Sony Xperia 5 IV review
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a significant improvement over its predecessor, boasting a brighter screen, better battery life, an upgraded chipset, and a more compact form factor. The device's design has been refined to fit comfortably in the hand, making it a great option for those seeking a flagship with a pocketable size. The camera performance on the Xperia 5 IV is one of its standout features. The main camera captures excellent photos during the day, with a natural look and plenty of detail. The ultra-wide camera also impresses, producing rich and detailed shots with good contrast and balanced colors. While the telephoto camera doesn't quite match the quality of the main camera, it still delivers nice results. One of the major downsides to the Xperia 5 IV is its thermal management. Heavy gaming can cause the device to heat up noticeably, which may be a concern for those who plan on using their phone extensively for gaming. Additionally, there's no charger included in the box, which might require additional purchases. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is an excellent choice for those seeking a flagship with great cameras and a compact design. The device's performance is solid, and its camera capabilities are among the best on the market. Overall, it's a well-rounded smartphone that deserves consideration from anyone in the market for a new Android device.
Build Quality and Design
The Sony Xperia 5 IV boasts an impressive build quality that is both sturdy and sleek. The device's design has undergone a significant transformation from its predecessors, resulting in a more compact form factor without sacrificing any of the essential features. One of the most notable aspects of the Xperia 5 IV's design is its dimensions. Measuring at 156 x 67 x 8.1 mm, it's a perfect fit for those who prioritize pocketability. Despite the reduced size, Sony has managed to maintain the same level of premium feel that their flagship devices are known for. The phone's body is constructed from high-quality materials, featuring a durable glass on both the front and rear. The 6-inch display takes center stage, with slim bezels surrounding it, giving the impression of a larger screen than its actual size suggests. The frame itself is made from a sturdy aluminum alloy, providing a reassuring weight to the device. The buttons and ports are strategically placed for easy access, with the power button located on the top-right corner and the volume controls situated on the left. The USB-C port is positioned at the bottom, making it convenient to charge the phone or connect it to other devices. One of the most impressive aspects of the Xperia 5 IV's design is its ability to blend functionality with style. The device's sleek lines and minimalistic approach make it an attractive option for those who value aesthetics as much as performance. In terms of build quality, the Xperia 5 IV feels like a well-crafted device that has been put together with care. Every detail, from the smooth glass surfaces to the precision-engineered frame, speaks to Sony's commitment to creating a premium smartphone experience. While some may find the design slightly conservative compared to other flagships on the market, it's clear that Sony has prioritized practicality and usability over bold statements. Overall, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's build quality and design are major strengths of this device. With its compact form factor, high-quality materials, and attention to detail, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a notable improvement over its predecessor. With the upgraded chipset and more compact form factor, the phone is able to deliver longer usage times without needing to be recharged. In my testing, I found that the phone was able to last for around a day with moderate use, including browsing the internet, social media, and streaming music. However, if you're a heavy user who likes to game or watch videos for extended periods of time, you may find that the battery life is more like 8-10 hours. One notable feature of the Xperia 5 IV's battery life is its support for wireless charging. This is a convenient feature that allows you to top up your phone without having to physically plug it in. However, I was disappointed to find that there is no charger included with the phone. If you're buying a new phone, this isn't usually a big deal - but if you're upgrading from an older model and don't already have a charger handy, you may need to purchase one separately. Overall, the battery life of the Sony Xperia 5 IV is solid, if not spectacular. It should be able to meet the needs of most users without too much trouble. However, heavy users may find that they need to charge their phone more frequently throughout the day.
Display
The Sony Xperia 5 IV boasts an impressive display that showcases the brand's dedication to delivering exceptional visual experiences. The device features a stunning OLED screen with improved brightness and color accuracy compared to its predecessor. One of the standout features of the Xperia 5 IV is its bright and vibrant screen, which produces crisp and detailed visuals even in well-lit environments. The colors are accurate and true-to-life, making it perfect for watching movies or browsing through your favorite photos. The display also boasts a high contrast ratio, resulting in deep blacks and rich details that bring images to life. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or simply browsing the web, the Xperia 5 IV's screen provides an immersive experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Additionally, the device's OLED technology allows for true black levels, reducing eye strain and making it perfect for prolonged use. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, providing a scratch-resistant surface that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Overall, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's display is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a brighter, more vibrant, and more immersive visual experience. If you're in the market for a new smartphone with an exceptional display, the Xperia 5 IV is definitely worth considering.
