Alright, let’s break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. We’ve got a classic matchup here: a sleek, performance-focused contender against a budget-friendly all-rounder. I’m here to help you figure out which one is right for you, moving beyond the spec sheets and into real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty with a side-by-side comparison, keeping in mind what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Sony is more compact and pocketable. Xiaomi is larger, good for media consumption but less pocketable. Same thickness on both. |
| Weight | 172g | 199g | Sony is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front; Unknown back | Gorilla Glass 3 front; Unknown back | Sony is more resistant to scratches and cracks on the front with better Gorilla Glass protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.79" | Xiaomi offers a bigger screen for immersive media consumption; Sony is more manageable in one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2460 | Both are sharp enough for typical use; difference is very minor. |
| Pixel Density | 449 PPI | 396 PPI | Sony has sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Sony provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the LCD of the Xiaomi. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Sony offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both offer similar levels of brightness based on this data; further investigation is needed |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Sony has a much more powerful chip, meaning significantly faster apps, better multitasking and gaming, more demanding tasks are done quicker. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 456,552 | Sony performs more than twice as fast in benchmarks, showcasing its superior processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 613 | Sony provides much better graphical performance, a crucial factor for gaming and graphical applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Sony has a lower resolution sensor but a larger pixel size and wider aperture, which improves image quality in low light, Xiaomi takes sharper images with higher resolution sensor. |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Sony has higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Sony offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Sony offers a wider perspective for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate bokeh effects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps HDR with OIS and EIS | 1080p@30fps | Sony supports higher video resolutions and more advanced stabilization features for smoother, more professional-looking videos. |
| DxOMark Score | 119 | 63 | Sony's camera performs significantly better in most conditions. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should provide comparable battery life based on capacity, but actual usage will affect the battery life significantly. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Sony recharges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Charging Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Sony offers bypass charging for less battery stress when gaming, and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Xiaomi comes with newer Android version out of the box; Sony is upgradable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Sony supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for better speed and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Sony has a more recent Bluetooth version with more audio features. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | Sony offers more accurate location tracking due to the extra band. |
| SIM | Dual (Nano + eSIM) | Dual (Nano + Nano) | Sony provides eSIM support for digital carrier switching, giving more flexibility and the ability to use two numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both provide the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Sony has a fixed 8GB RAM, Xiaomi has variants based on price and preference. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | Sony offers enhanced audio with Hi-Res and spatial audio from Dolby Atmos, with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors, for quick access and security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Sony has a full suite of sensors including gyroscope, barometer, Hall and others. Useful for gaming, AR, and location-based services. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths
- Powerhouse Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Adreno 730 GPU mean you get flagship-level speed, ideal for demanding games and applications.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is a big step up in image quality and smoothness.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens setup, including a telephoto and wide-angle lens, coupled with 4K 120fps video recording with OIS and EIS, makes this a capable camera for various situations.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers enhance the media consumption experience.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Includes WiFi 6 and Dual-band GPS for better and more reliable wireless connections and location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Makes it convenient to switch between carriers.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths
- Budget-Friendly: It offers 5G connectivity and a large display at a more accessible price point.
- Large Display: The 6.79" screen is ideal for consuming media.
- Decent Main Camera: It has a 50MP sensor for everyday shots with reasonable quality.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, meaning you have the latest features.
- Comparable Battery Life: Shares the same battery capacity as the Sony Xperia 5 IV, meaning it should have similar battery life.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Sony: Significantly more expensive and lacks expandable storage.
- Xiaomi: Underpowered compared to the Sony, with a less vibrant display and a more basic camera system. It offers the bare minimum of what is expected nowadays.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV: Best for power users, content creators, and gamers. It is also suitable for individuals who value a superior audio and video experience and like the flexibility of eSIM.
- Use Case: Mobile gaming, 4K video recording, high-quality media consumption, and professional photography.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Ideal for budget-conscious users who need a large display for media consumption and basic tasks. It is a great choice for casual users who value battery life and are satisfied with decent image quality.
- Use Case: Watching movies, browsing social media, light gaming, and general everyday use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What is your priority: performance or affordability? If you need a device that can handle everything you throw at it, go for the Sony. If you just need a decent phone at the best price point, then the Xiaomi is the better option.
- How important is camera quality and video capabilities to you? If a high-quality camera system is essential for your lifestyle, the Sony is the clear winner. If it is not a priority, Xiaomi has an adequate camera for day-to-day photography.
- Do you prefer a compact or a larger phone? The Sony's compact form factor is perfect for one-handed use and those who prefer a more pocketable design. If you prefer a big screen, the Xiaomi is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
The Tech Enthusiast/Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV, with its high-end performance, great display, and superior camera, is the ultimate choice.
The Casual User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers a large display, decent battery life, and 5G connectivity at a much lower price.
The Photographer/Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV's advanced camera system and 4K 120fps video recording capabilities are more suitable for photography enthusiasts or content creators.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As someone who values performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, the Sony is the clear winner for me. The significant performance leap with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 means a smoother experience with demanding applications, while the OLED display and superior camera system would significantly enhance my photography and video creation. While it's a higher investment, the Sony Xperia 5 IV provides a much better overall package, and I believe I would get more enjoyment out of this device over the Xiaomi.
