SMARTPHONE TIER: Flagship/Pro
Battery Capacity mAh: 5000
Sony Xperia 5 IV - Compact Smartphone With Great Delivery on Battery Performance
Smartphone Battery Performance Overall
Score: 36/100
Ranking #106
Flagship Tier Ranking: #16 (2021-2023)
This review offers all you need to know about the Sony Xperia 5 IV smartphone.
Overview
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is an Android smartphone manufactured by Sony. The smartphone was announced on September 1, 2022, as part of Sony's Xperia series. Looking very much like the recent Xperia series, it has improvements in display, performance, camera and battery performance - although in a much more compact design.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the predecessor of the Xperia 5 III, which also provided us with an impressive smartphone review. However, being slightly shorter and narrower by 1mm than the Xperia 5 III, the Sony Xperia 5 IV appears compact and houses an even bigger 5000mAh battery cleverly incorporated within its design despite being a little heavier.
The IP68 rating is just one of the features of the Sony Xperia 5 IV, and others include a 3.5mm jack, NFC, microSD, notification LED, and 5G connectivity. However, it is worth noting that there is no charger or cable in the box, as Sony has become even more eco-friendly.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV joins the Flagship/Pro (€700 +) tier that includes all the latest smartphones with stunning designs and the latest features and a heavy price.
What's it like to Use?
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 6.1-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2520 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Sony claims that this latest screen gets 50% brighter than before, therefore easy to view. This device is protected from scratches with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, is easy to hold, sleek, compact, and offers water and dust resistance.
Also, the Sony Xperia 5 IV has adopted the Creator mode from the Xperia 1 IV. This allows for cinematic viewing and sound. So content can be watched with colours reproduced exactly as the creators intended, and with Dolby Atmos® sound, a richer audio experience is gained.
Sony has introduced a new feature called Game Enhancer. It acts like a gaming control centre, enabling you to customise features and settings to create the perfect player experience. For example, you can switch the refresh rate for the display to 120Hz this helps with the rendering of fast-moving objects and for an enhanced gaming experience.
With a triple camera set-up, including a 12MP main and ultrawide camera, the Sony Xperia 5 IV looks similar to Xperia 5 III. However, all three cameras use Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking. With improvements to tracking and autofocus, it offers more consistency for content creators and consumers. and a refined camera set-up can offer matched image quality to other smartphones within the Flagship/Pro tier.
How does it perform?
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the Sony Xperia 5 IV can cope well with tasks and provides a good user experience. However, there have been some reports of becoming a little warm when charging its battery.
Overall, the Sony Xperia 5 IV delivers a smooth battery performance with the help of its upgraded 5000mAh battery capacity. Our results revealed up to 41 hours of battery life from fully charged, which is great battery performance. Also, wireless charging is now available for this smartphone.
What else is in the box?
Sony has taken a step towards sustainability by eliminating plastic packaging. The box does not include a charger or USB cable. Sony offers a fast charger, so you fast charge up to 50 in 30 minutes with the XZQ-UC1 charger. Other chargers are available as alternatives. Also, you can use a USB cable.
A Quick Summary
The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a stylish and highly functional smartphone. Being one of the most compact devices within the Flagship/Pro Tier, it's an attractive offering to those looking for a powerful and capable smartphone.
With improvements to the camera set-up, the Selfie camera, and the additional camera apps available, the Sony Xperia 5 IV can deliver high-quality images. Overall, this smartphone is an excellent choice for a sleek, solid smartphone with excellent battery performance.
Product - Good Points
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has the following features:
compact design, easy to hold
excellent battery life
IP68 rated against water and dust
great triple-lens camera setup and apps
Additional extras, like a 3.5mm jack, NFC, microSD, notification LED, 5G
Product - Be Aware of Points
The Sony Xperia 5 IV lacks in performance in the following ways:
lacks camera automated assistance
expensive to purchase
comes with no charger or cable
Smartphone Battery Performance Score
and Battery Performance Results
ViserMark brings you a Smartphone Performance Score based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed with the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.
Using various testing criteria, including different user actions, from calls to social media and periods of standby times, ViserMark measures using real-life scenarios and live networks. All results are obtained and evaluated with calculations from Battery Life, Power Efficiency, and Charging Time.
ViserMark wants to help you find and compare the right smartphone, ensuring it fits your requirements and budget. Our smartphone battery performance reviews and helpful ratings have all the necessary battery information. Smartphone Performance Scores can also provide a reference point for performance benchmarks and smartphone comparisons.
