Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. I've structured this analysis to be as clear and actionable as possible, focusing on real-world implications rather than just raw specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these differences mean for you:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably more compact and easier to handle one-handed. The Redmi Note 12 is larger, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 172g | 188g | The Xperia 5 IV feels lighter in hand, which can be a significant factor for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xperia 5 IV’s screen will be more resistant to scratches and drops, a great bonus for phone longevity. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing. Xperia 5 IV's smaller size means a more pocketable device. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly sharper, but the difference will be subtle for most users. |
| PPI | 449 | 395 | Higher pixel density on the Xperia 5 IV means sharper, clearer images and text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, however, AMOLED often has better brightness and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has a HUGE advantage here, with much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly higher processing power for demanding tasks and gaming. The Redmi Note 12 is more suitable for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 460,800 | Xperia 5 IV offers a significantly smoother and faster user experience, especially for intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 48MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xperia 5 IV captures higher quality photos due to the larger sensor and pixel size even with lower MP, especially in low light. Xiaomi has a higher resolution, but not always better in quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0, 1.25µm | 13MP f/2.45, 1.12µm | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture for better low light performance, though slightly lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens that gives optical zoom capabilities, allowing for much better zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Xperia 5 IV captures much higher quality wide shots thanks to a larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 allows for close-up macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120fps | 1080p 30fps | Xperia 5 IV offers much higher quality video with more features like OIS and EIS, allowing for amazing quality video. |
| DXOMARK Camera Score | 119 | 69 | Xperia 5 IV has a vastly superior camera system based on DXOMARK scores, both in photo and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, but actual battery life will vary based on usage and software optimizations. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster, but both are in the same ballpark for fast charging. |
| Charging Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia 5 IV has additional features like bypass charging, allowing you to use your phone while plugged in, and reverse charging to charge another device. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Xperia 5 IV is already upgradable to Android 13, giving the user a much newer experience. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xperia 5 IV has a more modern Wi-Fi, allowing for better speeds and latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Xperia 5 IV features a slightly more recent Bluetooth for newer protocols and better performance. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8GB | Xperia 5 IV comes with 8GB RAM, which is sufficient for any task. Redmi Note 12 has varied RAM, so the higher the better. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic | Xperia 5 IV has high quality audio, creating a better overall experience. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Xperia 5 IV has eSIM capabilities, allowing for a digital sim, in addition to 2 physical SIM cards. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Ultrasonic Proximity | Xperia 5 IV offers a barometer to show air pressure. Xiaomi has ultrasonic proximity for a more accurate reading. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: This phone is a powerhouse in a compact form factor. It excels in performance, camera quality, and audio. The smaller size also makes it very ergonomic and easy to handle. It is for users who prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and audio quality, offering a premium experience in a smaller package.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: This phone is all about value for money, with a focus on a large, bright display and decent battery life. It offers a larger screen and better outdoor visibility, making it great for media consumption and basic use. It is tailored for users who need a reliable, affordable phone with a large screen for media and everyday tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Sony Xperia 5 IV):
- Use Case: Gamers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts who need a high-performance phone that can handle demanding tasks. The smaller size of this phone is great for ease of use and the better performance is great for heavy games. The higher quality audio is great for video watching.
- Why: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, top-notch cameras, and superior audio capabilities make this a great option for those who require the best performance.
- For the Budget-Conscious User (Xiaomi Redmi Note 12):
- Use Case: Users who want a reliable, affordable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption. They would need a phone with good outdoor visibility.
- Why: The Redmi Note 12 offers a large, bright screen, long battery life, and a capable camera for a much lower price. This is a great option for anyone looking to save money and still get a great phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your main priority? Performance and premium camera experience (Xperia 5 IV) or a large screen and good value (Redmi Note 12)?
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you are frequently in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi's much brighter screen may be a bigger factor.
- Do you prioritize size and portability? The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably smaller and lighter, better for one-handed use and portability. The Redmi Note 12 is larger and heavier, potentially better for larger hands.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a serious photographer: Go for the Xperia 5 IV for better photo quality, more lenses and advanced features.
- If you need a phone for mobile gaming: The Xperia 5 IV will offer a significantly better gaming experience due to the superior chipset and GPU.
- If you need a reliable all-rounder at a good price: The Redmi Note 12 is the way to go. It gives a good enough experience for a reasonable price.
- If you want the best audio experience: The Xperia 5 IV gives a much higher quality audio, and is worth it for video watchers.
What Would I Choose?
For me, I would go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value performance, camera quality, and cutting-edge features. The Xperia 5 IV offers a premium, high-performance experience in a form factor that fits well in the pocket, and is great for ease of use. The camera system has a higher quality and is better for all scenarios, which makes the photo quality worth the extra money. The better video quality is also a great benefit for me. The better processing power and features like bypass charging and reverse charging are a big bonus in my book, as well.
While the Redmi Note 12 is a great value option with a large, bright screen, the Xperia 5 IV is more suited to my needs and tech preferences. I appreciate the superior quality of the build, the better quality of the display and, ultimately, the overall user experience.
