Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the vivo X100. I’ve spent countless hours dissecting specs and putting phones through their paces, so you can trust my insights to guide your decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two smartphones stack up, focusing on practical impacts:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | vivo X100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 164.1 × 75.2 × 8.5 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact, easier for one-handed use; X100 is larger, more immersive |
| Weight | 172g | 202g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, comfortable for prolonged use |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | X100 offers a larger screen, better for media and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1260x2800 | X100's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed visuals |
| PPI | 449 | 452 | Both offer very similar pixel density, ensuring sharp images |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have fluid scrolling and smooth animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | X100 boasts vastly superior brightness, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 9300 | X100 has a newer, more powerful chip, offering faster speeds and better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,881,325 | X100 scores significantly higher, indicating superior overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | X100 has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance for gaming and heavy use |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacities, should last a full day with moderate use |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | X100 charges much faster, minimizing downtime |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV offers additional charging options, great for on-the-go power needs |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", IMX557 | 50MP, f/1.57, 1/1.31", IMX920 | X100 has a higher resolution and larger sensor, promising better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, Exmor RS | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", S5KGD2 | X100 has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed captures |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", IMX650 | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", OV64B | X100 offers higher resolution, while Xperia has a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX363 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | X100 has higher resolution and wider aperture, Xperia has a larger sensor |
| Video Recording | 4K@120fps | Slow-motion: 960fps | Both capable, Xperia supports higher resolution recording, X100 has superior slow motion |
| DXOMARK Score | Mobile: 119 | N/A | Sony has been benchmarked, while vivo lacks a published score |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Extensive + Gimbal, Night Mode | X100 offers additional features, especially useful in low light |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Up to 13 | Android 14 | X100 has a more recent OS out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi MiMO | X100 supports faster Wi-Fi standards, providing improved wireless speeds and performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.4 LE | X100 has a newer Bluetooth version, offers marginal improvements in power efficiency & stability |
| GPS | Extensive | Extensive + NavIC | X100 supports more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Xperia 5 IV has eSIM support, for more flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | X100 offers more storage options, catering to heavy users |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | X100 provides more RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Both offer excellent audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted sensor | Basic sensor | Xperia 5 IV has a more convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Gravity | Xperia 5 IV has more sensors useful for environmental conditions, vivo for motion control |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Strengths:
- Compact Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it incredibly comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Charging Flexibility: The unique Bypass and Reverse Charging, great for travelers and power users who need to maximize battery life.
- Advanced Biometrics: Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and conveniently placed.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides top-tier protection.
Competitive Advantages:
- User Experience: The smaller form factor will appeal to many who find larger phones cumbersome.
- Multimedia: Its excellent display makes it great for media consumption on the go.
- Video Recording: High quality 4k 120fps recording is something the vivo cannot achieve.
Trade-offs:
- Older Processor: Uses an older chipset and benchmarks lower.
- Limited Storage: Less internal storage options compared to the vivo.
- Slower Charging: The 30W charging is much slower compared to the vivo's 120W.
- DXOMARK Score: The camera is a strong performer, but does not seem to out perform the vivo on paper.
vivo X100
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers significantly better performance, handling demanding tasks with ease.
- Brighter Display: The incredibly bright screen makes it fantastic for outdoor use.
- Fast Charging: 120W charging ensures the phone is ready to go quickly.
- Advanced Camera: High resolution sensors and gimbal stabilization enhances image capture in many conditions.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 for cutting-edge wireless speeds.
Competitive Advantages:
- Photography: The high resolution and gimbal stabilized camera make this a very versatile phone for a wide range of conditions.
- Multimedia: Larger screen with high refresh rate for immersive viewing and gaming experience.
- Power User: Large memory and fast chipsets give this phone a power-user appeal.
- Trade-offs:
- Larger Size: Might be less convenient for one-handed use.
- Heavier Build: The added weight may be less comfortable during extended use.
- Missing Charging Features: Lacks the Bypass and Reverse Charging features of the Sony.
- Unknown Screen Protection: Lacks the known protection of the Sony.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best for: Users who value a compact design, need advanced charging features, and appreciate Sony’s multimedia and camera prowess. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a smaller phone without sacrificing too much on features.
- Use Cases: Perfect for commuters, travelers, and anyone who prioritizes portability and one-handed use. Great for casual photography and video needs, and media consumption on the go.
vivo X100:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance, fast charging, and advanced camera capabilities. Ideal for those who prioritize the latest features and a high-performance experience.
- Use Cases: Excels in gaming, heavy multitasking, and creating high-quality photos and videos. Perfect for content creators, tech enthusiasts, and those who use their phone heavily throughout the day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
What is my priority: Compactness or Performance?
- If compactness and one-handed use are key, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is your pick.
- If top-tier performance and larger screen for multimedia are more important, choose the vivo X100.
Do I need the fastest charging and the latest software?
- If yes, the vivo X100 with its 120W charging and newer software wins out.
- If you don't mind slower charging and slightly older software, the Sony's additional charging features can be appealing.
How important is photography and video capabilities?
- If you need a lot of zoom, or high resolution images the vivo may be preferable on paper.
- If you are after video recording quality the Sony is very strong here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Commuter: For someone who uses their phone on the go for calls, maps, and music, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's compact design and excellent display are ideal.
- The Photographer: If capturing photos and videos is essential, the vivo X100's advanced camera capabilities and higher-resolution sensors make it the superior choice.
- The Gamer: The vivo X100's faster processor, more RAM, and higher refresh rate makes it perfect for mobile gaming.
- The Power User: For demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking, the vivo X100's powerful chipset and larger screen are a must-have.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the vivo X100. It's the phone that truly pushes the boundaries in terms of performance, and camera technology. As someone who values these areas I would be willing to make the trade-off of a heavier phone, to be able to utilize the power of the latest chipsets, and camera technology.
While the Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a lot to love, especially its compact design and extra charging features, the vivo X100's blend of power, excellent display, and advanced camera make it a superior all-rounder for someone like me who is constantly testing the limits of what a phone can do.