The battery performance of the Sony Xperia 5 IV is focused on critical areas and precise criteria. These results have been translated into various ViserMark Labels, and an overall Smartphone Performance Score is awarded.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Battery Performance translated into ViserMark Labels detailed here.
Our experts are asked to test more than 100 Smartphones every year. As an independent mobile phone testing environment, SmartViser measures areas of user experience.
More details can be found on how we perform our smartphone testing here.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV Battery Performance review by ViserMark is based on the smartphone battery performance results obtained during testing.
Reading this review, you can find a full breakdown of our battery performance results.
Smartphone Battery Performance Overall Score:
Using repeatable and rigorous testing criteria, ViserMark measures battery performance using real-life scenarios and live networks.
The test results are collated with calculations from smartphone Battery Life, Power Efficiency, and Charging results that total a score between 0 and 100. This is the number displayed on the Battery Performance ViserMark Label shown below.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV achieved a Battery Performance Score of 36 out of hundred. Being classified as a ViserMark Flagship/Pro (€700 +) smartphone, we can see other comparable devices with similar Battery Performance Scores within this tier.
You can see three smartphones, the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, compared to the Sony Xperia 5 IV shown in the chart above. Although there are other smartphones within this Flagship/Pro, we are looking at the Sony Xperia 5 IV regarding smartphone battery performance. This device and the others are positioned towards the bottom of the listings for battery performance scores.
Using the ViserMark Labels, we can see the Google Pixel 7 Pro has a lower Battery Performance Score of 32 out of 100. When comparing this smartphone with the Sony Xperia 5 IV, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra achieved exactly the same smartphone battery performance score of 36 out of 100.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro offers feature-rich functionality, an excellent camera and high-end reliability and performance. It has improved photography features and uses Google Pixel software offering secure and reliable performance. Even though it lacks connectivity and battery life performance, loyal Android users will still purchase the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains mostly unchanged in design and display to its predecessor Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, the performance has improved in many areas with the help of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for the Galaxy chipset. This smartphone is ideal if you like a large screen, especially when using the S Pen.
The two smartphones have some obvious differences, with the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra scoring 36 out of 100. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is large and heavy, having a 6.8-inch display, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV is one of the most compact designs.
The Apple brand remains in the top places with the highest Battery Performance Scores. The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max scored 72 out of 100, and Apple iPhone 13 Pro 53 out of 100. Both smartphones have impressive smartphone Battery Performances Scores.
Let us discover if our battery performance testing results can show more key improvements.
Other smartphone battery performance results can be seen in the comprehensive Smartphone Rankings.
Battery Life
Smartphone battery life performance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the device's hardware, software optimisation, battery capacity, usage patterns, and individual settings.
When contemplating smartphone battery life, focus on these areas:
The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), determines how much charge a battery can store.
The Battery Life ViserMark Label displays the "Days-of-Use" in both actual days and provides accurate information in hours. It reflects the usage of a smartphone from a full charge.
How long will the Sony Xperia 5 IV battery last?
ViserMark understands that this is a key factor when considering any smartphone, and we are pleased to announce that the Sony Xperia 5 IV delivered on battery performance. With an impressive 1.5 days of use, translating into 41 hours between charges, it nudges four hours ahead of the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Two comparative smartphones can last up to 1.5 days, with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leading the way with 2 days. With the introduction of hours added to the ViserMark Battery Life Label, it is even easier to see just how competitive the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Google Pixel 7 Pro are regarding battery life, with only a few hours separating them.
With many manufacturers opting for a 5000mAh battery capacity, all the comparative smartphones are powered by the same capacity. In the chart, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and reaches 2 days of use. In contrast, the Sony Xperia 10 IV misses the latest technology, using a previous version, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform. This may account for the Sony Xperia 5 IV slipping marginally behind.
Often the display is one of the most power-hungry components of a smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the biggest 6.8-inch display, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro is only smaller, 6.7 inches. Both smartphones are more significant than the 6.1-inch Sony Xperia 5 IV. Pre-set features like adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient lighting and can help conserve battery life.
Sony has introduced a new feature called Heat Suppression power control. The power control systems directly rather than charging the battery. This reduces thermal stress, helping to maintain smartphone battery performance, specifically when gaming, keeping the battery healthy for longer.
