Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. These two phones, while both aiming for the premium mid-range, take very different approaches. Let's break down the specs and see where each one shines.
Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get the technicals straight with a detailed table:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Sony is more compact and pocketable; Xiaomi is larger, potentially better for media consumption |
| Weight | 172g | 208.4g | Sony is significantly lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Sony offers better screen protection from scratches and drops |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Xiaomi has a larger display, better for immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Sony has a slightly sharper display with more pixels |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 395 | Sony's screen is noticeably sharper, with finer details visible |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter, much better in direct sunlight. Sony's is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Sony has a much more powerful chipset for demanding tasks and gaming |
| AnTuTu Benchmark Score | 1,021,542 | 573,100 | Sony provides far superior performance for gaming and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Sony has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive applications and gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (MP) | 12MP | 200MP | Xiaomi has a much higher megapixel count for theoretically more detailed photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.65 | Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.4" | Xiaomi has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail |
| Selfie Camera (MP) | 12MP | 16MP | Xiaomi has a higher resolution selfie camera |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Sony has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Sony offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, 1/2.55" | 8MP, 1/2.8" | Sony has a higher resolution and larger wide-angle sensor |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Sony offers much better video capabilities including 4k at 120fps |
| Camera Performance (DxOMark) | Overall: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Overall: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | Sony is slightly better for photos and overall, but Xiaomi has better video capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life in typical use |
| Charging | 30W | 120W | Xiaomi has much faster charging speeds, significantly reducing charging time |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Sony has more charging feature options; bypass charging is ideal for extended gaming |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Xiaomi will have one more Android version upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both phones offer the same Bluetooth version and support key profiles |
| GPS | Extensive multi-system support | Standard multi-system support | Sony has more comprehensive GPS support for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Sony offers more flexibility with eSIM support for international travel or secondary lines |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Xiaomi offers up to 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers external storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both offer premium audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer convenient biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Sony includes Barometer for more advanced readings |
Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV: The Compact Powerhouse
- Strengths: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a masterclass in balancing compact design with raw performance. It boasts a much more powerful chipset and GPU, a sharper display, better video recording capabilities, and a more feature-rich set of sensors. Sony provides more advanced features like bypass charging, reverse charging, and optical zoom
- Competitive Advantages: The compact size, coupled with the high-end performance, is the Xperia’s biggest win. It also offers a high level of control over the camera settings, appealing to photography enthusiasts. The advanced video recording capabilities also put the phone in a class of its own.
- Trade-offs: The brightness of the screen is unlisted, which could be a problem for outdoor use. It also charges much slower than the Xiaomi, and only comes with a single RAM option of 8GB.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: The All-Rounder with Killer Charging
- Strengths: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ shines with its super-fast 120W charging, a larger and brighter screen and a 200MP main camera. It also offers more RAM options for intensive multi-tasking.
- Competitive Advantages: The significantly faster charging and the vibrant, brighter display gives the Xiaomi an edge in practicality. It also boasts a massive 200MP camera, and an added macro lens making it a more versatile camera system.
- Trade-offs: The performance is less potent than the Sony, and the build quality is not as good as the Sony with the older Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It also lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and its video recording capabilities can't keep up with Sony's.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, photographers/videographers, gamers, and users who prefer a compact device with premium performance.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, creative content creation (photo and video), and people who need a powerful, pocketable device with lots of professional features.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but offers a true flagship experience in a compact form.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a large, bright display, long battery life with super fast charging, and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases: Media consumption (movies, shows, social media), general photography, and people needing a reliable all-around phone without needing the top tier performance.
- Price-to-Value: Provides excellent value for the price, offering a lot of features without the premium cost.
Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Performance vs. Convenience: Do you need raw power for gaming and demanding tasks, or do you prefer convenience and a large, bright screen? If the former, choose the Sony. If the latter, choose the Xiaomi.
- Size Matters: Are you okay with a larger phone, or do you prefer something that’s easier to handle with one hand? Sony is smaller, and much more comfortable for one-handed use. Xiaomi is much larger, and more comfortable for media consumption.
- Camera Versatility: Do you need optical zoom and the best video recording capabilities, or do you prefer a versatile camera system with a higher megapixel count and added macro lens? If the former, go with the Sony, if the latter, go with the Xiaomi.
Scenario Recommendations:
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you're chasing top-tier performance and professional camera controls, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner. It offers a much more potent chipset, and better video capabilities.
- The Media Lover: If you want a large, bright display and long battery life with super-fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- The Photographer/Videographer: If you need advanced creative controls and features, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice. If you prefer a high megapixel count, and more versatile lenses for everyday photography, go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- The Value Seeker: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better bang for your buck.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Xiaomi offers a great all-round experience, the Sony's compact form factor coupled with top-tier performance and advanced camera features is more appealing to me. As someone who appreciates the technical details, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the advanced video capabilities, optical zoom and sharper display is just too good to pass up. I also value the extra set of sensors the Sony offers, and the better build quality. While the Xiaomi has the lead in battery charging and brightness, the Sony's bypass charging is also appealing. For me, the power, compactness, and feature-rich camera is the combination I value the most.
