Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the TCL 50 SE. I'll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up against each other:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The TCL 50 SE is larger and potentially less portable. |
| Weight | 172g | 195g | The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | The TCL 50 SE offers a larger display for immersive media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2460 | Both are FHD+, but the Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display due to a higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 449 | 396 | The Xperia 5 IV has a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Xperia 5 IV's OLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the TCL 50 SE's IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xperia 5 IV offers smoother scrolling and animations compared to the TCL 50 SE. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL 50 SE has a higher brightness, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility and bright sunlight use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | The Xperia 5 IV has a significantly more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 250,000 | The Xperia 5 IV scores over four times higher in benchmarks indicating a vast performance gap. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 730 GPU in the Xperia 5 IV provides significantly better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The TCL 50 SE has a higher resolution sensor, but the Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, potentially allowing more light in for better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Xperia 5 IV has a higher resolution front-facing camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | Not available | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities for closer, detailed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not available | The Xperia 5 IV captures wider scenes without moving back. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The TCL 50 SE has a dedicated macro camera for detailed close-up shots, which is missing on the Xperia 5 IV. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The Xperia 5 IV excels in video, offering higher resolutions, framerates and advanced features like OIS and EIS. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, EIS, RAW | Basic features | The Xperia 5 IV has many more advanced camera features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both offer comparable battery capacities for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The TCL 50 SE charges slightly faster than the Xperia 5 IV. |
| Battery Features | Bypass, Reverse charging | Non-removable | The Xperia 5 IV can charge while using without degrading the battery and can also charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | The TCL 50 SE has a newer OS, potentially offering more features and security updates. However, OS updates are not always guaranteed with lower tier devices. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Xperia 5 IV supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Xperia 5 IV has a newer bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Dual-Band | Single-Band | The Xperia 5 IV offers greater GPS precision. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano | The Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM and allows for a digital carrier selection. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options, but neither offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | The Xperia 5 IV has more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, a point to consider. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV provides a richer, higher-quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both phones use the same fingerprint technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | The Xperia 5 IV provides a broader range of sensors for more enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Premium Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM delivers flagship-level speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers richer colors, better contrast, and smoother animations.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens setup with 4K video recording, OIS, and EIS provides a versatile and high-quality photography and videography experience.
- Premium Build and Features: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, along with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and advanced connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2), provide high-end features.
- More Sensors: Includes barometer, compass, and gyroscope for enhanced functionality.
TCL 50 SE Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.78" screen is great for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Brightness: 900 nits of brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV: Lacks expandable storage and macro camera. Its screen can also struggle in bright sunlight compared to the TCL.
- TCL 50 SE: Significantly less powerful chipset, lower RAM capacity, inferior display technology, a basic camera, less comprehensive sensors, and older Wi-Fi standard.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile, feature-rich camera system with advanced recording capabilities.
- Audiophiles: Users who value high-quality audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate premium features, fast performance, and a top-notch display experience.
TCL 50 SE is best for:
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a larger screen and newer OS on a budget.
- Media Consumers: Users who prefer a larger display for watching videos and movies.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display for use in sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself:
- How important is performance? If you need a fast, responsive device for demanding tasks, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner.
- What is your primary use case? If you mostly watch videos and value a larger display, the TCL 50 SE is suitable. However, if you care about picture quality the Xperia 5 IV provides far better quality despite the size.
- What is your budget? The Xperia 5 IV is a premium device with a higher price tag, while the TCL 50 SE is a more budget-friendly option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario: Heavy gaming, professional photography.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. Its superior performance and camera system make it ideal for these tasks.
- Scenario: Casual use, media consumption, budget-conscious.
- Recommendation: TCL 50 SE. Offers a large display, newer OS, and decent performance for everyday use on a lower price point.
- Scenario: Balanced usage, good camera capabilities, premium experience.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. It balances premium performance with versatile camera features.
- Scenario: Outdoor use
- Recommendation: TCL 50 SE. The higher brightness is superior in bright sunlight.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were choosing, I'd personally go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the TCL 50 SE has its merits, particularly the large screen and bright display, the overall package of the Xperia 5 IV is just far more compelling for my use. As a tech journalist and someone who values performance, camera quality, and a premium experience, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner. The significantly more powerful chipset, excellent OLED display, better camera system, and a more robust build quality make it a device that aligns perfectly with my requirements. While the TCL 50 SE is certainly a reasonable phone for a specific segment of users, it simply doesn't match the overall capabilities and user experience that the Sony Xperia 5 IV provides. The Xperia 5 IV's more advanced camera features, including 4K recording capabilities and OIS/EIS, are far more important to me than having a macro lens or a larger, brighter screen. The smoother performance, more comprehensive suite of sensors, and overall premium build are also important to me. Ultimately, the Xperia 5 IV is a device that's just more pleasant to use on a daily basis.
