Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the TCL 40 SE, focusing on what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-04-04 | TCL 40 SE is newer by about 6 months, meaning potentially newer software and some updated tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones, no foldable design. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | Xperia 5 IV is significantly more compact and easier to hold with one hand. TCL is notably larger and might feel bulky. |
| Weight | 172g | 190g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it more comfortable to carry and use for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE provides a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 720 x 1600 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper and clearer display, crucial for detailed content, text, and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 260 ppi | Xperia 5 IV provides significantly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV's OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the TCL's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides a slightly smoother experience with 120Hz refresh rate, especially noticeable in scrolling and games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE has a huge advantage in brightness, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility and direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to much faster app loading, smoother performance, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 160,000 | The Xperia 5 IV has over 500% better benchmark score, indicating a massive difference in processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU is much more capable, delivering better graphics for demanding games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 0.7µm | TCL 40 SE has higher resolution on paper, but Xperia 5 IV has a bigger sensor with larger pixels and wider aperture. Xperia 5 IV excels in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 8MP, f/2.0, unknown | Xperia 5 IV offers better quality selfies with more detail |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | None | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, missing on the TCL. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated wide angle lens which is missing on the TCL. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps w/ HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better video recording with higher resolution and advanced stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | Main 119 (Photo: 121, Video: 113) | Not tested | Xperia 5 IV has better camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Very similar capacity, meaning generally comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia 5 IV's bypass charging prevents battery degradation during extended gaming. Reverse charging allows powering other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE runs on newer OS version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia 5 IV offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Xperia 5 IV has a newer version for more efficient and feature-rich Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a, QZSS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xperia 5 IV has more precise location capabilities with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV has more flexibility with an eSIM, TCL is limited to dual Nano SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers superior audio quality with immersive sound profiles |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | None | Xperia 5 IV has a comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Premium Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides top-tier speed, ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate results in a much more visually appealing experience.
- Enhanced Camera System: The combination of a main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture, plus telephoto and wide-angle lenses, translates to higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. Also more video recording modes and features.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio features deliver a better listening experience for music and media.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better protection.
- Additional Features: Bypass charging, reverse charging, and a more robust connectivity suite.
TCL 40 SE Strengths:
- Lower Price Point: This phone likely sits in a more budget-friendly category and it is much cheaper than the Xperia.
- Larger Display: The bigger screen is beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and those who prefer larger text.
- Brighter Screen: The significantly higher brightness makes it better for outdoor use under direct sunlight.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 which is newer compared to Android 12 in Xperia 5 IV.
- Macro and depth lenses: Adds flexibility in macro photography and portrait mode.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: Significantly more expensive. Limited to no expandable storage.
- TCL 40 SE: Noticeably weaker performance, lower-quality display, and a less versatile camera system. No water resistance rating and screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Best For:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users looking for a versatile camera system, especially in low-light conditions and video.
- Audiophiles: People who prioritize audio quality for music and media consumption.
- Compact Device Lovers: Those who prefer a more manageable phone size without sacrificing screen quality.
TCL 40 SE is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and aren’t overly concerned with high-end performance.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who appreciate a larger screen for watching videos, but do not require the highest image quality.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a phone with great screen visibility in bright sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
How important is processing power and overall performance to you?
- If performance is paramount, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice.
- If you're a casual user, the TCL 40 SE will suffice for daily tasks.
Do you prioritize display quality and camera versatility?
- The Xperia 5 IV offers a significantly better display and a much more capable camera system.
- The TCL 40 SE focuses on a larger display and has a decent main camera.
What is your budget?
- The Xperia 5 IV is a premium device with a premium price tag.
- The TCL 40 SE is budget-friendly but has many trade-offs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer - Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its top-tier performance, smoother display, and better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget User/Casual User - Choose the TCL 40 SE for its larger screen and lower price point, suitable for basic needs.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its high-quality cameras and advanced features.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User - Choose the TCL 40 SE for its brighter screen that handles direct sunlight better.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. My reasoning comes down to a few key factors. As a tech journalist and someone who values performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is a no-brainer for smooth and efficient multitasking, gaming, and ensuring future compatibility. The OLED display and camera system are important for overall quality, especially as I often use my phone for media consumption and photography on the go. Though the TCL 40 SE’s brighter display is appealing, it’s not enough to sway me from the benefits the Sony offers.
