The Sony Xperia 10 IV is a compact mid-range phone that stands out from its competitors with its impressive battery life. With a 5000mAh power pack, it boasts an endurance rating of 163 hours in our battery life tests, far exceeding the typical score of around 120 hours for mid-rangers. Design-wise, the Xperia 10 IV has a familiar Sony design, but with some changes compared to the previous model. The plastic build is IP-rated waterproof and provides a good grip, while being lighter and easier to hold than its predecessor. However, it's worth noting that many competitors have faster charging capabilities, and Sony doesn't include a charger in the box. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 695 chipset, which provides 5G connectivity but lacks support for 4K video recording, a feature available on last year's model. Performance is decent, but not class-leading, and the UI feels snappy enough for everyday tasks. The display remains largely unchanged from last year's model, with a 6-inch OLED panel featuring a 1080p resolution and standard 60Hz refresh rate. Camera performance is also similar to last year's model, with a 12-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens providing decent results. However, the ultra-wide camera produces photos with saturated colors that don't match the other two cameras. In low-light conditions, the main camera has improved performance, but focus hunting can be an issue. Overall, the Xperia 10 IV is a solid phone for those seeking long battery life and waterproofing, despite some compromises on performance and features compared to last year's model.
The Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV boasts a familiar design with some notable changes compared to its predecessor. The plastic build may seem less premium than the glass used in previous models, but it still offers IP-rated waterproofing and a matte finish that provides a bit of extra grip. The sharper edges also make it easier to hold in one hand. One of the standout features is how remarkably light the phone feels despite the bigger battery. Weighing in at a mere [insert weight], the Mark IV is incredibly easy to handle, making it perfect for those who prefer smaller phones. While some may lament the lack of a premium glass design, the plastic build has its advantages. The waterproofing and matte finish make it more practical for everyday use, and the added grip makes it less likely to slip out of your hands. Overall, the Xperia 10 Mark IV's design is functional and comfortable to hold, making it an excellent choice for those who value compactness. The inclusion of a headphone jack and a single loudspeaker facing the front are welcome additions, but they don't necessarily elevate the overall build quality. The speaker's sound quality is average at best, but it gets the job done. Ultimately, the Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV's design is more about form than function, with a focus on being compact and waterproof. While some may find it less premium than other offerings in this price range, it still offers a solid build that's easy to hold and use.
The Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV boasts an impressive battery life that surpasses its mid-range competitors. Despite being compact, this phone manages to pack a big punch in terms of battery longevity. The 5,000mAh power pack is a significant upgrade from the previous model's 4,500mAh capacity, and it shows. In our battery life tests, the Xperia 10 Mark IV achieved an impressive score of 163 hours, outclassing most mid-range phones that typically score around 120 hours. This means you can expect to go several days without needing to recharge, even with heavy usage. The phone's efficiency in power consumption is a testament to Sony's engineering prowess. The device can easily last for two days with moderate use, and it still has some juice left over for the next day. While other phones may offer fast charging as a consolation, the Xperia 10 Mark IV makes up for this by providing an extended battery life. Overall, the battery life of the Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV is one of its standout features. It's a compact phone that packs a big punch in terms of power efficiency, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a device that can last throughout the day without needing to be recharged.
The display on the Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV is nearly identical to its predecessor, featuring a 6-inch OLED panel with a 1080p resolution and standard 60Hz refresh rate. While this might seem like a downgrade compared to newer mid-rangers, it's still a decent offering for those who value picture quality. One notable improvement over the Mark III model is the display's brightness, which can reach up to around 680 nits in our testing. This makes it suitable for everyday use outdoors, although it still might not match the peak brightness of some competing models. Unfortunately, the panel lacks a high refresh rate, which might feel sluggish and outdated even in the mid-range segment. The cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio is still present, making it an ideal choice for watching videos or browsing content with a more immersive experience. Colors on the display are not entirely accurate out of the box, but there are several options to tweak them in settings. The panel also features Gorilla Glass Victus protection, which provides added durability against scratches and drops. One thing that would have been nice to see is HDR support, although it's still present. Overall, while the display on the Xperia 10 Mark IV might not be the most impressive in its class, it still delivers a solid viewing experience for everyday use. In comparison to other mid-rangers, the Xperia 10 Mark IV's display seems somewhat lacking. Many of its competitors have already adopted higher refresh rates and improved color accuracy. However, the Sony phone's compact design and excellent battery life make up for some of these shortcomings.
