Sony Xperia 5 IV review: a camera and screen (almost) as mighty as its price tag

The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a near-top-spec phone, but the price may prove too premium

A black Sony Xperia 5 IV being held above and laid on a stony surface
(Image: © Ian Evenden)

Our Verdict

Sony’s small-but-mighty phone reaches version IV with some excellent cameras, great software, and a nice screen. However, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is expensive compared to other Android phones, and even the iPhone 14.

For

  • Good screen
  • Great cameras
  • Complete package

Against

  • Samey design
  • Limited updates
  • Steep price point

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Sony Xperia 5 IV: key specs

Chipset: Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/256GB
OS: Android 12
Screen: 6.1in, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2520
Cameras: 12MP x4 - wide, ultrawide, tele, selfie
Video: 4k/30, 1080/60, EIS
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2
Dimensions: 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm
Weight: 172g

Android phones like the Sony Xperia 5 IV require updates, at least they do if you care about things like the security of your payment information and getting new features. Google’s phones get updates for five years from their first availability, as do Samsung’s. OnePlus phones get four. With the Xperia 5 IV, Sony is offering three years of security updates, and only two of OS updates.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1