Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'll break it down with my usual engineering-eye approach, keeping it accessible and practical for everyday users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table outlining the key differences between these two phones, focusing on what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable; Redmi 12 is larger for better media consumption |
| Weight | 172g | 198.5g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a larger screen, better for movies and games; Xperia 5 IV is easier to handle |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2460 | Both offer crisp visuals, but differences are very small |
| Pixel Density | 449 ppi | 396 ppi | Xperia 5 IV will have sharper text and images |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 5 IV has richer colors, better blacks, and superior contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to evaluate based on available data; both appear to have similar brightness (however this is suspect as it is clearly a mistake) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Xperia 5 IV is vastly more powerful, better for gaming, demanding apps, and future-proofing |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 249,400 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster across the board |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV will handle graphics-intensive tasks with ease |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and wider aperture, generally better in low light |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Xperia 5 IV will capture higher-resolution selfies with more light |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | N/A | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Xperia 5 IV will capture wider shots with more details |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 5 IV can capture much higher resolution videos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity and should last a full day for most users |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Xperia 5 IV charges significantly faster |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Xperia 5 IV offers unique charging features, while Redmi 12 can be used to charge other devices |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has a more recent OS |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xperia 5 IV supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have similar storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB, 6GB or 8GB | Both have similar RAM options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xperia 5 IV has a superior audio experience with better spatial audio, higher quality playback and better immersion |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony's screen has Gorilla Glass protection for improved durability |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Sony has extra environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Strengths:
- Performance Beast: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset makes this phone a powerhouse. Expect snappy performance, smooth multitasking, and high-end gaming capabilities.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel, coupled with a higher pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate, offers a vibrant and fluid visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: With a larger sensor, wider aperture, and the addition of telephoto and ultra wide-angle lenses, it is a camera centric phone capable of high quality images
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support provide an exceptional audio experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
Competitive Advantages:
- Compact size and lighter build for one-handed use.
- Top-tier performance in all tasks due to the flagship processor.
- More versatile camera system with telephoto lens and 4K video at 120fps.
- Premium audio features for enthusiasts.
Trade-offs:
- No expandable storage, so you're limited to 256 GB at most.
- Uses a slightly older Android OS, but that is likely to be upgraded soon.
- Likely to be more expensive than the Xiaomi.
Xiaomi Redmi 12
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: The bigger 6.79" screen is great for media consumption and browsing.
- Macro Lens: This allows for close-up photography.
- More recent OS: The Android 13 OS is more recent than that of the Sony.
Competitive Advantages:
- Larger display for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- More recent Android version out of the box.
- Likely to be more affordable, catering to budget-conscious users.
Trade-offs:
- Significantly lower performance due to the Helio G88 chip.
- The display is less sharp and lacks the vibrancy of an OLED panel.
- The camera system is basic compared to the Xperia 5 IV.
- Slower 18W charging speed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who crave high performance, advanced features, and a premium user experience.
- Content Creators: Those who value high-quality photo and video capabilities with a versatile camera system and audio.
- Gamers: Users who demand smooth and responsive performance in mobile games.
- Users Who Prefer a More Compact Phone: Those who find large phones cumbersome and prefer a device that's easy to handle.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a large screen device at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks.
- Users Who Prioritize a Larger Display: Those who enjoy movies, games, and other media and want the largest possible screen experience.
- Photography Hobbyists: Those who want a basic camera with a macro lens for close-up photography
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you value high performance for gaming and demanding apps, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice. If you're mostly using your phone for basic tasks, the Redmi 12 is sufficient.
- How do you plan to use the camera? If photography is a priority and you want more versatility, the Xperia 5 IV's camera system is superior. If you want a simple camera for everyday photos, the Redmi 12 is adequate.
- What's your budget? The Redmi 12 will likely be more affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious users. If budget is not a primary concern, then the Xperia is a superior phone in almost all regards.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, paired with a 120Hz OLED screen and superior cooling, makes it ideal for demanding games.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12. It provides a good enough experience for basic tasks, a larger screen, and it's kinder to the wallet.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Its versatile camera system offers multiple focal lengths, better low-light performance, and greater video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Audio Enthusiast Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Its Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support make this the right phone if this is your main focus
- Scenario 5: Need a Large Screen on a Budget Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12. While not as high-fidelity as the Sony, it provides a large screen experience on a small budget.
My Pick
Personally, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As a tech journalist and smartphone enthusiast, I appreciate the power and versatility it offers. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, the superior OLED display, and the advanced camera system make it a more compelling device for my needs. While I find the Xiaomi Redmi 12 to be a decent budget phone, the Xperia offers a substantial upgrade in almost every aspect that I look for in a phone, while also still being relatively compact and easy to handle.
I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make an informed decision. Let me know if you have any other questions!
