audio production and consumption, this is a serious contender.
- Everyday Users: If you are not a heavy gamer and do not require long camera zoom, and want a good experience with a small form factor.
- Price-conscious Buyers: The Xperia 5 IV should be available at a lower price point than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, making it an appealing option if budget is a concern.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: If you need a device that can handle intense tasks, multitasking, and high-end gaming, the S24 Ultra is your best choice.
- Photography Enthusiasts: For those who value top-tier camera performance with multiple zoom lenses and great low-light performance, the S24 Ultra excels.
- Media Consumers: Its large, bright, and vibrant display makes it the ideal for watching movies, browsing social media, and playing games.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest specs, along with cutting-edge features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is device size and weight? If a compact, lightweight phone is a must, the Sony is better.
- How heavily do I rely on my phone's camera? If you want top-tier photography with tons of zoom, the Samsung is the clear winner.
- What's my budget and how important is cutting edge performance? If your budget is flexible and you need the absolute best, go for the S24 Ultra; if you are budget conscious, the Xperia will offer good performance and more affordable.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Traveler/Photographer: Go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, its versatile camera and large display is best for taking great photos and reviewing them on the go.
- Commuter/Casual User: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a great option for listening to podcasts, music, and is easy to use.
- Gamer/Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Budget Conscious: The Sony Xperia 5 IV provides a good experience for less money.
What I Would Choose
If I were buying one of these, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While I appreciate the compact form factor of the Sony Xperia 5 IV, the sheer power, camera versatility, and the incredible display of the S24 Ultra win me over. As a tech journalist, I also want the latest and greatest to test and review. The S24 Ultra really does offer a complete experience, especially when creating content.
However, I would still highly recommend the Sony for certain users. If you want a compact form factor with high quality audio production and consumption and color accurate display, the Sony is the only real option available. It really boils down to your priorities. If size and cost are major considerations, the Sony is a really good option that packs a lot of punch into a smaller package.
