Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Sony Xperia 5 IV. As always, I'm going to focus not just on the specs, but how these differences play out in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, with an eye on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | The Xiaomi is larger and will feel more substantial in hand, while the Sony is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 172g | The Xperia is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Both offer excellent scratch resistance for everyday use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.1" | Xiaomi's larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The Sony provides a compact but still immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2520 | The Xiaomi boasts sharper, more detailed visuals due to a higher pixel density. The Sony still provides clear visuals but it's less sharp. |
| PPI | 521 | 449 | The Xiaomi's display will appear visibly sharper for text and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, though AMOLED is sometimes the preferred term for high quality OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones provide smooth animations and scrolling, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's display is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight, offering a significant advantage for users that are often outside. The Sony's brightness is unknown and may not be as readable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both phones have the same processor; they should offer very similar processing power for games and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,021,542 | The Xiaomi has a bit better overall performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical GPUs meaning very similar performance in graphical tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" IMX707 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" IMX557 | Xiaomi has higher resolution and a larger sensor, meaning better light gathering, but lower pixel size. Sony has a wider aperture with larger individual pixels, which excels in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS | The Xiaomi selfie camera is higher resolution, while the Sony offers a wider aperture for low light. The Sony has larger pixels. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" IMX650 | The Sony Xperia has an optical zoom, something the Xiaomi lacks |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" S5KJN1 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" IMX363 | The Xiaomi has higher resolution, while Sony has a bigger sensor, which will likely mean a little better low light and less noise. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" S5KJN1 | N/A | Xiaomi has a dedicated camera for depth sensing for portrait mode pictures. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 1920fps Slow-Mo | Up to 4K@120fps, 120fps Slow-Mo | The Xiaomi can capture 8K video but at a lower frame rate, while the Sony offers 4K up to 120fps. The Sony's OIS and EIS systems provide excellent video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 129 (Main), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | 119 (Main), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | The Xiaomi is slightly superior to the Sony in DxOMark scores, indicating slightly better image quality across all parameters. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Sony has a larger battery, meaning slightly longer usage per charge. |
| Charging | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless | 30W Wired | The Xiaomi offers incredibly fast charging capabilities compared to the Sony. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Xiaomi offers wireless charging, while the Sony has bypass charging to minimize heat when gaming while charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The Sony has an upgradable OS to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the current generation Wi-Fi 6 standard. Xiaomi has MIMO for faster connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 + Various Audio Profiles | Both are on version 5.2, with the Sony supporting a variety of audio profiles for enhanced connectivity. |
| GPS | Many Systems | Many Systems | Both phones offer solid GPS systems, with the Xiaomi supporting a few more specific standards and systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony offers the convenience of an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | Both offer similar storage capacities. |
| RAM | 8 GB/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi offers 12GB variant for heavier usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi offers 2 microphones and may have a slight edge in audio features, while both include Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Sony is usually a preferred choice for usability and ease. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall | Both phones feature full sensor suites, with each having some unique sensor additions. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: Its main advantage is its vibrant, high-resolution display with excellent brightness, coupled with very fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The higher benchmark scores also indicate slightly better overall performance. The 8K recording is also a great addition. Xiaomi's camera excels in daylight, as shown by its higher DxOMark photo score, and has better video and better sound quality with an additional microphone.
- Trade-offs: It is heavier and larger, which might make it less comfortable for some users. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and doesn't have the same level of video stabilization as the Sony.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Sony is the more compact and lightweight option, with a marginally better battery, excellent video stabilization, an optical zoom lens, and an upgradeable operating system. The inclusion of an eSIM is also a plus for international travelers. The larger pixels on the main camera and selfie camera also make it perform better in low light.
- Trade-offs: It has a lower-resolution display than the Xiaomi and has slower charging. It is also down on overall camera and performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Power users who prioritize a large, high-quality display for media consumption, gaming, and content creation. Those who need super-fast charging and don't mind a larger phone. Also, users who value a high-performing main camera for daytime photography and video.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, playing demanding mobile games, creating social media content, and outdoor use in sunny conditions.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal for: Users who value portability and prefer a smaller, lighter device that's comfortable to hold and use one-handed. It's well-suited for mobile photography, especially if video recording is a priority and it's better in low-light conditions.
- Use Cases: Traveling, everyday photography, videography, and situations where portability and battery life are key.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a large, ultra-sharp display for immersive media, or do you prefer a more compact device with a smaller screen?
- Portability vs. Power: Is portability and one-handed usability your priority, or do you need the best possible performance and faster charging, even if it comes with a larger form factor?
- Photography Needs: Do you focus on daytime photos and value the higher resolution, or do you need low-light photography performance and the flexibility of optical zoom, even if it comes with a slight performance and resolution trade off?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time watching videos, gaming, and using your phone for work and content creation, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better choice, thanks to its larger, sharper display.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Photographer: If you are a keen photographer, love to travel light, and prioritize taking photos on the go, the Sony Xperia 5 IV will provide better all around camera versatility with its telephoto lens, and video quality.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a good balance of features and prefer a more manageable form factor, the Sony Xperia 5 IV will be a good choice with better battery life, a telephoto lens, and excellent video.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is undeniably impressive, and the charging is ridiculously fast, the Sony's focus on portability, combined with its excellent video capabilities and more refined camera system, would fit better into my needs. I also appreciate the inclusion of the telephoto lens and the wider aperture of the main sensor for low-light, something that I would use more often in my daily life. While it's not as "spec-heavy" on paper, it offers a very solid package that's more practical for my style of use. The added eSIM functionality and upgradable OS are also nice pluses for anyone traveling.
Ultimately, both phones are strong contenders in their own right. Your best pick really depends on where your priorities lie.
