Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to translate this spec sheet into real-world insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, focusing on practical implications for daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm, 172g | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm, 183.5g | Xperia 5 IV is more compact and lighter, easier for one-handed use; Redmi Note 12 is larger and slightly heavier |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xperia 5 IV offers superior scratch and shatter resistance; Redmi Note 12 offers standard protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 provides a more immersive viewing experience; Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel count |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 395 | Xperia 5 IV has a noticeably sharper display with more detailed text and images |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display technology, both with deep blacks and vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has much better outdoor visibility in bright conditions; Xperia display is an outlier |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Xperia 5 IV provides vastly superior performance; Smoother multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 338,900 | Xperia 5 IV is over 200% faster, meaning dramatically smoother app performance; Redmi is more budget oriented |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Xperia 5 IV has much stronger graphics processing capabilities for gaming and graphically intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | Xperia 5 IV has larger sensor and pixel sizes, capturing more light; Redmi has higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.0, 1.25µm) | 13MP (f/2.45, 1.12µm) | Xperia 5 IV has wider aperture for better low-light; Redmi has slightly higher resolution |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm) | None | Xperia 5 IV has optical zoom for better image quality at a distance |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm) | Xperia 5 IV's wide-angle lens captures more detail with a larger sensor; Redmis is less detailed |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Redmi has a dedicated Macro lens; Xperia lacks macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia 5 IV supports higher-quality video with 4K recording at up to 120fps; Redmis does not |
| Camera DXOMark | Mobile (119), Photo (121), Video (113) | Mobile (63), Photo (54), Video (66) | Xperia 5 IV has a substantially better camera, scoring nearly twice as much as the Redmi for both video and photo |
| Features | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Ultra stable video, PDAF | Digital Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization | Xperia 5 IV has additional advanced video and photography features; The Redmi is more basic |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity for comparable endurance |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster, but both have fast charging |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Reverse charging | Xperia 5 IV can charge without using the battery; Both phones can share their charge |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 has a more recent version of Android out of the box, but both are upgradable |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Xperia 5 IV supports faster Wi-Fi speeds; Redmi has older but still capable standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer version of Bluetooth with more advanced features and better battery efficiency |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, L1+L5 | Single band GPS | Xperia 5 IV offers superior positioning accuracy; Redmi offers a basic solution |
| SIM | eSIM + Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV offers more connectivity options; Redmi has a standard dual SIM card setup |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same max storage; Xperia does not offer the 64GB option, Redmi offers a basic model |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Both are capable of basic tasks, Xperia is a better multitasker; Depending on variant, Redmi's RAM can be less than Xperia's |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose storage option carefully |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic features | Xperia 5 IV has superior audio for both headphones and speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature a basic, but fast fingerprint scanner for security |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia 5 IV includes additional environmental sensors for advanced features; Redmi offers a basic setup |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: A Powerhouse in a Compact Body
- Strengths: This phone is a performance beast with a top-tier Snapdragon chipset, a premium camera system, and superior audio features. It's designed for users who want a high-end experience in a more manageable form factor. The higher pixel density provides an edge to the user experience as well.
- Competitive Advantages: Its camera, with a larger sensor, telephoto lens, and 4K video at 120 fps, combined with powerful processor and dual band GPS make it much more suitable for photography and video. Its superior build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus. The inclusion of bypass charging is also beneficial to users who want to use the phone while charging.
- Trade-offs: The display brightness is not sufficient for heavy sunlight use and it has no expandable storage, so users will be stuck with the on board storage.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: Value-Focused and Reliable
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 4G stands out for its large, vibrant display with high peak brightness and its solid battery. It's a reliable daily driver that handles everyday tasks smoothly.
- Competitive Advantages: Its lower price makes it a very accessible option for users on a tighter budget, while not having many cut backs to usability. The Redmi shines with a brighter display outdoors for heavy sunlight usage.
- Trade-offs: Its performance is not as impressive as the Xperia, its camera system does not compare, and the absence of a telephoto lens and high-resolution video. The older Bluetooth standard and lack of dual band GPS may also affect the user.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, photography buffs, and users who prioritize performance, audio, and a premium experience in a more pocketable size. Gamers looking for great graphics, dual-band GPS and excellent performance would appreciate this.
- Use Cases: High-quality video recording, demanding mobile gaming, detailed photography, immersive media consumption, and seamless multitasking.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, and those who prioritize a larger screen, reliable battery, and great visibility under the sun.
- Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, watching videos, everyday apps, and for people who don't want to worry about the battery, as it's adequate for a full day of use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Do you need the best camera, high video quality, and top performance? If yes, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- Is screen brightness a top concern? If yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G will be better suited.
- Is your budget a significant factor? If yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the more economical option without compromising on basic usability.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the best choice due to its powerful processing, advanced camera, and top notch audio.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the better option, it provides excellent value for the cost and has great usability with a large screen and adequate battery.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is more suitable because of its larger display, bright screen, long battery life and is more affordable.
- The Photography/Video Lover: The Sony Xperia 5 IV with its advanced camera system and higher video recording resolution would provide a more satisfying experience.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Despite the lack of a bright display, my primary use cases revolve around demanding tasks, photography, and video capture, where the Xperia shines. The vastly superior performance, premium camera with its telephoto lens and the inclusion of 4K video at 120fps and overall superior audio features, outweigh the downsides in my opinion. While the Redmi offers a more affordable package, the Xperia is simply a more complete device that checks all the boxes for the features that I value the most.
