Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. It's always interesting to see how different manufacturers approach the same market segment, and these two phones offer some compelling choices.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key technical specifications, coupled with real-world implications to help you understand what each spec means for daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro is larger and may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 187g | The Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen), IP65/IP68 | Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Xperia 5 IV has superior scratch and drop resistance on the screen, while both are durable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a larger screen, more immersive for videos and gaming, Xperia is better for one-handed usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Both screens are sharp, but Xperia offers higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 449 | 395 | Xperia 5 IV has a sharper display, text and images will appear clearer. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; both are energy efficient |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, equally good for both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is dramatically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming, the MediaTek is good for day to day use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 573,200 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster in benchmarks, ensuring smooth performance and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia offers superior graphics processing power for gaming and graphically intense apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has higher resolution, Xperia has wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities with the dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 8MP, f/1.9 | Xperia 5 IV captures wide shots with higher resolution, but Redmi Note 12 Pro has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K at 30fps, OIS | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced video features, including higher frame rates and HDR support, both have video stabilization |
| DXOMark Mobile | 119 (Photo: 121, Video: 113) | 102 (Photo: 108, Video: 98) | Xperia 5 IV has much higher camera scores, especially in video performance. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Triple cam, HDR, RAW | Night mode, Manual focus, Triple cam, HDR, RAW | Xperia has optical zoom while the Redmi has night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, convenient for users on the go. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia 5 IV offers bypass charging for prolonged usage and reverse charging to power other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Xperia 5 IV is upgradable to Android 13, while the Redmi doesn't have a maximum version specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Dual Band, Direct, Display | 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Dual Band, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both offer good connectivity options, the Redmi has MiMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, LDAC, aptX | 5.2 LE, LDAC | Both offer modern Bluetooth capabilities, the Xperia offers some advanced audio connectivity options like aptX. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both have excellent GPS with multiple systems; the Xperia also has dual frequency GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Xperia offers the flexibility of an eSIM, while both can use two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both provide sufficient storage options for most users, with similar variants available. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a 12 GB option, useful for demanding multitasking, though Xperia will provide better overall performance due to the better processor. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV offers Hi-Res Audio and enhanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have quick, efficient, side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia 5 IV includes additional Barometer sensor for precise weather and location tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides substantially higher performance, making it smoother and faster for demanding applications and gaming.
- Superior Camera System: The Xperia 5 IV has superior video capabilities, better DXOMark scores, a dedicated telephoto lens, and optical zoom capabilities, which overall leads to better camera quality in more situations.
- Premium Display Quality: Sharper display with higher pixel density results in a clearer and crisper visual experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio support makes the device an audiophile's choice.
- Advanced Features: Bypass charging for longer usage while plugged in, reverse wireless charging, superior screen protection and environmental sensors.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The screen gets significantly brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in sunny conditions.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging speed is much quicker, making it convenient for users who need to charge their phones quickly.
- Additional Macro Lens: Provides greater versatility in photography with a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- More RAM Option: Option for 12 GB RAM is useful for extreme multitasking, though might not be very necessary as the chipset is not the fastest.
Trade-offs:
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a significantly dimmer screen compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro. This is a big limitation, especially in outdoor usage.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro sacrifices processing power for more RAM and a larger screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and anyone who prioritizes performance, camera quality, and premium features.
- Use Cases: Perfect for users who enjoy photography, video recording, mobile gaming, or need a phone that can handle heavy apps and multitasking without any hiccups.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its price with high-end components and features; may be worth the investment for those who value performance and camera quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, general consumers who need a larger display and fast charging, multimedia consumption, and those who want a versatile camera system with a macro lens.
- Use Cases: Great for everyday tasks, watching videos, browsing social media, and casual gaming. The brighter display is useful for outdoor use, and the fast charging is convenient.
- Price-to-Value: An excellent option for its price, especially considering the fast charging and bright display, however, lacks higher end performance and premium feel.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide which phone is better for you, consider these questions:
How important is raw performance for your daily usage?
- If critical: Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner with the much faster Snapdragon processor.
- If not as important: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro's MediaTek chip will still perform well for most tasks, so it's good for the budget-conscious users.
Do you often use your phone in bright sunlight, or do you need a more versatile camera system?
- If outdoor visibility is important: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro with its brighter display is a better choice.
- If camera versatility is important: Sony Xperia 5 IV with better camera scores and optical zoom will lead to better results in most situations, but the Redmi will take better macro shots.
Do you value battery charging speeds or unique hardware features?
- If fast charging is most important The Redmi is the obvious choice with 67W charging
- If advanced features such as reverse wireless charging and bypass charging are desired The Xperia is the winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you need a phone for intense gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a clear choice.
- For the Everyday User: If you want a phone for daily use with great battery life and a large screen, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro will be an excellent value for money.
- For the Camera Enthusiast: If the best camera quality is your main concern and you don't mind sacrificing other aspects, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is your pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a brighter display and faster charging, the Xperia 5 IV wins in the most critical aspects for me: it has a more powerful processor that will keep the device fast and smooth for years, the camera system is more versatile with the telephoto lens and better optical zoom, and it has more robust high-end features such as bypass charging and better build quality. The Xperia is geared towards the user that needs that higher performance.