Camera
The camera on the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a standout feature of this device. It boasts two cameras that are shared with the Xperia 1 model: a 12-megapixel main cam and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. What's different, however, is the addition of a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, which features a 2.5x zoom without the need for continuous zoom or extra steps. During the day, the main camera captures excellent photos with an incredibly natural look. There's plenty of detail, low noise, and balanced sharpness, making it perfect for capturing everyday moments. The contrast is great, and colors are lively yet realistic. The dynamic range is also impressive, but shadows can be a bit darker than desired. One notable feature of the ultra-wide-angle camera is its ability to capture macro shots with autofocus in auto mode. These shots are excellent, with outstanding detail and just the right amount of sharpness. Portrait photos from the main camera are also great, with detailed subjects, good separation, and adjustable blur. However, the telephoto camera's portrait shots are not quite as impressive due to the smaller sensor and darker lens. Low-light performance is also commendable, especially with the main camera. Photos taken in dimly lit environments have a reasonable level of detail, low noise, excellent contrast, and realistic colors. The only drawback is that dark shadows could benefit from some sort of night mode processing. Unfortunately, this feature seems to be missing, which affects the overall quality of low-light images. The telephoto camera performs reasonably well in low light as well, capturing photos with sufficient detail, good sharpness, accurate colors, and better than expected dynamic range. The ultra-wide-angle camera's performance is a bit disappointing, however, with overly dark shadows that detract from the otherwise detailed images. In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's camera is an impressive feature that captures excellent photos in various lighting conditions. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as missing night mode processing for the main camera and overly dark shadows with the ultra-wide-angle lens, overall performance is more than satisfactory.
Price and Value
The latest iteration from Sony, the Xperia 5 IV, presents an intriguing blend of features that warrant consideration for those seeking a premium smartphone experience. With its compact form factor, enhanced camera capabilities, and upgraded chipset, this device offers substantial value for its price. One of the most significant factors influencing the purchase decision is price. At approximately $999, the Xperia 5 IV sits comfortably in the mid-to-high-end segment, competing directly with other flagships from major manufacturers. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, Sony's device offers several unique advantages that justify its cost. Firstly, the camera performance of the Xperia 5 IV is one of its standout features. With a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a dedicated telephoto shooter with 2.5x zoom, users will find themselves well-equipped to capture stunning photographs in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, the device's compact design makes it an attractive choice for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. The upgraded chipset ensures seamless multitasking and efficient power consumption, allowing users to enjoy their favorite apps and games without excessive heat buildup. While some may argue that the absence of a charger in the box is an oversight, this minor inconvenience should not detract from the overall value proposition of the Xperia 5 IV. Considering its impressive feature set, sleek design, and competitive pricing, Sony's flagship device offers a compelling argument for those seeking a high-quality smartphone experience. Ultimately, the price and value equation for the Xperia 5 IV is one that resonates with users who prioritize camera excellence, compact form factor, and robust performance. At $999, this device represents a worthy investment for anyone looking to upgrade their mobile experience without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Sony Xperia 5 IV boasts impressive performance credentials, making it a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone market. : Powered by a fast processor and generous RAM allocation, this device delivers seamless multitasking and rapid app launching. Whether you're juggling multiple demanding apps or running resource-intensive tasks, the Xperia 5 IV handles them with ease. : In benchmarking tests, the phone consistently outperforms its competitors, posting impressive scores in CPU and graphics performance. This translates to smooth gaming experiences, even at high graphics settings, and rapid camera processing. : The device's camera capabilities are equally impressive, capturing stunning images and videos with ease. Whether you're snapping portraits, landscapes, or low-light shots, the Xperia 5 IV delivers excellent results, thanks to its advanced camera software and hardware. : The phone's battery life is another significant plus, lasting a full day even with heavy usage. With moderate use, it can easily stretch to two days, making it perfect for those who want a device that lasts without needing constant recharging. : Overall, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's performance credentials are truly exceptional, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a fast, efficient, and reliable smartphone experience. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just someone who values seamless performance, this phone is sure to impress.