Alright, let's break down the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. It's a classic showdown between a flagship-lite aiming for pro users and a midrange contender focused on value. We've got some interesting differences here that go beyond just spec sheets, so let's dive in!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact, while the Note 12S is slightly larger. |
| Weight | 172g | 176g | Both feel similar in hand; neither is particularly heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.43" | Note 12S gives you a larger canvas; Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 | 1080 x 2400 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 409 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly sharper |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer great color & contrast; minor difference in tech |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother scrolling, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S is better for use in direct sunlight; Xperia data missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers far superior CPU performance & speed |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 412,400 | Xperia 5 IV handles heavy apps, multitasking and intensive gaming way better. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV has much better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.80µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | Note 12S has higher resolution, but Xperia 5 IV has larger pixels for better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP, f/2.4, | Xperia 5 IV captures better quality selfies in all lighting |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.00µm | No | Xperia 5 IV has optical zoom for better quality at distance |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 IV has a higher-res wide lens for better landscape shots |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 12S allows for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | Xperia 5 IV offers professional-grade video capabilities with great quality. |
| Camera Features | 4K, OIS, EIS, RAW, Optical Zoom, PDAF | Digital Zoom, EIS, HDR | Xperia 5 IV provides advanced features for serious photography enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark Score | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV has a superior camera experience verified by DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12S charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Xperia 5 IV has bypass charging for gaming while plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Note 12S comes with a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xperia 5 IV has faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support similar Bluetooth versions |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS | Xperia 5 IV provides more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xperia 5 IV allows for eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer similar maximum storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Xperia 5 IV is available in 8GB RAM only, the Xiaomi offers multiple options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Xperia 5 IV features Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both provide a similar security option |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xperia 5 IV offers more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xperia 5 IV offers additional sensors, including barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a significant performance advantage, making it ideal for heavy apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Camera: Superior optics and advanced features, including optical zoom and 4K video up to 120fps, position it as a top-tier choice for photography and videography.
- Display: While a smaller screen, it offers a slightly sharper image with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection.
- Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience for movies and music.
- Connectivity: The phone supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency.
- Features: It also includes bypass charging and an eSIM option for enhanced flexibility.
Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 5 IV is a powerhouse focused on performance, advanced camera features, and top-tier build quality. It excels where pro users need it most.
Trade-offs and Limitations: It may be pricier than the Redmi Note 12S and lacks expandable storage. The display brightness isn't listed in the dataset, however.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Strengths:
- Display: Larger screen is good for media consumption and everyday use. 1000 Nits of brightness makes it great for outdoor use.
- Camera: The 108MP main camera offers high-resolution photos, and a macro lens provides versatility for creative shots.
- Battery: Offers slightly faster charging.
- Software: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi Note 12S is a value-focused device that still offers good features and performs well for most everyday users.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: It falls short in the performance and video recording capabilities compared to the Xperia 5 IV. The quality of the wide and macro cameras is also far behind the Xperia.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone needing high-performance.
- Use Cases: Gaming, professional photography/videography, high-performance productivity, multimedia consumption with superior audio.
- Recommendation: Choose the Xperia 5 IV if you prioritize top-tier performance, professional-grade camera features, a robust build, and enhanced audio capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, students, casual photographers, and users who prioritize a larger display for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Social media, browsing, casual gaming, everyday photography, and basic productivity.
- Recommendation: Choose the Redmi Note 12S if you want a large display, decent camera, and are on a tighter budget. It’s a solid choice for day-to-day usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself before making a decision:
- What do you prioritize most: Cutting-edge performance and camera capabilities, or value and a large display?
- What's your budget? The Xperia 5 IV is likely to be significantly more expensive.
- What are your main use cases? Are you a heavy gamer or a casual user?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and High-Performance Users: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner due to its powerful Snapdragon chipset and 120Hz display.
- For Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Again, the Sony Xperia 5 IV provides superior image quality, optical zoom, and advanced video features.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S delivers a larger display, good battery life, and a capable camera at a more accessible price point.
- For Everyday Casual Users: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S will meet most needs, but if you have the budget, the better quality and faster Xperia 5 IV will provide a much better overall experience.
Personal Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Here's why:
I highly value performance and camera quality, which the Xperia 5 IV provides in spades. I also appreciate its more compact form factor, especially when considering it still packs an impressive 120Hz OLED display. The ability to shoot professional-quality video and capture great stills is very important to me. Furthermore, I'm confident the Xperia 5 IV will have a longer life and provide a more consistent experience over time, despite the higher upfront cost. While the Redmi Note 12S offers a compelling value proposition, the Xperia 5 IV simply provides a superior user experience that aligns with my needs and priorities.
