Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and Sony Xperia 5 IV. I'll be looking at these phones with both a technical eye and a focus on how these specs translate into real-world experiences for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 179g | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | Xiaomi 12 is slightly wider and shorter, Sony is taller and narrower. Xperia is 7g lighter, may feel more comfortable for longer holds. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.1" | Xiaomi's slightly larger display is better for media consumption, slightly more screen real estate for work. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 5 IV is slightly sharper. Both are FHD+ and should look good for the average user. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 449 ppi | Xperia has a marginally sharper picture due to slightly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both are high quality OLED panels. Similar color accuracy and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, good for gaming and responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | Xiaomi 12 significantly better in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness data for Sony is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both have flagship performance, good for gaming and demanding apps, will offer a smooth experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,021,542 | Xiaomi 12 has a slight edge in benchmark scores, might feel a bit more snappy. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Same graphics performance; great for mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xperia 5 IV likely offers better battery life due to its higher capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, quicker to top up, more suitable for those on-the-go. |
| Features | 50W Fast Wireless, 10W Reverse | Bypass Charging | Xiaomi has faster wireless charging and reverse charge, Sony's bypass allows direct power and reduces heat. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | Xiaomi has higher resolution but smaller pixels. Xperia has larger pixels for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | Xiaomi has much higher resolution, Sony has larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Xperia offers optical zoom; Xiaomi lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Xiaomi has a slightly higher resolution, Xperia has a wider aperture and larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi offers a dedicated macro lens, Sony does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xiaomi supports higher 8K video, Xperia supports 4K at higher frame rates, including slow-motion capture. |
| DXoMark | 113 (Main), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | 119 (Main), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Sony excels slightly in photo quality, Xiaomi has slightly better video performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, Upgradeable to 13 | Sony is up to date and will get updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6, Xiaomi has MIMO for more stable connections, especially in busy networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC + more | Both support high-quality audio codecs, Sony has more complete bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for better location tracking in diverse environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Sony has eSIM support, offering flexible digital carrier choices; Xiaomi is limited to two physical nano sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options, plenty of space for most users. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi has an option for 12GB for more demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows you to expand storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both offer great audio features, Xiaomi 12 includes microphones for clear calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Sony provides a more secure side mounted sensor, Xiaomi's is basic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer excellent screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Sony adds a Barometer; Xiaomi has RGB and ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1100 nits vs unknown), making it much more visible in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging, which is a big advantage for users who are always on the go.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Slightly better raw performance.
- Higher Resolution Camera (Main & Selfie): Higher megapixel counts, offering more detail in photos, though pixel size is smaller.
- Additional Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens expands photographic creativity, capturing detailed close-up shots.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh), likely translating into longer usage.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, a very useful feature for diverse photography needs.
- Better Pixel Size (Main & Selfie): Larger pixels on the main and selfie cameras, typically better low-light performance.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Wider support for different bluetooth accessories.
- eSIM support: Additional flexibility for digital carrier switching.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more advanced fingerprint sensor for a smoother unlock experience.
- Barometer Sensor: Useful for environmental data, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Better DXoMark Score: Achieves better camera score, though scores are close.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for direct power while gaming, reducing heat and maintaining battery longevity.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom and no expandable storage. Its battery is smaller than the Sony.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Significantly slower charging and no fast wireless charging. Its screen brightness is unknown, could be a downside in bright conditions.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize display brightness, fast charging and raw performance. Good for mobile gamers, heavy app users, and those who frequently find themselves in bright environments.
- Use Cases: Fast-paced gaming, capturing high-resolution photos, and media consumption on the go.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize battery life, better low light camera performance, and optical zoom capabilities. Also, it's geared for those seeking greater Bluetooth compatibility and prefer an advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases: Serious photography, all-day usage without worrying about charging, and users seeking more flexible connectivity options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility for you? If you often use your phone in direct sunlight, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner due to its much higher brightness.
- Do you need optical zoom? If you frequently take photos at a distance and need zoom capabilities, the Sony Xperia 5 IV with its telephoto lens is the better choice.
- Is fast charging or all-day battery life more crucial? If you want to top up your phone quickly, go for the Xiaomi 12's faster charging. However, if you need the battery to last all day long, the Sony Xperia 5 IV has a larger battery capacity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Photographer: If you're looking for more versatility in your photography, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is better, due to its telephoto lens and larger pixel size in the main camera.
- The Power User: If you are looking for a fast phone, fast charging, and don't care as much about the extra sensors, Xiaomi 12 will be a better choice.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12 is much better in bright sunlight for outdoor activities.
- The All-Day User: If you need a phone that will last through the day, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would personally go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Xiaomi 12 boasts some impressive specs like faster charging and higher resolution cameras, the Xperia 5 IV addresses some core issues that I value more in a daily driver. The larger battery means I can get through a day without worrying about a charge, and the optical zoom lens is a huge bonus for me. I do a lot of photography, and a good telephoto lens is crucial, the larger pixels also mean better low-light performance, which I would need when out and about. I also prefer a more mature fingerprint sensor on the side of the phone.
The unknown screen brightness of the Sony does concern me, but the larger battery, telephoto lens, and a slightly better photo camera is more beneficial to me personally.
