Sony Xperia Pro vs Xperia 1 IV: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony consistently delivers unique smartphones, and the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 IV are prime examples. Both cater to content creators and enthusiasts, but with distinct approaches. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your investment.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 IV emerges as the overall winner thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, faster charging, and refined camera system. While the Pro boasts a built-in HDMI input, the 1 IV offers a more compelling package for most users seeking a premium content creation experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia Pro Sony Xperia 1 IV
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 661, 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 bands2, 5, 66, 260, 261 Sub6, mmWave1, 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/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2020, February 24. Released 2021, January 272022, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, June 11
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions170.2 x 76.2 x 10.2 mm (6.70 x 3.00 x 0.40 in)165 x 71 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight225.1 g (7.94 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use casesRuns at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 730
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 UFS 3.XUFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Single-12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x 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/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps 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 audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.2, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, micro HDMIUSB 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, dual-band or tri-band (region dependent), 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
Charging21W wired, PD30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Violet, White
Models-XQCT62-B, XQCT54, XQCT54C0V.YD, XQCT54C0B.YD, XQCT54C0W.YD, XQCT54C0V.EEAC, XQCT54C0B.EEAC, XQ-CT72, XQ-CT54, XQ-CT62, SO-51C
PriceAbout 2000 EUR$ 1,120.00 / € 489.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 838832 (v9) GeekBench: 3403 (v5.1) GFXBench: 74fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia Pro

  • Built-in HDMI input for direct camera connection
  • Professional-grade video recording capabilities
  • Compact and durable design

  • Older Snapdragon 865 chipset
  • Slower charging speed
  • Higher price point for limited benefits for average users

Sony Xperia 1 IV

  • Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Faster 30W charging with PD3.0, PPS
  • Improved camera system with variable telephoto lens
  • Brighter and more vibrant display

  • Can be expensive
  • Software updates can be slow
  • Design is somewhat iterative

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 IV features a brighter 6.5-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4K resolution, offering a superior viewing experience compared to the Xperia Pro's slightly less vibrant display. The infinite contrast ratio on the 1 IV is a notable advantage, delivering deeper blacks and richer colors. Both phones maintain Sony's signature aspect ratio for content creation.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer excellent camera capabilities, but the Xperia 1 IV introduces improvements like a variable telephoto lens and enhanced video recording features. The 1 IV's image processing also appears more refined. The Pro's unique HDMI input allows for direct camera connection, a niche feature for professionals.

Performance

The Xperia 1 IV's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a significant performance boost over the Xperia Pro's Snapdragon 865. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the 1 IV. While the Pro is still capable, the 1 IV's newer chipset offers a noticeable edge.

Battery Life

Both devices are reported to have endurance ratings of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life. However, the Xperia 1 IV's 30W charging is considerably faster than the Pro's 21W, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Sony Xperia Pro is ideal for professional videographers and photographers who require a direct HDMI input for external monitoring and recording. The Xperia 1 IV is better suited for users who want a flagship phone with a top-tier camera, excellent display, and strong performance for everyday use and content creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the main difference between the Xperia Pro and Xperia 1 IV?
The Xperia Pro's key feature is its built-in HDMI input for direct camera connection, while the Xperia 1 IV offers a more modern chipset, faster charging, and an improved camera system.
❓ Is the Xperia Pro worth the extra cost?
Only if you specifically need the HDMI input for professional video workflows. Otherwise, the Xperia 1 IV provides a better overall experience for most users.