Taking advantage of the IFA media appeal, without being present, Sony presented its new high end camera, the Xperia 5 IV. During a recent private event in Paris, we were able to quickly take it in hand. Here are our first impressions before a full-scale test.
Small, but muscular. Here’s how to laconically summarize Sony’s mobile offering. Alongside its gleaming Pro-I, released at the end of 2021, the manufacturer is marketing three other smartphones. The Xperia 1 IV, its consumer flagship, the Xperia 10 IV, its mid-range and therefore the Xperia 5 IV, our thief of the day.
True to its philosophy, the Japanese giant uses the same arguments for its latest addition as for its predecessors. Sony knows how to make cameras, Oled TV screens and has undeniable experience in sound. Based on this principle, the manufacturer then condenses all of its expertise into a smartphone.
A still attractive compact design
Official successor to the 5 III and unofficial miniaturized version of the 1 IV, this Xperia 5 IV broadly resumes the aesthetic codes dear to Sony. With its compact format (156 x 67 x 8.2 mm) and its contained weight, 172 g, it is very easy to use with one hand and can quickly be forgotten in a pocket. Still in aluminum, the edges are rounded off nicely at the edges, while the mineral glass back is still just as well made. For the integration of the photo unit, Sony once again knows how to be discreet, which is rather pleasing to the eye. Robust and offering unfailing ease of grip, this Xperia 5 IV is in the same vein as its predecessors, unique in its ergonomics.
At the level of the slab, nothing changes compared to last year, Sony maintains its level of excellence. Namely a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED screen capable of going up to 120 Hz. As a good audiophile, Sony always offers a jack and the best audio codecs (Hi-Res, LDAC, Bluetooth LE Audio, etc.) to offer an onion entertainment experience.
Relatively average last year, the maximum brightness improves, according to Sony, by 50% on this new model. We were quickly able to test it outdoors and it seems much better. An impression that we will not fail to deepen in a future test.
What’s up Doc ?
Real differences between the Xperia 5 IV and its predecessor still exist, but they are not necessarily visible to the naked eye. Logically, last year’s Snapdragon 888 gives way here to the 8 Gen 1 processor.
Less logically, while many manufacturers are already busy with the “+” version of Qualcomm’s latest chip, Sony preferred to stay on the version below. An epiphenomenon? Not really, as we have been able to notice for a year that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was energy-intensive and favored heating during extensive and prolonged use. To reassure us, the Japanese manufacturer told us that it paid particular attention to heat dissipation. Case to follow.
With a brighter panel and a more powerful processor, there was enough to worry about autonomy, right? Fortunately, Sony has been logical in increasing the battery capacity from 4500 to 5000 mAh. For recharging, Sony indicates that its smartphone can regain 50% power in 30 minutes. Note also that wireless charging is now possible, which is a first for an Xperia 5.
Sony photo and video, abscissa and ordinate
The Japanese manufacturer has been repeating it for years, its Xperia are intended for creators, photo and video lovers and meticulous users who do not hesitate to dig deep into multimedia settings. For 2022, the manufacturer is making minor technical changes and ergonomic improvements. Unlike its predecessor, the 5 IV no longer offers variable focal length on its telephoto sensor.
Sony is opting this year for a fixed focal length (60 mm) which seems, on paper, more suitable for improving portraits, but less able to capture distant scenes. For the rest of the back sensors, no change. Identical to the 5 III model, the wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle modules offer a definition of 12 megapixels. Pleasant surprise, the front sensor takes on muscle and goes from 8 to 12 megapixels
As usual, Sony offers a host of technologies from its cameras such as object tracking and two eyes or autofocus. Above all, it is no longer necessary to go through the in-house “Photo Pro” app to take advantage of these technologies, they are now available in the “Basic” mode of the camera. A good way to get started gently if you are a simple apprentice photographer.
For video, Sony always takes great care of its offer, 4K at 120 FPS, optical and electronic stabilization, live streaming tool…
Sony Xperia 5 IV: our hot feeling
When it comes to design, screen, power, sound and photo/video, Sony rarely disappoints. This 5 IV clearly does not dishonor the Xperia family on these aspects. Especially since Sony seems to want to broaden its target by facilitating access to its many photo and video settings.
In short, a photophone that is intended as much for pros, creators as for amateurs in the making. Sony’s main difficulty has never been to make good smartphones, theirs are generally all excellent, but rather to find a technological balance so as not to raise the bill too much.
Available in three colors (green, black and ecru white), this smartphone will be available at the end of September at a price of 1049 euros, or 50 euros more than its predecessor. It will be offered in a single 8/128 GB version. Fortunately, the storage is expandable by micro-SD. Compared to its competitors, price inflation, which will be required in 2022, is therefore rather contained. Is the Sony Xperia 5 IV therefore akin to a bargain? The answer very soon in our full test
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