Sony Xperia 5 IV review
The Sony Sony Xperia 5 IV ranks as the #179 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #93-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the Samsung Galaxy S22+ or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Sony Xperia 5 IV boasts a premium build with an aluminum frame and durable glass back, reinforced by IP68 water and dust resistance. Its 8.2mm-thick, 172g chassis balances portability and robustness, available in sleek Black, White, and Green finishes. The vertically elongated 6.1-inch OLED display (21:9 aspect ratio) is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, enhancing drop resilience. A minimalist, symmetrical design houses a physical shutter button and notification LED, catering to creatives. The device’s tactile finish and precise craftsmanship reflect Sony’s focus on durability without compromising elegance, making it a reliable companion for daily use. If you’re after a better design, Motorola Edge 30 could be the ideal option.
Battery Life
The Sony Xperia 5 IV’s 5000 mAh battery supports 30W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging, ensuring all-day endurance. Its non-removable design pairs with efficient power management to sustain performance during heavy use, such as 4K video recording or gaming. The battery balances capacity with the device’s compact form, offering reliable longevity without compromising portability, making it ideal for users prioritizing uninterrupted productivity and entertainment. Sony Xperia 1 V might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded battery.
Display
The Sony Xperia 5 IV features a 6.1-inch vertically elongated OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, optimized for media consumption and cinematic experiences. Its FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2520 pixels) delivers sharp visuals, enhanced by a 449 PPI pixel density and 10-bit color depth for vibrant, lifelike hues. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures silky-smooth scrolling and gaming, complemented by a 240Hz touch sampling rate for responsive interactions. HDR support, DCI-P3 and sRGB color calibration, and a notch-free design further elevate the viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering scratch resistance without compromising the device’s slim 8.2mm profile. With multi-touch capability, adaptive brightness, and a 2520 x 1080 pixel resolution tailored for vertical orientation, the Xperia 5 IV balances portability and immersive screen quality, making it ideal for creators and multimedia enthusiasts. For an improved display, Sony Xperia 5 V is worth considering.
Camera
The Sony Xperia 5 IV’s triple-lens rear camera system combines a 12MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens, delivering sharp, dynamic photos and videos. The advanced imaging setup supports 4K/120fps recording, cinema-grade tools, and low-light optimization, while the front 12MP camera offers 4K video and portrait modes for creative flexibility. Sony’s expertise shines through features like real-time tracking, pro-level exposure controls, and AI-enhanced scene recognition. Though lacking a periscope lens for extreme zoom, the system excels in color accuracy, detail retention, and cinematic framing, aided by the 21:9 aspect ratio. The physical shutter button adds tactile control for photographers, and the LED flash ensures balanced lighting in challenging conditions. Whether capturing landscapes, portraits, or action, the Xperia 5 IV’s camera suite balances versatility and precision for enthusiasts and casual users alike. You might want to check out Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho, featuring an upgraded camera for a superior experience.
Price and Value
The Sony Xperia 5 IV positions itself as a premium compact device, offering robust build quality, a high-refresh-rate OLED display, and advanced camera capabilities. While pricing details are unspecified, its blend of durability, creative tools, and performance justifies its value for enthusiasts prioritizing portability and multimedia excellence over budget constraints.
Performance
The Sony Xperia 5 IV delivers flagship performance with a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset and 8GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. However, thermal throttling during prolonged video recording may impact sustained performance. The 5000mAh battery, paired with 30W fast charging, offsets this by providing reliable endurance. While the device excels in daily use and media creation, its heat management limitations and dated software interface slightly temper its overall performance potential. If you're after top-notch performance, consider realme GT Neo 5 SE.
Pros
1. Compact, durable build with IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus for resilience.
2. High-quality 120Hz OLED display with 21:9 aspect ratio for immersive media experiences.
3. Advanced triple-lens camera system with 4K/120fps video and cinema-grade tools.
4. Includes legacy features like headphone jack, microSD expandability, and physical shutter button.
Cons
1. Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset prone to overheating during prolonged video recording.
2. Lacks a periscope lens, limiting optical zoom capabilities.
3. Sony’s dated UI lacks polish compared to stock Android alternatives.
4. Absence of an SD card slot despite initial specifications suggesting expandability.
5. Thermal throttling may impact sustained performance in intensive tasks.
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