Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. These phones sit at different ends of the spectrum, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | Redmi 10 2022 is larger and slightly heavier. Xperia 5 IV is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle with one hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | Redmi 10 2022 has a larger display, better for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV has a sharper, more pixel-dense screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV offers slightly higher clarity due to a higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 405 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has a noticeably sharper display thanks to the higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | N/A | OLED | Xperia 5 IV has OLED screen tech, offering superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors compared to the unlisted screen technology of Redmi 10 2022. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother scrolling and animations with its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical brightness on both phones, but this is likely an error in the dataset as peak brightness is normally much higher. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly more powerful, modern, and efficient chip, leading to faster performance in all tasks including gaming and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV is over four times as fast in benchmark tests, showing superior power, and future proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery capacity for both, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W Reverse wired Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | The Redmi 10 2022 supports wired reverse charging. The Xperia 5 IV supports bypass charging, meaning you can game or do demanding tasks while plugged in without overheating the battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | Redmi 10 2022 has a higher megapixel count, but the Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor with larger pixels, which generally means better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | Xperia 5 IV has a higher-resolution selfie cam and larger pixel size, which can lead to better image quality, especially in lower light. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Xperia 5 IV offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while Redmi 10 2022 lacks this feature. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Xperia 5 IV offers higher resolution and larger pixels. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | N/A | Redmi 10 2022 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi 10 2022 has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV is capable of much higher quality video recording, including 4K at 120 fps with stabilization. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Mobile 119 | Xperia 5 IV scores a 119, offering a sense of the camera's capabilities based on dxomark's testing. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image Stabilisation | Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, OIS, Ultra stable video, PDAF | Sony has Optical Image Stabilisation and PDAF while Xiaomi relies on digital stabilisation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV has a newer OS with better security features and longer upgrade life. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xperia 5 IV has a newer, faster, and more efficient Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE with more profiles and features | Xperia 5 IV has a newer version of Bluetooth and a larger array of supported profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV offers more precise location accuracy through its inclusion of additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 5 IV allows using a physical SIM and eSIM, while Redmi 10 2022 only accepts 2 physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 128GB/256GB | Xperia 5 IV offers more storage options. |
| RAM | N/A | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV offers more RAM, which helps with multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices do not have expandable storage, making it essential to choose the right storage option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV delivers a superior audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV uses more durable glass for better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Xperia 5 IV includes additional environmental sensors and a hall sensor for other advanced features, while Xiaomi includes an Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity sensor, potentially giving better accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022
Strengths:
- Larger display: Good for media consumption and accessibility.
- Quad Camera: Versatile camera setup that includes depth and macro sensors
- Dual sim: Supports two physical SIM cards.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable option for users on a tighter budget.
- Trade-offs:
- Slower performance, older chipset, older operating system, basic screen technology.
- Limited camera features, lower video capabilities.
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Strengths:
- Premium display: OLED screen, with 120Hz refresh rate and higher pixel density offers superior display quality.
- High Performance: Powerful processor with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, faster overall performance.
- Superior Camera: Enhanced features such as larger sensor, OIS, optical zoom and 4K@120fps capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality: Enhanced features such as Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio support.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More compact form factor
- Premium build and advanced features
- Trade-offs:
- Higher price point
- No expandable storage
- Smaller screen
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a larger display for media consumption and aren't demanding on performance or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, casual gaming, and watching videos.
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and a premium experience in a more compact form factor.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography and videography, content creation, and enjoying high-fidelity audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- What is your budget? The Redmi 10 2022 is much more affordable. If budget is a major concern, it's a solid option.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If you need a phone for gaming, high-quality photos, or video recording, the Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize screen size, or portability? If screen real estate is your priority the Redmi is the choice for you, if you like something more pocketable, the Sony is the one.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Student on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 is a practical, affordable choice for basic tasks, and media consumption.
- Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner here due to its superior performance and faster refresh rate screen.
- Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 5 IV, with its high-quality camera, advanced video features, and professional audio options is designed for you.
- Casual User: If you want a phone for daily communication with a good battery life, the Redmi 10 2022 is going to do that at an entry level price.
- Tech Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 5 IV's premium features and cutting-edge technology are a better choice
What I Would Choose and Why
For me personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV, hands down. While the Redmi 10 2022 is a decent budget phone, the Xperia 5 IV offers a significantly better experience across almost every key aspect. My focus is primarily on the performance of the device, and the Xperia's superior chipset and RAM capabilities will make every day usage and advanced tasks feel incredibly smooth and snappy. The camera capabilities of the Sony are also significantly better, and my love for photography would justify the choice. Finally, the superior display, build quality and audio enhancements make the Xperia the more compelling package. While more expensive, it feels like a more worthy investment.
