Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 commands a premium price for its innovative foldable design and productivity-focused 7.6-inch inner display, while Sony's Xperia 5 IV delivers flagship performance at a considerably lower cost with a more traditional form factor. Display quality favors the Fold 5's 1750-nit AMOLED with superior brightness and the versatility of a tablet-sized screen, though the Xperia 5 IV's 1000-nit OLED remains vibrant for its compact 6.1-inch footprint. Camera systems both excel,the Fold 5 features a stronger 50MP main sensor with OIS and 3x optical zoom, while the Xperia 5 IV compensates with faster 4K@120fps video recording. Battery capacity gives Sony an edge at 5000mAh versus 4400mAh, though the Fold 5's optimization across its larger surface area provides comparable endurance. Performance-wise, the Fold 5's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy outpaces the Xperia's Gen 1 processor, with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage versus 8GB and 256GB maximum. For content creators and power users, the Fold 5 justifies its $800 premium; budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable flagship should choose the Xperia 5 IV.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 if…
- →Slimmer hinge with zero-gap fold eliminates the gap seen on Fold 4
- →Large 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and productivity
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
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 Z Fold 5
Pros
- Slimmer hinge with zero-gap fold eliminates the gap seen on Fold 4
- Large 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and productivity
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
- IPX8 water resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Very expensive starting at $1799
- Heavy at 253 g
- Visible crease on inner display
- Slow 25W charging for a premium device
- Under-display camera is noticeably lower quality
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 Z Fold 5 | Sony Xperia 5 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 253 g | 172 g |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm unfolded | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP cover, 4 MP under-display | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 7.6 inches inner, 6.2 inches cover | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO | OLED |
| Resolution | 2176 x 1812 inner, 2316 x 904 cover | 2520 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1750 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Sony products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or the Sony Xperia 5 IV.

