Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. These phones represent very different approaches to the smartphone, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to figuring out which one is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with a look at how they impact your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Flip5 is significantly more compact when folded. |
| Physical Size | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Flip5 is taller & slightly wider, but notably thinner when unfolded. |
| Weight | 172g | 187g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, better for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Z Flip5 provides more screen real estate for multimedia and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2640 | Both offer sharp displays, slight difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 449 | 425 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper image. |
| Technology | OLED | Not Specified | Xperia 5 IV offers deep blacks and vibrant colors with OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5's significantly brighter screen is essential for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Z Flip5’s chip will provide significantly smoother operation and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 is significantly faster for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5 offers better graphics performance, smoother gameplay |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 12MP f/1.8 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture; both are good in daylight. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 10MP f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV takes sharper selfies and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | N/A | Xperia 5 IV has an optical zoom lens for greater flexibility when shooting |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Similar performance for wide shots on both devices. |
| Video | 4K @120fps | 4K @60fps | Xperia 5 IV offers higher frame rate video for smoother footage. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 119 | 127 | Z Flip5 has better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Photo | 121 | 132 | Z Flip5 captures more detailed and vibrant photos |
| DxOMark Video | 113 | 128 | Z Flip5 offers superior video recording |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Xperia 5 IV is expected to last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 25W Fast | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | Bypass, Reverse, Fast Wireless | Z Flip5 has faster wireless charging but slower wired. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Z Flip5 has a more updated OS and will receive longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the latest Wi-Fi standards with MiMo on the Z Flip5 for better signal. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Z Flip5 has a newer version with better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Both have similar GPS capabilities, minor differences in supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM support is available on both devices |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Z Flip5 offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer a similar high level of screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: This phone excels in media consumption and creation. It has a more robust camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, excellent audio capabilities including Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, and a larger battery for longer usage time. Its lighter and more compact design also makes it comfortable to hold for longer periods.
- Competitive Advantage: The Xperia 5 IV is the better choice for those who prioritize photography, audio fidelity, and all-day battery life, as well as a more traditional form factor.
- Trade-offs: It is less powerful than the Flip5 and has a less bright display for outdoor usage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Strengths: The main draw is the foldable design, offering pocketability and unique usability. It has superior performance thanks to its newer chipset and a significantly brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Competitive Advantage: It is ideal for people who want a stylish and pocketable phone with the performance to handle everyday tasks and gaming, as well as a unique design.
- Trade-offs: Its camera system, while still good, lags behind the Xperia, and battery life is noticeably shorter and has no headphone jack.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Best for photographers, videographers, audiophiles, or anyone who values battery life and a traditional smartphone experience with a rich set of features for creative media. If you prioritize media consumption and creation and don’t mind a bulkier device compared to a folded flip phone, this is your choice.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Ideal for tech enthusiasts who enjoy a modern, stylish, and compact design. It excels for those who are on the go and prioritize portability, social media usage, and having a device that stands out, with a focus on performance and a brighter display. This phone is best for the person who wants to be able to slip it in a pocket easily.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you value a pocketable, unique design, or a more traditional form factor with advanced features? If you prefer a cutting-edge, foldable phone that fits into smaller pockets, the Z Flip5 is the winner. If you want a more traditional layout with better camera and battery performance, the Xperia 5 IV is your best option.
- How important is the camera and battery life for you? If photography versatility, higher audio quality, and longer battery life are a must, the Xperia 5 IV is better. If an adequate camera with solid performance and fast wireless charging is enough, the Z Flip5 will suffice.
- Do you prefer a higher level of performance or better outdoor visibility? If the latest chipset and a brighter display for outdoor viewing are more important, the Z Flip5 will suit you best. If you can live with slightly less performance for an overall better camera system, the Xperia 5 IV might be the more practical choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Creator: For a photographer, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner, thanks to its advanced camera system and audio features. The telephoto lens gives you the ability to capture amazing shots with optical zoom.
- The Style-Conscious User: The Z Flip5 is ideal if you prioritize a unique and modern design with the best possible performance. It provides a compact device for quick use with good-enough camera quality.
- The Power User: If you prioritize an all-day battery and high quality media output, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally opt for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While I appreciate the innovative design and compactness of the Samsung Z Flip5, my priorities lean toward content creation and consumption as well as capturing high-quality images with a reliable camera system. The Xperia's superior camera capabilities, the inclusion of a telephoto lens, coupled with enhanced audio features and a significantly larger battery make it a more practical and effective tool for my daily needs. The robust battery life and the quality of the audio are extremely important to me, making the Sony the better pick, despite the Z Flip5 having a brighter display and newer processor.
