Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-27 | 2022-09-22 | Sony Xperia 5 IV is a newer phone with potentially longer software support. |
| Size | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Poco F3 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use, while Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | Sony Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.1" | Poco F3 has a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. Xperia 5 IV is better for those preferring a more compact device. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV offers a slightly sharper display due to its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 449 PPI | Xperia 5 IV provides a noticeably clearer and more detailed picture, particularly noticeable with text and high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with minimal practical difference in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation, ideal for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Spec Missing) | Poco F3 likely offers better outdoor visibility due to its higher advertised brightness, but brightness information for the Xperia is missing, making comparison difficult |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly newer and more powerful chipset, leading to faster performance in demanding applications and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV provides better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV offers superior graphics capabilities, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV offers a slightly larger battery, which may translate to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime waiting for charge. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 Fast Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Poco F3 supports popular fast-charging protocols while Xperia 5 IV offers charging bypass and reverse charging for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Xperia 5 IV has larger pixels and a larger sensor, capturing more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | 12MP, f/2.0, N/A | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, a feature missing in Poco F3. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Sony Xperia 5 IV has a wide-angle lens, enabling the capture of more in a frame, absent in Poco F3. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 5 IV offers higher quality video recording (4K@120fps) with OIS, and EIS. Poco F3 provides 4k@30fps with EIS. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not Tested | Main:119 Photo: 121 Video: 113 | Xperia 5 IV demonstrates a capable camera performance based on DxOMark testing, while the Poco F3 is untested. |
| Features | Basic Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Continuous Autofocus, Ultra Stable Video, Optical Zoom | Xperia 5 IV offers a wider array of camera features including optical image stabilization, continuous autofocus and optical zoom for better image quality and more control |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Xperia 5 IV comes with a more recent version of Android, although both can be upgraded to version 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Poco F3 supports Wi-Fi MIMO, which could result in better network performance in some scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.2, LE, AptX, LDAC, AAC, etc | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version with a wider range of audio profiles and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 has additional BeiDou, and NavIC system for better location accuracy, while Xperia 5 IV has QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 IV offers eSIM support for more flexible carrier options, while Poco F3 has two physical sim slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV has the highest option of RAM which could provide slightly better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have identical audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use similar fingerprint authentication methods. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV features significantly better scratch resistance, for more screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity Sensor | Xperia 5 IV has more sensors including barometer and proximity sensor; Poco F3 has ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: Slightly quicker charging speeds, potentially less time tethered to an outlet.
- Brighter Display: Potentially better outdoor visibility, though this is unconfirmed for the Xperia.
- Additional GPS Systems: Potentially more accurate location tracking, particularly in urban or remote areas.
- Wi-Fi MIMO: Potentially better network performance in some scenarios.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Includes a telephoto and wide-angle lens, larger main camera sensor, and OIS leading to better image quality and versatility.
- Higher Pixel Density: Sharper, more detailed display due to higher pixel count.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexible carrier options.
- Better Build Quality: Offers more durable Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More Modern Bluetooth: Supports more audio profiles and features for enhanced wireless connectivity.
- Larger Battery: Potentially offers slightly longer battery life.
- More Comprehensive Camera Features: Features optical zoom, image stabilization, continuous autofocus, RAW support, etc.
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer and proximity sensor.
- Video Recording Capabilities: More versatile video recording quality and options such as 4k@120fps.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Poco F3: Compromises on performance and camera quality in exchange for a larger display and slightly faster charging.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Has a smaller screen and slightly slower charging, prioritizes processing power and camera versatility. The display brightness is also unknown, potentially compromising outdoor visibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, gaming, and general use. Those who want quick charging times.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gamers who don't need the absolute highest graphical performance.
- Users who watch a lot of videos and movies on their phone.
- Users who frequently browse social media or multitask.
- Users who often spend time outdoors and need a brighter display.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Users who value top-tier performance, prefer a compact phone and a versatile, high-quality camera.
- Use Cases:
- Enthusiast photographers and videographers who value manual controls and advanced features.
- Users who need a phone for demanding applications, such as video editing or mobile gaming.
- Professionals who need a reliable and performant device for productivity tasks.
- Users who want a compact device with a premium feel.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? - The Poco F3 is likely a more budget-friendly device, while the Sony Xperia 5 IV is likely more premium.
- How important is camera quality to me? - The Xperia 5 IV has a superior camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, optical image stabilization, RAW support, etc., while the Poco F3 provides a more basic experience.
- Do I value a large screen or a compact design more? - The Poco F3 has a larger screen which is better for media, whereas the Xperia 5 IV is a more compact and pocketable device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Budget: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos and social media, and you are on a tight budget, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a good choice due to its larger screen, and slightly faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Photography: If you need top-tier performance, a versatile camera, and you are willing to pay more, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option due to its more powerful chipset and superior camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balance between performance and display size, with a slight emphasis on performance, and budget is not a primary constraint, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option due to it's superior performance and good camera, in a more compact design.
My Choice:
Based on the provided information, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Here's why:
While the Poco F3 offers a larger screen and slightly faster charging, the performance advantages of the Xperia 5 IV are too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides a noticeable increase in performance for daily use, multitasking, and demanding applications. Additionally, the camera system is considerably more versatile, and the more comprehensive set of features are appealing for anyone who enjoys photography or videography. The better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus and more comprehensive sensor suite also contribute to a more premium user experience. While the smaller screen and slightly slower charging may be a trade-off, the overall increase in performance and camera capabilities makes the Xperia 5 IV the more compelling option for me.
