Sony Xperia 5 IV

Sony Xperia 5 IV: A Compact Powerhouse with a Photographer's Soul

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Sony Xperia 5 IV through its paces, and I have to say, it's a device that carves out a unique space in today's smartphone landscape. At a price point that places it firmly in the premium mid-range, the Xperia 5 IV targets users who prioritize a blend of pocketability, exceptional imaging capabilities, and a refined, almost minimalist Android experience. My testing involved daily use as my primary device, pushing its camera in various scenarios, and experiencing its performance across different applications. My initial impression is of a thoughtfully designed phone that feels premium and capable, though it's not without its quirks.

Market Context: Standing Apart from the Crowd

In a market saturated with ever-larger devices, the Xperia 5 IV's commitment to a more compact form factor is a refreshing stance. Sony continues to cater to a niche that appreciates ergonomics and single-handed usability. Their strategy feels deliberate, focusing on core competencies like camera technology and high-fidelity audio, rather than chasing every fleeting trend. The Xperia 5 IV sits in a competitive space, battling against similarly priced offerings from Samsung, Google, and even Apple's older but still potent models. Personally, I think the pricing is fair considering the integrated technologies, especially the camera system, but it requires a user who values these specific features.

Design & Hardware: A Masterclass in Compact Design

The first thing that struck me about the Xperia 5 IV is its remarkably compact form factor. With dimensions of 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, it feels positively diminutive compared to many of today's behemoths. It slips effortlessly into pockets and is a joy to use one-handed. The weight of 172g feels balanced and substantial, lending a premium feel without being cumbersome. Sony has opted for a flat design with a matte finish on the frame, which provides excellent grip and resists fingerprints admirably. The Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back lends a sense of durability, though I'd still recommend a case for added peace of mind. The build quality is undeniably top-notch; there's no flex or creaking, and the buttons are tactile and responsive.

Display: A Visual Treat for Content Consumption

The 6.1-inch OLED display is a standout feature. The colors are rich and vibrant, without being overly saturated, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. I found the brightness more than adequate even under direct sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. Media consumption on this display is a joy. The 21:9 aspect ratio, while creating black bars for some content, truly shines when watching cinematic videos, providing an immersive experience. Gaming also benefits from this aspect ratio, offering a wider field of view in supported titles. In my daily use, the display has been consistently sharp and clear, making everything from browsing social media to reading articles a pleasant experience.

Performance: Smooth Operator for Everyday Tasks and Beyond

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ensures smooth and responsive performance across the board. In my testing, the Xperia 5 IV handled multitasking with ease, effortlessly switching between numerous apps without any noticeable lag. Gaming sessions were generally smooth, although I did observe some thermal throttling during extended periods of graphically intensive games, leading to a slight dip in frame rates. This is something to consider for hardcore mobile gamers, but for casual gaming and everyday use, the performance is more than adequate. Temperature management is generally good for regular tasks, but it's worth noting the phone can get warm under heavy load. One strength I've noticed is the consistent performance even when the battery is lower, unlike some devices that significantly throttle performance to conserve power.

Camera System: A Photographer's Tool in Your Pocket

The camera system is arguably the highlight of the Xperia 5 IV. The triple 12MP setup – a primary wide, an ultrawide, and a telephoto – all with real-time autofocus and 120fps readout sensors, delivers impressive results. My photo-taking experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I tested the camera in various scenarios, from bright daylight landscapes to low-light indoor portraits. The images consistently exhibit excellent detail, natural colors, and impressive dynamic range. Specific shooting scenarios where the Xperia 5 IV excelled include capturing fast-moving subjects thanks to the rapid autofocus and shooting detailed close-ups.

Video recording is another strong suit. The ability to shoot 4K HDR video at 120fps across all three lenses is a standout feature, offering immense creative potential. The optical image stabilization (OIS) and Sony's SteadyShot technology work effectively to produce smooth and stable footage, even when shooting handheld. Compared to market alternatives, the Xperia 5 IV's camera prioritizes a more natural look, avoiding over-sharpening and overly saturated colors that some other brands favor. In real-world usage, the camera is incredibly versatile, making it a great companion for documenting everyday moments and capturing more artistic shots.

Battery & Charging: Solid Endurance with a Notable Omission

The 5000mAh battery provides solid all-day battery life for moderate users. In my testing, I typically ended the day with around 20-30% battery remaining with my usual mix of browsing, social media, emails, and some photography. However, heavy usage, particularly gaming or extensive video recording, will necessitate a top-up before the day ends. Charging speed is decent with the 30W fast charging, taking the phone from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes. The inclusion of Battery Care, which learns your charging habits to optimize battery health, is a thoughtful addition. However, I have to point out the absence of wireless charging, a feature increasingly common in this price range, which feels like a missed opportunity. The bypass charging feature, which powers the phone directly from the charger without fully charging the battery during gaming sessions, is a smart implementation to minimize heat and battery degradation.

Software: A Clean and Customizable Android Experience

The software experience on the Xperia 5 IV is one of its strengths. Running on a near-stock version of Android (currently 13, with updates expected), it's clean, fast, and free from unnecessary bloatware. Sony's customizations are subtle and mostly beneficial, such as the Side Sense bar for quick access to apps and settings, and the camera Pro apps that offer granular control over shooting parameters. I've found the interface intuitive and responsive, and the absence of excessive pre-installed apps is a welcome change. Sony's commitment to software updates, while not the fastest in the industry, is generally reliable.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Choice for the Right User

Analyzing the value proposition of the Xperia 5 IV is interesting. At its price point, it's not the cheapest option, but it offers a unique combination of features that sets it apart. I believe this phone is ideally suited for individuals who prioritize a compact design, a top-tier camera experience, and a clean Android interface. Photographers and videographers who appreciate granular control and natural image processing will find a lot to love here. Those who should look elsewhere might be hardcore gamers who demand sustained peak performance without thermal throttling, or users who heavily rely on wireless charging. Compared to competitors, the Xperia 5 IV holds its own, particularly in the camera department and its compact form factor.

Conclusion: A Refined and Capable Smartphone

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers a premium experience in a conveniently sized package. While the lack of wireless charging and potential for thermal throttling during intense gaming are minor drawbacks, the exceptional camera system, vibrant display, and clean software make it a compelling choice for the right user. If you value a pocketable phone with professional-grade imaging capabilities and appreciate Sony's understated approach to Android, the Xperia 5 IV deserves a serious look. It's a device that has genuinely impressed me with its focus on core strengths and its refusal to compromise on key aspects like camera quality and ergonomics. Ultimately, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a testament to the fact that a great smartphone doesn't need to be the biggest one on the market.