Sony Xperia Pro-I vs Xperia 5 IV: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony continues to carve its niche in the smartphone market with a focus on photography and unique features. The Xperia Pro-I and Xperia 5 IV represent different approaches to this strategy. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which device emerges as the victor.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 5 IV offers a more compelling package overall. While the Pro-I boasts a unique external monitor connectivity and a larger sensor, the 5 IV’s brighter display, newer chipset, and significantly better battery life make it the more practical and well-rounded choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia Pro-I Sony Xperia 5 IV
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2021, October 262022, September 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 02Available. Released 2022, September 22
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions166 x 72 x 8.9 mm (6.54 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)156 x 67 x 8.2 mm (6.14 x 2.64 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight211 g (7.44 oz)172 g (6.07 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Built-in strap-holeIP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.XUFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, 12-bit RAW, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Triple12 MP, f/2.0-4.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 2.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS (315 PDAF points, 90% frame coverage) 12 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.9", PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)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
Video4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Video1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 Native Sony Alpha camera supportNative Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD, 50% in 30 minWired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsFrosted BlackGreen, Black, Ecru White
ModelsXQ-BE62, XQBE62-B, XQ-BE62-B, XQ-BE62/B, XQ-BE42, XQ-BE42-B, XQ-BE42/B, XQ-BE72, XQ-BE52XQCQ62B-GC, XQCQ62G.GC, XQ-CQ72/B2TWCX0, XQ-CQ72/C2TWCX0, XQ-CQ72/G2TWCX0, XQCQ54C0B.YD, XQCQ54C0G.YD, XQCQ54C0C.YD, XQ-CQ54, XQ-CQ72, A204SO
PriceAbout 930 EUR€ 248.89 / $ 999.00 / £ 189.99
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 87h Endurance rating 116h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.6 LUFS (Average) -26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 725839 (v9) GeekBench: 3540 (v5.1) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 835038 (v9) GeekBench: 3448 (v5.1) GFXBench: 63fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia Pro-I

  • 1-inch sensor for exceptional image quality
  • External monitor connectivity
  • Dedicated shutter button
  • High-quality build

  • Lower display brightness
  • Older chipset
  • Shorter battery life
  • Higher price

Sony Xperia 5 IV

  • Brighter display
  • Newer and more efficient chipset
  • Significantly longer battery life
  • Versatile camera system
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • No external monitor connectivity
  • Less impressive sensor size compared to Pro-I

Display Comparison

The Xperia 5 IV takes a clear lead in the display department. Its measured peak brightness of 979 nits is significantly higher than the Pro-I's 644 nits, resulting in better outdoor visibility. The 5 IV also boasts a theoretically infinite contrast ratio, contributing to richer blacks and more vibrant colors. While both use OLED panels, the 5 IV’s improvements are noticeable.

Camera Comparison

Both phones excel in photography, but with different strengths. The Pro-I’s 1-inch sensor is a major selling point, offering exceptional image quality in well-lit conditions. However, the 5 IV’s computational photography and video capabilities are improved, offering more versatile shooting options. Low-light performance is generally better on the 5 IV due to its newer image processing.

Performance

The Xperia 5 IV’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a performance edge over the Pro-I’s Snapdragon 888. The newer architecture and 4nm process provide improved efficiency and slightly faster speeds. Both phones handle everyday tasks and demanding games with ease, but the 5 IV has a bit more headroom for future-proofing.

Battery Life

The Xperia 5 IV dominates in battery life. Its endurance rating of 116 hours significantly surpasses the Pro-I’s 87 hours. This translates to noticeably longer usage times between charges, making the 5 IV a more practical choice for users who prioritize battery longevity.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia Pro-I is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need external monitor connectivity and a dedicated shutter button. The Xperia 5 IV is a great choice for enthusiasts who want a premium smartphone experience with excellent camera capabilities, a vibrant display, and long-lasting battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia Pro-I worth the extra cost?
Only if you absolutely need the external monitor connectivity and the larger 1-inch sensor for professional photography workflows. Otherwise, the Xperia 5 IV offers a better overall value.
❓ Which phone has better video recording capabilities?
The Xperia 5 IV generally offers better video recording due to its improved image processing and stabilization features, although both phones are capable of producing high-quality video.