Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro. Both phones have their unique strengths, and understanding where they excel will help you decide which best fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Xperia is more compact and pocketable. Poco is larger, may feel less comfortable in one hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 181g | Xperia is lighter, which can improve comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Poco's larger screen offers more immersive viewing for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are sharp, but Xperia has a slightly higher pixel count, potentially sharper text. |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 395 ppi | Xperia's display is noticeably sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both offer identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Xperia offers significantly faster processing, better for demanding games and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 609,106 | Xperia has considerably higher performance, noticeable in app responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Xperia's GPU provides smoother gaming experience for high-end titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Poco's main sensor is higher resolution, Xperia has a wider aperture and larger pixels on the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | Poco offers slightly higher resolution, Xperia has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | None | Xperia has an optical zoom, which is great for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Xperia captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Poco has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, OIS & EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Xperia provides a higher frame rate at 4k and includes optical and electronic stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Not Tested | Only Xperia has been rated, and shows overall very good camera capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity for a full day of use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco charges much faster, which can be very convenient for a quick boost. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xperia provides advanced features: bypass charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | Both are based on Android OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have fast and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE & Extensive Profiles | 5.2 LE | Both have advanced Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | Comprehensive Satellite Support | Basic Satellite Support | Xperia provides better location accuracy, for precise navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Xperia offers the flexibility of an eSIM, great for digital carrier management. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have ample storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia provides better audio quality for audiophiles and enthusiasts, offers more features and capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xperia has superior screen protection for better durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite including barometer | Basic Sensor Suite | Xperia supports an extensive range of sensors that can be helpful for gaming and in specific scenarios. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset significantly outperforms the 778G, making it a powerhouse for gaming and intensive apps.
- Display Sharpness: Its higher pixel density display offers noticeably sharper text and images.
- Camera System: A versatile triple-lens system, including a telephoto lens, excellent video capabilities, and superior stabilization for smooth videos.
- Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio support and front firing speakers, offering immersive and high-fidelity audio experiences.
- Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection provides excellent scratch and shatter resistance.
- Additional Features: Offers unique features like reverse charging, bypass charging, eSIM support, advanced Bluetooth profiles and more robust GPS.
- DxoMark Rating: Its camera has been tested and shows good photo and video capabilities.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Strengths:
- Display Size: A larger screen that is ideal for watching videos and gaming.
- Charging Speed: 67W fast charging greatly reduces the time spent plugged into the wall.
- Main Camera Resolution: Its 108MP main sensor is high-resolution, capturing more detail.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: Usually more affordable, offering a good balance of features and performance.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens is a fun addition for close-up photography enthusiasts.
Trade-offs:
- Xperia 5 IV: The smaller screen might be a drawback for those who prefer larger displays, and slower charging speeds.
- Poco X5 Pro: Doesn't match the performance, camera capabilities, and superior features of the Xperia, or the quality of its screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is Ideal For:
- Power Users & Gamers: The high-performance chipset handles demanding applications and high-end mobile games effortlessly.
- Content Creators: The advanced camera features, excellent video recording capabilities and audio features cater to users who need top-tier multimedia capabilities.
- Audiophiles: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio, front facing stereo speakers and advanced bluetooth support make the phone ideal for listening to high quality audio with exceptional clarity.
- Users Requiring Durability & Feature Richness: If you value the durability of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection, eSIM support, advance Bluetooth features, and robust GPS capabilities, the Xperia is a strong option.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: If you prioritize a large screen for watching videos and casual gaming, this phone excels in this space.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Provides a good balance of features and solid performance at a more accessible price point.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The high-resolution 108MP camera and additional macro lens cater well to users who enjoy mobile photography at the entry level.
- Users Looking for Fast Charging: 67W fast charging is ideal for those who need quick battery top-ups.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions to Guide Your Choice:
- Do you prioritize high performance for gaming and demanding apps?
- Do you prefer a more compact size and are you willing to trade off a smaller display for premium features and superior cameras?
- Do you value fast charging and a more affordable price over high end camera features and performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner with its top-tier processor and GPU.
- For the mobile photographer: While both are good, the Xperia's versatile camera system, stabilization, and DxoMark rating make it the better choice.
- For the multimedia lover: If the extra screen size is paramount, the Poco X5 Pro's larger display is appealing. If the quality of the display, audio, and superior camera capabilities are more important to you, the Xperia is the clear choice.
- For the everyday user: If budget is a key consideration, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro provides good value. If you prefer superior quality, performance, advanced features, and durability, the Xperia is the better choice.
What I would choose
If I had to choose between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro, I would personally go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. My reasoning is that the performance offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, coupled with the superior camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens, makes it a more versatile and powerful device for my daily use. As someone who values the quality and reliability of the camera, the better video stabilization, and having front-firing speakers with Hi-Res Audio support for listening to high quality audio content, the Xperia is the clear choice. Though I do appreciate the larger display of the Poco, the smaller and more compact design of the Xperia is more appealing to me, especially for one-handed use.
