Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. These two phones represent very different approaches to smartphone design and functionality, so it should be an interesting analysis.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on how they translate into real-world usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable offers large screen, standard is compact and pocketable |
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm | Xperia 5 IV is tall and narrow, Z Fold5 is compact when folded, wide like a tablet when open |
| Weight | 172g | 253g | Xperia 5 IV is much lighter, easier to handle for long periods. Z Fold5 is noticeably heavier, feels more substantial |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 7.6" | Z Fold5 offers a large screen for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption, Xperia 5 IV is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold5 has more pixels, but the difference is less apparent due to larger screen size |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 373 | Xperia 5 IV has a sharper display due to the higher PPI |
| Technology | OLED | OLED provides deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast on Xperia 5 IV | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Z Fold5 is faster and more power-efficient for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 is significantly faster, handles demanding tasks more smoothly |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5 has more powerful graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Z Fold5 captures more detail with its higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Xperia 5 IV has higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light selfies, Z Fold5 has a smaller aperture |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | 10MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV captures slightly more details, while both have comparable telephoto capabilities |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle capabilities. Xperia 5 IV has larger pixels |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Z Fold5 has higher resolution video capabilities, both support HDR and stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 119 Photo:121 Video: 113 | Main: 128 Photo:127 Video: 123 | Z Fold5 demonstrates superior camera capabilities, resulting in better scores in both photo and video tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Xperia 5 IV should offer better battery endurance due to its larger battery |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster, Z Fold5 has wireless charging |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse charging | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, bypass, Reverse charging | Z Fold5 has versatile charging options. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | Z Fold5 ships with a newer OS and should receive more updates, but the Xperia 5 IV is not far behind in updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Z Fold5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer similar Bluetooth features, with minor differences in supported profiles |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Z Fold5 is better equipped for multitasking and demanding tasks |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 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 |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Similar sensor tech for basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both have strong screen protection, Z Fold 5 has slightly more advanced generation of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite, including Gravity and Geomagnetic sensors | Both have good sensor suite, Z Fold5 has a few additional sensors like Gravity and Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact & Lightweight: Its smaller size and lower weight make it incredibly pocketable and easy to use one-handed.
- Sharp Display: The higher pixel density (449 ppi) provides a sharper image compared to the Z Fold5.
- Better Battery: It has a larger battery (5000mAh vs 4400mAh), and should offer better battery endurance.
- Superior Front Camera: Higher resolution front camera with a larger aperture captures better selfies in low light.
- Advanced Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio support, provides higher quality audio experience, that the Z Fold 5 does not offer.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Strengths:
- Large Foldable Display: The huge 7.6" screen opens up a world of multitasking, content creation, and immersive viewing.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB of RAM provide top-tier performance and speed.
- Better Main Camera: The 50MP main camera and larger sensor captures more detailed photos.
- Versatile Charging: It supports both wired and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging.
- Latest Wi-Fi Standards: Access to faster networks with Wi-Fi 7.
- More Storage: It is available with much higher internal storage capacities (up to 1TB).
- Video Capabilities: 8K video recording capabilities make the Z Fold5 a professional option for video recording.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV: Lacks the large screen experience, is less powerful, and has a smaller primary camera sensor.
- Z Fold5: It's heavier, more expensive, and the inner screen requires extra care with handling, larger, and less easy to manage one-handed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Users: Individuals who prioritize a compact design, a sharp display, good battery life, and great front-facing camera capabilities. This phone is for those who prefer ease of use and don't need the extra display real-estate.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media, light gaming, media consumption on the go.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Users: Power users, content creators, multitaskers, and gamers who need a large screen and top-tier performance. This is for those who want a versatile device that can be both a phone and a tablet.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, gaming, editing photos and videos, presentations, and consuming media with a lot of detail.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need a large screen for productivity and entertainment? If yes, the Z Fold5 is the clear choice. If you value portability and one-handed usability, the Xperia 5 IV is the right way to go.
- Are you a power user that needs the absolute best performance? The Z Fold5 offers a more advanced processor and more RAM, making it more suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
- What's your budget? The Z Fold5 is a premium, expensive device. If the price is a key consideration, the Xperia 5 IV is more affordable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The "On-the-Go Communicator": If you primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and quick social media checks, and value ease of carrying and one-handed use, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: The "Content Creator": If you are a power user who edits videos and photos, performs heavy multitasking, and needs the highest performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: The "Gaming Enthusiast": If you are looking to play demanding mobile games and want the best graphics and performance, while also being able to manage multiple apps and have the best display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the better fit.
- Scenario 4: The "Casual User": If you have a more limited budget and need a good everyday device that is pocketable, has a good camera and battery, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the perfect fit.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. While I appreciate the compact design and sharp display of the Sony Xperia 5 IV, my use case leans heavily into multitasking, video creation, and media consumption. The large, foldable display of the Z Fold5 would greatly benefit my daily workflow, and I'm confident I'd make great use of the increased power and versatile camera system. Although it's more expensive and heavier, the benefits of the larger screen, the higher performance, and its advanced video capabilities outweigh its limitations for me. As a tech journalist and content creator, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 offers features that are better suited to my needs, despite the higher cost.
