Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the vivo X100 Pro. Both are compelling smartphones, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I'll break it down, tech-journalist style, to give you the clearest picture possible.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | vivo X100 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable; X100 Pro is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 172g | 221g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | X100 Pro offers a larger display, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1260x2800 | X100 Pro offers a sharper, more detailed image with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 449 | 452 | Both displays are similarly sharp, you wouldn't notice the difference. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality display technology with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | X100 Pro is far brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 9300 | X100 Pro is significantly faster, more responsive and handles demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,881,325 | X100 Pro offers a much faster experience for everything, from app launching to heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | X100 Pro has the clear advantage in graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP, f/1.75, 1" sensor | X100 Pro's larger sensor and higher resolution capture more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.0, 0.80µm pixels | X100 Pro captures more detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" sensor | None | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor | X100 Pro has higher resolution while the Xperia has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + macro | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" sensor | X100 Pro offers a telephoto lens with macro focusing capabilities, while the Xperia has no dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@120fps, HDR | 8K@30fps, EIS | X100 Pro offers higher resolution video recording. Both support stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 119 | 150 | X100 Pro scores considerably higher, demonstrating superior image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5400mAh | X100 Pro offers slightly better battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 100W fast charging | X100 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime considerably. |
| Features | Bypass charging, Reverse charging | Reverse charging, 50W Wireless Charging | X100 Pro has 50W wireless charging while Sony has bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 13 | Android 14, max 15 | X100 Pro has a newer OS, likely with newer features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7, Wi-Fi HaLow, Wi-Fi MiMO | X100 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for higher speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.4 LE | X100 Pro has a newer version with improved energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | X100 Pro has better and more precise location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality, with options for physical or digital SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | X100 Pro provides much more storage options for media and apps, no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB or 16GB | X100 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking and app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Similar high-quality audio experiences on both devices. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted is more convenient for some. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV offers superior protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Gravity | Xperia 5 IV has a more comprehensive sensor suite for various applications. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Strengths
- Compact Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it extremely comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
- Solid Performance: While not the fastest, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip still handles most tasks with ease.
- Versatile Camera: Offers a complete suite of focal lengths with a Telephoto camera.
- Premium Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio make the audio quality stand out.
- Bypass Charging: Allows you to use the phone plugged in without degrading the battery.
- Side-mounted fingerprint: Is more convenient for some people.
- Screen Protection: Has great protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
vivo X100 Pro: Strengths
- Blazing-Fast Performance: Its Dimensity 9300 chip is a beast, outperforming the Xperia 5 IV in almost every benchmark.
- Stunning Display: The larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display is incredibly vibrant and bright, making it perfect for media consumption and HDR content.
- Superior Camera System: The 1-inch main sensor, along with the wide angle and the telephoto macro lens, makes this phone a great choice for photography lovers.
- Incredible Charging Speeds: 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging mean less downtime.
- Newer Operating System: Android 14 with possible upgrades to Android 15.
- More Storage: It comes with significantly more storage options, up to 1TB.
- Modern Connectivity: Boasts WiFi 7, Wi-Fi HaLow, Wi-Fi MiMO and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more reliable connections.
- Additional camera features: Cinematic Mode, Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Gimbal, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode
Trade-Offs:
- Size vs. Portability: The Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable, while the X100 Pro's larger size makes it less so.
- Performance vs. Price: The X100 Pro comes with better specs, however that might be reflected in a higher price point.
- Battery vs. Charging: While the X100 Pro has a slightly larger battery, its real advantage lies in its fast charging capabilities.
- Camera: While X100 Pro has the advantage in general, Sony has a dedicated telephoto camera.
- User Experience: The Sony is known for a more "stock" Android experience, while vivo's software might be more customized, which can be a pro or a con, depending on preferences.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Ideal For:
- Users Who Value Portability: Perfect for those who prioritize a compact, easy-to-handle phone.
- Content Creators: Great for those who want a compact camera that captures accurate colors and detailed footage and that appreciate having a telephoto camera.
- Audiophiles: Excellent for users who appreciate high-fidelity audio for music and video.
- Fans of Stock Android: If you prefer a clean, unbloated Android experience.
vivo X100 Pro: Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need the absolute best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The camera system offers exceptional detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
- Media Consumers: Great for enjoying video content, playing games, and browsing with a big, bright display.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: If you need to quickly top up your phone's battery.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider before choosing between these phones:
What's my top priority: Portability or Performance?
- If portability and single-handed use are crucial, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- If performance and media consumption are paramount, the X100 Pro is the way to go.
How important is camera performance and detail?
- If you want a complete range of focal lengths and don't need the best image quality, the Sony is great.
- If you need the highest detail, dynamic range, low-light performance and overall performance, the X100 Pro is the clear choice.
Do I prioritize stock Android or customization?
- If you value a clean Android interface, the Xperia 5 IV is more suitable.
- If a customized experience is appealing and you don't mind a slightly more complex interface, the vivo will fit that.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Travel Photographer
- Recommendation: vivo X100 Pro. Its superior camera system and dynamic range capabilities are ideal for capturing high-quality images, and the fast charging ensures you're always ready to shoot.
Scenario 2: On-the-Go Professional
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV. It's compact and easy to handle, and it excels in audio quality for calls and media. The stock Android experience will also feel familiar and convenient for professional workflows.
Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: vivo X100 Pro. The blazing-fast performance, stunning display, and fast charging make it a beast for gaming.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro. While the Sony Xperia 5 IV's compact form factor and more "stock" Android experience is appealing, the X100 Pro's sheer power, incredible camera capabilities, larger display, and charging speeds make it a much more compelling daily driver for me. As a tech journalist, I also appreciate the latest and greatest technology, and the X100 Pro offers that in spades, from its cutting-edge chipset to its advanced camera system. The superior performance would be a significant boost to my daily work and testing.
