Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the vivo V30. I'll be breaking down the specs and giving you the real-world lowdown, just like I'm explaining it to a friend.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at how these two phones stack up:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | vivo V30 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 164.4 × 75.1 × 7.5 mm | Xperia is more compact, V30 is taller and slightly wider, but thinner |
| Weight | 172g | 186g | Xperia is lighter, better for long use, V30 slightly heavier in hand |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus Front, unknown back | Unknown Front/Back | Xperia offers better scratch protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | V30 has a larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1260x2800 | V30’s display is sharper and clearer |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 453 | Both are incredibly sharp, indistinguishable to naked eye |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar excellent display technologies |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This data seems to be incorrect, this value is likely to be peak brightness and should be non-zero on each phone. This data is not useful to the comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Xperia has the faster chip; better gaming and heavy apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 866,863 | Xperia shows 18% higher benchmarks; may feel faster in everyday use |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 720 | Xperia offers better gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.88 | V30 has more resolution, Xperia has wider aperture for better low-light photos |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/2.0 | V30 takes higher resolution selfies; same aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | Xperia has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/2.0 | V30 offers wider field of view with higher resolution; smaller sensor than the Xperia |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Up to 4K 30fps with EIS | Xperia offers more recording options, higher FPS and better stabilization |
| DxOMark Main Camera | 119 | Not tested | Xperia’s camera performs well according to DxOMark; V30 camera performance is unknown from this data |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | V30 charges significantly faster, less waiting time |
| Battery Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | None | Xperia allows charging while gaming or streaming without battery impact |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | V30 offers a more recent version of Android and likely longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band | Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia supports dual-band for better connection management |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | V30 has a newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | Multiple systems with Dual Band L1+L5 | Multiple systems | Xperia offers better location accuracy through L1+L5 |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Xperia supports eSIM for flexible carrier management |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | V30 offers up to 512 GB, more options for higher storage users |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | V30 offers up to 12 GB for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | Xperia has higher quality audio components for immersive experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia's fingerprint sensor is easier to use |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full suite including barometer and Hall | Basic Suite | Xperia includes a barometer for environmental readings, and a hall sensor |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Compact design, premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a versatile triple camera system with a telephoto lens, advanced video recording capabilities (including 4K 120fps), better location accuracy, higher quality audio playback with Dolby Atmos, reverse charging.
- Competitive Advantage: It's geared for those who value a compact form factor without sacrificing performance, exceptional video features, and a refined media experience, plus more robust location and sensor capabilities.
- Trade-offs: It lags in the charging speed and is older, so it will have less software support.
vivo V30:
- Strengths: Larger, higher-resolution display, faster 80W charging, higher megapixel main and front cameras, a newer Bluetooth 5.4 and higher software version. More storage options, and more RAM on the top tier model.
- Competitive Advantage: Caters to users who prioritize a big, bright screen, fast charging, and plenty of storage. Also newer, so it will have longer software support.
- Trade-offs: Lower-performing chipset, no telephoto lens, and lacks some of the extra features found in the Xperia, such as reverse charging and more advanced sensors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal for:
- Content Creators: Those who need great video recording, a capable telephoto lens, high quality audio recording, and a compact design.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want a high-performance processor and great quality audio output, without using a large and heavy device.
- Audio & Video Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible audio and video quality from their smartphone.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who prioritize portability and a comfortable, smaller design.
vivo V30 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who want a large, vibrant display for movies, videos, and social media.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution front-facing cameras.
- Frequent Chargers: Users who need fast charging.
- Storage Hungry Users: Users who need the most internal storage they can get.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you prefer performance or a larger screen?
- Xperia: Choose if you need better performance, a telephoto lens and compact design.
- V30: Choose if you want a larger screen and a more modern software experience.
How important is the camera and video features?
- Xperia: Go for it if you want a complete set of cameras with optical zoom, and high FPS video.
- V30: Pick this if you want higher resolution photos and selfies, but video quality is less critical for you.
Do you need fast charging or longer support?
- Xperia: Pick this if you want to game while charging, and reverse charging.
- V30: Go with it if you prioritize rapid charging and a newer device, with more years of support from the OS vendor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Pro Photographer/Videographer on the Go: The Xperia's triple camera with telephoto, advanced video features and compact build are unmatched.
- For the Content Consumer on a Budget: The V30 offers an excellent display and battery, plus a larger storage size at the top tier, while being lower cost.
- For the Gamer with Big Demands: The Xperia's faster chipset and superior GPU give it an edge, especially given its high quality audio.
- For the Casual User The Vivo V30 offers the best blend of a large screen, excellent front-facing camera and fast charging.
My Choice
If I were to pick, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and a bit of a photo/video enthusiast, the Xperia 5 IV's superior performance, high quality audio, optical zoom, and advanced video features are more compelling. While the V30's larger screen and fast charging are attractive, the Xperia's raw capabilities, especially with video, location accuracy and sensor suite, fit my needs. The compact design, though not as screen-focused, also appeals to me as I like my devices small and convenient to carry in my pocket. The reverse charge function also gives the added utility that the V30 cannot match. Despite it being slightly older, the performance of the processor and superior camera will get more use out of it.
I hope this detailed breakdown helps you decide which phone is the right fit for you!