The camera department on the Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV is a mixed bag, but mostly leaning towards mediocrity. The phone retains almost the same camera setup as its predecessor, featuring a 12-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with two times optical zoom, and another 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. Daytime photography from the main camera is decent for the class, delivering good levels of detail and balanced sharpening. Colors are adequately saturated, although the dynamic range isn't particularly wide. Portrait mode shots are passable in terms of subject separation but can occasionally err around the hairline. Two times zoom shots from the telephoto lens fare well, boasting sharpness and detailing while being properly exposed. Photos taken with the ultra-wide camera have a more vibrant color tone that doesn't match the other two cameras' outputs. However, they still offer good levels of detail and an acceptable dynamic range. Low-light performance has improved over last year's model, thanks to wider dynamic range in highlights and decent sharpness. Nevertheless, the main camera occasionally experiences focus hunting and missed focus in darker scenes. A night mode is available on the phone, which helps elevate details in shadows while preserving highlights. However, results can be somewhat soft. The ultra-wide camera struggles at night, delivering soft and noisy shots. Night mode helps to improve these outcomes but still yields subpar results. Selfies are captured with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera and are merely okay. The new AI processing feature called 'sharpened faces' can create a slightly over-processed appearance on the subjects. In terms of video recording, it's limited to 1080p resolution, which is underwhelming considering the current standards for mid-range devices. While dynamic range and colors are likable, pixelation and aliasing become visible upon close inspection. The telephoto lens fares better in this regard, while the ultra-wide camera delivers decent footage with good detail and color rendition. The Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV's camera capabilities leave a lot to be desired, especially when considering the device's compact form factor and waterproofing features. While it still takes solid photos, the phone fails to push boundaries or deliver top-tier results in its class.
The Sony Xperia 10 IV is a compact phone that doesn't skimp on features, especially when it comes to battery life. With a 5000mAh power pack, this mid-ranger beats its competitors with an impressive endurance rating of 163 hours in our tests. That's not the only upgrade - the device also boasts waterproofing and a telephoto camera, rare finds on mid-range phones. While the Xperia 10 IV shares a familiar design with previous models, it's lighter and more comfortable to hold, despite its slightly larger battery. The phone runs on Android 12 with a stock-like interface and some proprietary Sony features, such as the multi-window switch and Side Sense menu. However, there are some downsides to consider. The Snapdragon 695 chipset, although an improvement over last year's model, is still not as competitive as some other mid-range devices. Additionally, you won't find 4K video recording or a charger in the box - something that might seem minor but can add up. In terms of price and value, the Xperia 10 IV is a solid choice for those seeking a long-lasting battery and a compact form factor. It's likely to appeal to users who prioritize endurance over other features. If you're willing to overlook some of its shortcomings, this phone offers excellent value for the price. Overall, while the Xperia 10 IV may not offer groundbreaking upgrades in every department, it still shines with its impressive battery life and compact design. As a mid-range device, it's not trying to be the best at everything; rather, it excels in areas that matter most to some users.
The Sony Xperia 10 Mark IV's performance is an area where the phone doesn't quite live up to its potential. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 695 chipset, which is an upgrade from the previous model's Snapdragon 690 processor. However, the difference in performance isn't as significant as expected. In our testing, the Xperia 10 Mark IV performed adequately, but it was outclassed by many of its competitors. The UI and everyday tasks felt snappy enough, but the phone's performance didn't quite match up to the expectations set by more powerful mid-range devices. One major downside is that the Snapdragon 695 chipset doesn't support 4K video recording, a feature that was available on last year's model. This omission is particularly disappointing given the phone's otherwise impressive specs. In terms of benchmark scores, the Xperia 10 Mark IV showed some improvement over its predecessor, but it still fell short of expectations. The phone's performance in demanding tasks and games was satisfactory, but not exceptional. The UI, on the other hand, felt very stock-like, with a few proprietary Sony features sprinkled throughout. The multi-window switch and side sense were nice touches, but some features, like the game enhancer and in-depth camera apps, were noticeably absent. Overall, the Xperia 10 Mark IV's performance is a mixed bag. While it gets the job done, it doesn't quite live up to its potential, especially when compared to more powerful mid-range devices.