iPhone SE (2022) Vs Sony Xperia 5 IV

iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

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Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at

Refurbished price:£298.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Sony Xperia 5 IV are distinct smartphones released in 2022, catering to different user preferences. The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March, operates on Apple's iOS, offering a compact form factor with a traditional home button. The Sony Xperia 5 IV, released in September, runs on Android and features a taller, narrower design. A key difference lies in their operating systems and overall design philosophies, with the iPhone SE focusing on a familiar Apple experience and the Xperia 5 IV emphasizing multimedia creation and a more expansive display.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022, while the Sony Xperia 5 IV followed in September 2022. This six-month difference means the Xperia 5 IV is a slightly newer device.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022 launched with iOS 15.4 and was eligible for iOS 16 in September 2022, with support expected to continue for several years. The Sony Xperia 5 IV launched with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 14. However, some reports suggest Sony's Android update commitment might be shorter compared to Apple's typical support duration.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 is considered moderately repairable, with common components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible, though specialized tools are often needed. The use of adhesive can add to repair difficulty, and while screen replacements do not trigger warnings, battery replacements might. Information on the specific repairability score for the Sony Xperia 5 IV is less detailed, but its construction with Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back suggests a degree of durability.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices offer capable performance for everyday tasks, though they approach it with different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Storage Options: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage. The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card slot.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 2018 mAh battery. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times, with some users reporting up to two days of use. However, some users have noted that the Xperia 5 IV can experience warming during heavy camera use, which might impact sustained performance.
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. It features 4GB of RAM, which contributes to its responsive operation. The Sony Xperia 5 IV also provides strong performance for tasks like gaming and demanding applications, supported by 8GB of RAM.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these two smartphones differs significantly in terms of technology, size, and aspect ratio.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch IPS TFT display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels. The Sony Xperia 5 IV boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with a higher resolution of 2520 x 1080 pixels, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Xperia 5 IV's OLED display is noted for being 50% brighter than its predecessor, improving visibility in various lighting conditions. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard refresh rate.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2022's smaller 4.7-inch screen and traditional 16:9 aspect ratio provide a compact viewing experience. The Sony Xperia 5 IV's 6.1-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio is designed for a more cinematic viewing experience, particularly for movies and widescreen content.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2520

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but with different approaches to photography and videography.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front camera. The Sony Xperia 5 IV comes with a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, each with 12-megapixel sensors, including a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens. It also has a 12-megapixel front camera.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from its advanced processor to enhance photo and video quality, including features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion. The Xperia 5 IV's camera system includes features like Eye AF and Object Tracking across all three rear cameras, and its lenses are calibrated with ZEISS quality.
  • Video Recording Quality: The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording at various frame rates. The Sony Xperia 5 IV's cameras are capable of recording 4K HDR video at up to 120fps, offering advanced options for video creators.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones in daily use.

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE 2022 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5. The Sony Xperia 5 IV supports Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Port Types and Sensors: The iPhone SE 2022 uses a Lightning port and features Touch ID for biometric authentication via its home button. The Sony Xperia 5 IV includes a USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The iPhone SE 2022 measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 144g. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is slightly larger and heavier at 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm and 172g. Both devices offer a relatively compact form factor compared to many modern smartphones.

Weight

144 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

4.7

6,1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

The iPhone SE 2022 and Sony Xperia 5 IV cater to different user priorities, each with its own set of strengths and considerations. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2022 for its familiar design, robust performance for its size, and long-term software support from Apple. Its compact form factor and the presence of Touch ID are frequently cited as positive aspects for those who prefer a traditional smartphone experience. However, some users express concerns about its smaller display and the absence of a modern, full-screen design.

The Sony Xperia 5 IV is often lauded for its impressive battery life, high-quality OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and its comprehensive camera system, particularly appealing to content creators and photography enthusiasts. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage are also points of appreciation among its user base. Conversely, some users have reported instances of the device warming up during intensive use, especially with camera functions, and its taller aspect ratio might not appeal to everyone.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a familiar operating system, consistent software updates, and reliable performance for everyday tasks may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. On the other hand, users who value a vibrant, high-refresh-rate display, extended battery life, advanced camera capabilities for creative pursuits, and the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack might lean toward the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative for either choice.

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