Okay, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Tecno Spark 10 Pro, looking beyond the spec sheets and into how these differences play out in real life.
Smartphone Showdown: Sony Xperia 5 IV vs. Tecno Spark 10 Pro
Here's a comprehensive look at these two phones, designed to help you decide which one might be your next daily driver.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Tecno Spark 10 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm, 208g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably smaller and lighter, more pocketable and comfortable for extended use. Spark 10 Pro is larger and heavier. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV offers superior screen protection, which is vital for durability. Spark 10 Pro's screen protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | Spark 10 Pro provides more screen real estate, great for media consumption. Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2460 | Both offer Full HD quality, though the Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper screen. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 396 ppi | Xperia 5 IV will appear sharper and more detailed due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV has superior contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks. Spark 10 Pro is more affordable but less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV will feel smoother and more responsive during scrolling and gaming. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers dramatically faster performance for all tasks, from app loading to gaming, due to the superior chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 253,628 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster, smoother, and better for demanding apps, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV will handle graphics-intensive tasks and games much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP | Spark 10 Pro captures higher resolution photos, however, Xperia 5 IV has a larger main sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 32MP | Spark 10 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, but sensor quality of the Xperia is likely better. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Xperia 5 IV provides optical zoom capabilities which allow for clearer photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Xperia 5 IV can capture wider, scenic shots, whereas the Spark 10 Pro does not. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Spark 10 Pro has a depth sensor for portrait mode, Xperia 5 IV relies on software. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps w/ HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 1440p@30fps | Xperia 5 IV offers far superior video recording capabilities, better stabilization, and more versatility. |
| DXoMark | 119 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV has a benchmark score showing advanced photo and video capture capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features, incl. RAW | Basic, incl. Front Flash | Xperia 5 IV is the better choice for photography enthusiasts due to its versatile lens setup and feature set. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones should offer a full day of battery life, although real usage results may vary. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia 5 IV offers more convenient charging features, such as bypass charging to reduce battery wear. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | Spark 10 Pro launches with a newer OS version, but the Xperia should receive OS updates. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xperia 5 IV offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance on congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia 5 IV offers more features and better power efficiency with newer version. |
| GPS | Full suite (L1+L5) | Basic | Xperia 5 IV provides more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual (Nano + eSIM) | Dual (Nano + Nano) | Xperia 5 IV offers eSIM flexibility, while Spark 10 Pro uses two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Xperia 5 IV offers a superior audio experience, particularly for music and media. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Full Sensor Suite | Basic Sensors | Xperia 5 IV includes advanced environmental sensors and gyroscopes, beneficial for AR and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Premium Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers a flagship-level experience, making it ideal for heavy gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- Superior Display: Its OLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a higher refresh rate for a visually rich and smooth experience.
- Advanced Camera System: With a versatile triple-lens setup, 4K recording, and pro-level features, it’s a photography and videography powerhouse.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer an immersive audio experience.
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior durability.
- Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and comprehensive GPS for better speeds and accuracy.
- Additional Features: Bypass charging and reverse charging.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro Strengths:
- Larger Display: Provides more screen real estate for media consumption.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Offers higher megapixel counts for main and selfie cameras.
- Affordability: Likely to be significantly more budget-friendly.
- Newer OS Out-of-the-box: Comes with the newer Android version.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: Likely to be significantly more expensive. No expandable storage.
- Spark 10 Pro: Noticeably lower performance, less capable display and camera, and lacks advanced features. No expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Media Consumers: Those who appreciate high-quality audio and video experiences.
- Professionals: People who rely on the device for productivity and demand fast performance and reliable connectivity.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-end specs.
- Casual Users: Those who mainly use the phone for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and messaging.
- Users who prefer larger screens: Those who enjoy more screen real estate for media consumption.
- Users looking for a secondary device: For those who need a secondary device for basic tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Performance Needs: How important is smooth, fast performance for your daily tasks and gaming?
- If Crucial: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If Basic: Tecno Spark 10 Pro.
Camera Quality: How much do you value high-quality photos and videos?
- If Important: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If Casual: Tecno Spark 10 Pro.
Budget: What is your price sensitivity?
- If Spending Cap: Tecno Spark 10 Pro.
- If Premium Experience: Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Xperia 5 IV. Superior performance, GPU, and refresh rate make it ideal for a better gaming experience.
- Casual Photographer: Xperia 5 IV. Its more versatile camera system, and high-quality sensors will be much better.
- Budget-Minded Media Viewer: Tecno Spark 10 Pro. Larger screen, decent performance for media, and good for social media apps at a budget price.
- Traveler who needs a reliable device: Xperia 5 IV. Better GPS, build quality, and connectivity.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is justified by its vastly superior performance, outstanding camera capabilities, and overall premium user experience. As someone who values smooth performance, professional-grade camera features, and high build quality for longevity, the Xperia 5 IV aligns perfectly with my priorities. It's not just a phone; it's a powerful tool that enhances daily productivity, captures precious moments with impressive clarity, and delivers an engaging media experience. Yes, the Tecno Spark 10 Pro is the more budget-friendly option, but the substantial gap in quality, features, and long-term performance, leads me to pick the Xperia 5 IV.
