Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. We'll break down the specs, explore the practical implications, and help you figure out which device might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, structured to highlight how they impact daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 254.3 × 165.8 × 6.5 mm | Xperia 5 IV is a compact phone; Tab S9 FE is a much larger tablet, which affects portability and how you hold it. |
| Weight | 172g | 523g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter and easier to carry around; Tab S9 FE is heavier and better suited for desk use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front, metal frame | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a more premium feel and superior scratch resistance. Protection on the S9 FE is not specified. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 10.9" | Tab S9 FE provides a much larger viewing area, great for media consumption, multitasking; Xperia 5 IV is pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1440x2304 | Tab S9 FE has a sharper image due to its higher resolution, but the difference is less noticeable due to the pixel density |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 249 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper, crisper display; Tab S9 FE will look less defined. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the IPS LCD panel on the Tab S9 FE. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, indicating that these measurements are not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Xperia 5 IV’s chip is more powerful for gaming and intensive tasks, while the Tab S9 FE is suitable for general use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 507,000 | Xperia 5 IV offers much better performance than the Tab S9 FE; smoother multitasking and app load times. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU provides better graphical performance, suitable for demanding games; Tab S9 FE’s GPU is fine for general use. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" IMX557 | 12MP, f/2.0, Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a better aperture which could lead to better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Exmor RS | 8MP, Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a higher resolution selfie camera for clearer selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" IMX650 Exmor RS | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom; Tab S9 FE lacks a telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" IMX363 Exmor RS | None | Xperia 5 IV offers an ultra-wide camera, a feature missing on the Tab S9 FE. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps (HDR, OIS, EIS) | Up to 4K@30fps | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced video recording features, better stabilization, and a higher frame rate. |
| DXOMark Score | Overall 119 (Photo: 121, Video: 113) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV has a tested and confirmed better camera performance based on the DXOMark Score. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW etc. | Autofocus, HDR, Panorama etc. | Xperia 5 IV has additional camera features like Optical image stablization, and continuous autofocus for a better and more versatile camera experience |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 8000mAh | Tab S9 FE has a larger battery, which could potentially offer longer battery life, but it will depend on the usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Tab S9 FE charges faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Xperia 5 IV can reverse charge other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Tab S9 FE has a newer version of Android out of the box and will have extended software support. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Both support modern Bluetooth standards, but S9 FE has a more recent version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS | Xperia 5 IV has more precise GPS positioning due to multiple satellite systems supported. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both devices have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have a max of 8GB of ram, though the base model of the Tab S9 FE has only 6GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer basic biometric security with side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Xperia 5 IV has a more comprehensive set of sensors, including a Barometer, and Gyroscope, for more advanced features. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | None | The Xperia 5 IV can support two sims and a digital eSIM. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is a powerhouse in a compact form. It shines with a superior OLED display, a more powerful Snapdragon processor, and a versatile camera system including optical zoom, a telephoto, and a wide-angle lens. Its advanced video recording features, including 4K at 120fps, and enhanced audio capabilities make it a great all-around device for content creation, media consumption and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: This tablet excels in providing a large display for immersive media consumption, productivity, and multitasking. The large battery and faster charging are big pluses for heavy tablet users. However, its processor is noticeably less powerful, its screen technology is inferior, and its cameras are more basic, making it more suited for general usage rather than intensive tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal for:
- Content Creators: The superior camera system, video recording capabilities, and high-quality display make it perfect for capturing and editing photos and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: The powerful chipset, excellent display, and compact form factor appeal to those who value performance and portability.
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon chip and smooth 120Hz display offer a better gaming experience on-the-go.
- Users who want a pocketable phone that offers great features.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: The large display is great for watching movies, shows, and browsing content.
- Students and Professionals: A large canvas for taking notes, reading documents, and multitasking makes it a good productivity tool.
- Users who prefer a large device for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Anyone looking for an affordable tablet experience without needing high-end features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE:
- Primary Use Case: Will this device be your primary phone or a secondary media consumption device?
- Portability vs. Screen Size: Do you value portability, or is a large screen more important?
- Performance Requirements: Do you need maximum processing power for intensive tasks like gaming and content creation, or is general usage sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a powerful and pocketable device for daily use and content creation. Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- Scenario 2: You want a device primarily for watching videos, reading, and some light multitasking with less of an emphasis on powerful performance. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- Scenario 3: You want a good balance between performance, display quality and usability and are okay with a smaller screen. Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- Scenario 4: You want the biggest screen possible for watching videos, reading, and some light multitasking and are okay with less power. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. It aligns perfectly with my priorities. As a tech journalist, I need a device that can capture high-quality photos and videos, handle intensive tasks like editing and multitasking efficiently, and do so in a pocketable form factor. The Xperia 5 IV's superior display, powerful processor, and versatile camera system make it the more compelling option for me. While the Tab S9 FE offers a larger screen, I find that the portability and the extra power of the phone are more important to me for my daily workflow. The difference in camera quality alone makes the phone a no-brainer for my usage, and I would pick the Sony as my daily driver.
I hope this in-depth analysis helps you make the right decision for yourself! Let me know if you have any more questions.
