Galaxy A25 Vs Sony Xperia 5 IV

Galaxy A25
Galaxy A25
Starting at

Refurbished price:£122.00

Versus £272.58 new

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Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at

Refurbished price:£298.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A25, released in December 2023, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV, launched in September 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy A25 focuses on delivering a robust set of features for everyday use, the Xperia 5 IV emphasizes advanced multimedia capabilities and a more compact design. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical construction.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy A25, being a newer device, benefits from a longer projected software support period. It shipped with Android 14 and is expected to receive four major OS updates and five years of security updates, with Android 16 already rolled out as of October 2025 and further updates to Android 17 and 18 anticipated. In contrast, the Sony Xperia 5 IV, released with Android 12, has since been updated to Android 14 but has reached its end of life for official Android operating system updates, though it may still receive security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Sony Xperia 5 IV features a more premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus protecting both the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame. It also boasts an IP65/IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering robust protection against environmental elements. The Samsung Galaxy A25 has a Gorilla Glass 5 front, with a plastic frame and back, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity will find the Galaxy A25 more appealing due to its newer release and longer update commitment. For those who value a more durable physical construction and higher water resistance, the Xperia 5 IV offers a more resilient design, though its software support window is closing.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia applications. Both devices offer capable performance, but with different strengths.

  • Processing Power: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is equipped with a more powerful processor, which translates to smoother handling of graphically intensive games, complex applications, and seamless multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy A25, while capable for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and media playback, may exhibit noticeable lag when compared to devices with higher-end processors, particularly during demanding operations.
  • Battery Life and Charging: Both smartphones feature a substantial 5000 mAh battery capacity, designed to provide ample power for a full day of use. The Galaxy A25 supports 25W wired charging, and users have reported achieving more than two days of battery life with moderate usage. The Xperia 5 IV supports 30W wired charging and adds the convenience of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering more versatile power options.
  • Memory and Storage: The Xperia 5 IV comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A25 is available in 6GB or 8GB RAM configurations. Both offer 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and both support expandable storage via a microSD card, which is beneficial for users with large media libraries or extensive app collections.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy A25 and Xperia 5 IV offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A25 features a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, providing rich colors and deep blacks. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a more compact 6.1-inch OLED display, known for its cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, which is particularly well-suited for watching movies and widescreen content.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for text and images. The Galaxy A25 has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, while the Xperia 5 IV features 1080 x 2520 pixels. Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A25 can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, offering good visibility outdoors. The Xperia 5 IV's display is noted for being significantly brighter than its predecessor, enhancing outdoor viewing.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prefer a larger screen for general browsing and media consumption might lean towards the Galaxy A25. Those who prioritize a more immersive, cinematic viewing experience in a compact form factor, especially for video content, will appreciate the Xperia 5 IV's display and aspect ratio.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2520

Screen type

Super AMOLED

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two smartphones approach photography and videography with different philosophies.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy A25 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. This configuration is well-suited for capturing detailed everyday photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The Sony Xperia 5 IV also has a triple-camera system, but with three 12MP lenses: a wide-angle with OIS, an ultrawide, and a telephoto lens offering 2.5x optical zoom with OIS. The Xperia's camera system benefits from ZEISS optics and advanced features like real-time Eye AF and object tracking across all lenses.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: For selfies, the Galaxy A25 includes a 13MP front camera. The Xperia 5 IV features a 12MP front camera. In terms of video, the Galaxy A25 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second. The Xperia 5 IV offers more extensive video capabilities, including 4K recording at various frame rates up to 120 frames per second on all its lenses, making it a strong option for content creators.
  • Audio Experience: The Xperia 5 IV includes front-facing stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to audiophiles and those who prefer wired audio. The Galaxy A25 also features stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A25 supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3. The Xperia 5 IV offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both phones retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. The Galaxy A25 uses a USB-C 2.0 port, while the Xperia 5 IV features a faster USB-C 3.2 port, which can offer quicker data transfer speeds. Both devices integrate a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Xperia 5 IV also includes a dedicated physical shutter button for its camera, enhancing the photography experience.
  • Design and Handling: The Xperia 5 IV is a more compact and lighter device, measuring 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm and weighing 172g, making it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy A25 is slightly larger and heavier at 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm and 197g.

Weight

197 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6,1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A25 often highlights its vibrant AMOLED display, reliable battery life, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage as strong positive points. Some users note that while its camera performs well in good lighting, it may not match the advanced capabilities of higher-end devices, and its processor, while adequate for daily tasks, can show limitations with more demanding applications. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is frequently praised for its compact form factor, premium build quality, and its advanced camera system, particularly its video recording features and dedicated camera apps, which appeal to content creators. Its bright OLED display and inclusion of wireless charging are also well-received. However, some users have reported instances of the device overheating during intensive use, and its software update policy is less extensive compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a longer software support lifespan and a larger display for general media consumption may find the Samsung Galaxy A25 to be a suitable choice. Its balanced feature set makes it a practical option for everyday use. Conversely, individuals who value a compact design, superior build quality, and a highly capable camera system with advanced video features will likely prefer the Sony Xperia 5 IV, despite its shorter software update window. Both devices offer compelling features for different user needs, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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