Other smartphone battery life results can be seen in the comprehensive
Power Efficiency
Smartphone Power Efficiency is crucial for smartphone users as it directly impacts battery life and overall device usage. It refers to the ability of a smartphone to maximise its performance while minimising power consumption.
Calculated using Battery Life and Battery Capacity and expressed in "Leaves", it reflects a rating between 1 being the least and 5 being the most power efficient.
How power efficient is the Sony Xperia 5 IV?
The Sony Xperia 5 IV was awarded 1 out of 5 as a smartphone battery efficiency score, equal to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, as seen in the chart below.
As mentioned, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy provides more power efficiency, as it has been designed to deliver high performance while consuming minimal power. Samsung has made many small improvements to balance smartphone performance and energy efficiency.
Google has also managed background processes and ensured better app management to enable resource allocation so power consumption can be minimised.
Manufacturers are continuously making minor improvements to balance smartphone performance and energy efficiency. These include the management of background processes and improved app organisation, which enhance resource allocation so power consumption can be minimised.
Other smartphone battery efficiency results can be seen in the comprehensive
Annual Energy Consumption
ViserMark is pleased to offer a new label providing a smartphone's Annual Energy Consumption. The calculation is typically based on several factors, including the smartphone model, battery capacity, usage patterns, and charging habits. Although challenging, specific testing criteria are measured using real-life scenarios and live networks to reflect usage accurately.
How much energy does the Sony Xperia 5 IV use?
The ViserMark calculations show the Sony Xperia 5 IV would use 3.9kWh/Annum. When tested, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra only used 3.4 kWh and the Google Pixel 7 Pro slightly more with 4.4kWh/Annum.
Sony Xperia 10 IV Smartphone Annual Energy Consumption Results
A smartphone's battery capacity plays a significant role in determining energy consumption. All three of our comparative smartphones have larger batteries of 5000mAh. However, the chart below shows how each device's Annual Energy Consumption varies.
Daily activities greatly influence energy consumption. For instance, frequent use of power-intensive apps, heavy gaming, or prolonged video streaming can drain the battery faster, resulting in higher energy consumption. Conversely, conservative usage and enabling power-saving features can reduce energy consumption.
Through the ViserMark battery performance testing protocol, end-users can see an objective benchmark across all devices on their smartphone's expected annual electricity consumption.
Other smartphone's annual energy consumption results can be seen in the comprehensive
Should I buy it?
The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers great capability packed inside a powerful compact smartphone.
With exceptional battery performance, a great camera setup, and features like a dedicated shutter, an easy-to-access microSD port, a LED notification, exceptional water/dust resistance and a headphone jack, it is a reliable choice for users who prioritise these features.
Furthermore, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is sleek in design and delivers a smooth overall user experience, but it does lack processing power compared to other smartphone competitors.
Product Features and Specification
Release Date September 2022
Display | 6.1 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels |
Processor | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm), Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
Memory and Storage | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 60mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", Dual Pixel PDAF More Details: Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking Video: 4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS |
Front Camera | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm. More details: HDR Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS |
Battery | The capacity of 5000 mAh, non-removable, Charging Wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised), with Wireless, Reverse wireless |
Audio | Has a loudspeaker with stereo speakers. Also has a 3.5mm Jack. NFC: Yes. Radio: No. IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Dimensions and Weight | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm (6.14 x 2.64 x 0.32 in). 172 g |
Colours Available | Green, Black, Ecru White |
Extra Insights
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV support 5G?
A: Yes, it does
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV have a headphone jack?
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV support wireless charging?
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV have dual-SIM capabilities?
Q: What storage and RAM variants are the Sony Xperia 5 IV available?
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV have stereo speakers?
Q: Does the Sony Xperia 5 IV have a microSD card slot?
Q: Is the Sony Xperia 5 IV VoLTE enabled?
ViserMark tests are performed with the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered and automated by SmartViser’s test automation solution viSer. The automation test includes a variety of user actions, from calls to social media and periods omes.
VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)
The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators that are our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in VCX-Forum.
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Background
The Sony Group Corporation was founded in May 1946, and its Headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan. The Sony Group consists of the following segments: Game & Network Services, Music, Pictures, Entertainment Technology & Services (Mobile Communications/Imaging Products & Solutions/Home Entertainment & Sound), Imaging & Sensing Solutions, Financial Services, and All Other businesses.
While Sony smartphones may not have as prominent a market presence as some other brands, they are known for their unique features, sleek designs, and emphasis on audio-visual technologies.
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