Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison. We've got the Sony Xperia 5 IV, a phone known for its photography prowess and compact form factor, going head-to-head with the Tecno Pova 6 Pro, a device that’s making a play for battery life and charging speed. Here's a breakdown designed to help you navigate their differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Tecno Pova 6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 165.5 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact, pocket-friendly. Pova 6 Pro is larger, may be less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 172g | 198g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (front) | Unknown (front) | Xperia 5 IV offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Pova 6 Pro build quality is unknown |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | Pova 6 Pro offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. Xperia 5 IV is better for one-handed use and portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2436 | Both offer sharp visuals; minor differences in pixel count likely not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 393 | Xperia 5 IV provides a sharper image with higher pixel density, noticeable in text and detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; very similar quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Tecno Pova 6 Pro shines with superior outdoor visibility, crucial in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | Xperia 5 IV boasts a higher-tier chip for better overall performance and gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 448,000 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster and more capable, suitable for demanding tasks, while Pova 6 Pro is more for everyday tasks and light gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications like 3D gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7, 1.80 µm) | 108MP (f/1.7) | Tecno Pova 6 Pro takes higher-resolution photos that capture more details, while the Sony's larger pixel sizes capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.0, 1.25 µm) | 32MP | Pova 6 Pro offers higher resolution selfies with more details. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4, 1.00 µm) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV provides optical zoom capabilities for better photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.40 µm) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV provides a wide field of view for landscape and group shots. |
| Depth Sensor | Not Available | 2MP (f/2.4) | Pova 6 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor to improve bokeh in portrait shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Xperia 5 IV delivers higher resolution and frame rate video with advanced stabilization. Tecno offers lower quality and fewer stabilization features. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 (Mobile) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV boasts a tested and rated high-quality camera with excellent all-around performance in the market. |
| Camera Features | OIS, RAW, PDAF, Ultra stable video | Front Flash | Xperia 5 IV offers a richer suite of manual photography controls. Tecno Pova 6 Pro prioritizes user-friendly shooting with front flash. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Pova 6 Pro offers a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life depending on optimization. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 70W Fast Charging | Pova 6 Pro recharges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Bypass charging | 10W Reverse wire charging | Xperia 5 IV can bypass battery for long gaming sessions, while Tecno Pova 6 Pro can charge other devices. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Pova 6 Pro has a newer version of Android. Sony Xperia 5 IV is slightly older. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia 5 IV supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Tecno Pova 6 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, offering slight performance improvements. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, Galileo | Xperia 5 IV offers more satellite systems for precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Xperia 5 IV offers eSIM functionality for digital carrier switching for easy international use. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both phones offer ample storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 12 GB | Tecno Pova 6 Pro offers greater RAM with the higher option for more demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither device allows for microSD expansion. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio | Both offer high-quality stereo sound and hi-res audio support. Different additional sound features depending on the brand. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Sony Xperia 5 IV features a more advanced side-mounted sensor. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer | Xperia 5 IV has additional sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths: Superior display sharpness, top-tier performance, a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, advanced video capabilities, robust build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, and extensive sensor suite with extra GPS location options.
- Competitive Advantages: Excellent image quality, more powerful processor, compact form factor, and premium features.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen, lower battery capacity, slower charging, older OS and high price.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro
- Strengths: Larger display, significantly brighter screen, massive battery, faster charging, and higher-resolution main and selfie camera sensors, more modern Android version and front flash.
- Competitive Advantages: Outstanding battery life and fast charging and an attractive price point.
- Trade-offs: Slower performance, lack of telephoto/wide-angle lenses, unknown front glass, fewer sensors, and lack of any form of image stabilization for video.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best for: Photography and videography enthusiasts, users who value compact design and top-notch performance.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, gaming with complex graphics, daily use that demands processing power and advanced connectivity, and individuals who use their phones for GPS tracking when traveling.
- Value: Higher cost, justifies this with a premium and highly versatile camera system and robust performance.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro:
- Best for: Users seeking long-lasting battery life, a large and bright display, and fast charging capabilities, all without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Long gaming sessions, frequent travel without access to charging, binge-watching media, and taking high-resolution photos with the main and selfie cameras with ease of use.
- Value: Excellent value for the price, focused on providing a high-end user experience for daily use and media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- What do you prioritize more? Performance or Battery Life: If you value overall high performance, smoother experience, and a higher quality camera, then the Sony Xperia 5 IV is your pick. If your priority is battery life and fast charging, the Tecno Pova 6 Pro will be more suitable.
- Do you need a Telephoto and Wide angle lens? The Xperia 5 IV is for users who need versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto and ultrawide lens capabilities for different shots, if this is not a concern then the Tecno is a suitable pick.
- Do you want a smaller, pocketable phone, or a larger display?: The compact form-factor of the Sony Xperia 5 IV is great for those wanting portability, but if you want a large screen and have larger hands, the Tecno is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its exceptional camera system and advanced features such as 4K at 120fps, Optical Zoom, and RAW output.
- For the Heavy Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful CPU and GPU along with a host of advanced connectivity features.
- For the Power User: Pick the Tecno Pova 6 Pro for its exceptional battery life and fast charging.
- For the Budget-Conscious Consumer: The Tecno Pova 6 Pro provides amazing value and a great experience for the price.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Personally, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. My priorities are high-quality images, reliable performance, and a compact form factor that fits comfortably in my pocket. While the Tecno Pova 6 Pro excels in battery and charging, the Xperia’s camera system and powerful chipset is an experience I value more. I tend to be taking images in the field and recording video, and in these use cases the Xperia just takes better photos. The added software features for photography, video and other niche tasks (such as the ability to bypass the battery) makes the Sony a worthy pick.
