Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S25 delivers superior value with a newer flagship processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite), significantly brighter 2600-nit display, and versatile 50MP camera system with 3x telephoto. It's also $200 cheaper at $799.99. Sony's Xperia 5 IV, priced at $999, features a larger 5000mAh battery and faster 30W charging, plus a more compact 6.1-inch form factor that some prefer. However, it's hampered by older Android 12 software, the dated Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and a dimmer 1000-nit OLED screen that struggles in bright sunlight. Camera-wise, Samsung's 50MP sensor outperforms Sony's 12MP main camera in resolution and real-world performance. Unless you specifically need Sony's compact dimensions or superior video stabilization, the Galaxy S25 offers substantially better performance, features, and value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 if…
- →Compact and pocketable flagship
- →Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- →12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if…
- →Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- →5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- →3.5mm headphone jack
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S25
Pros
- Compact and pocketable flagship
- Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- 12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
- Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
- Long 7-year software support promise
Cons
- Small 4000 mAh battery limits endurance
- Slow 25W charging
- 1080p resolution instead of QHD
- No major camera hardware upgrades
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Pros
- Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- 5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Wireless charging added (absent on 5 III)
- Excellent manual camera controls
Cons
- 12 MP cameras feel dated in 2022
- Slow 30W charging
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 thermal issues
- Niche appeal limits accessories and cases
- Auto camera mode behind iPhone and Pixel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Sony Xperia 5 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 162 g | 172 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps |
| Telephoto | 10 MP 3x optical | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2.5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W Qi2 | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO | OLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2520 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2600 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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