Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at
£419.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Sony Xperia 5 IV?
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £183.71 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Galaxy S23 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.1 inch on the Galaxy S23, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV specs
The Galaxy S23 and Sony Xperia 5 IV offer different strengths suited to distinct needs. The Xperia 5 IV has a larger 5000 mAh battery and includes a headphone jack and microSDXC slot, ideal if you prioritise longer battery life and expandable storage. Both have similar screen sizes and refresh rates, but the Xperia's slightly taller resolution suits those who want a bit more vertical screen space. Your choice depends on whether you value software updates and camera detail or longer battery life and storage flexibility.
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £250.85
- BeigeStarting at £241.85
- LimeStarting at £250.85
- GreyStarting at £250.85
- GreenStarting at £235.29
- PurpleStarting at £241.85
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical features. These differences affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and how long it receives software support.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 5000 mAh battery, which is notably larger than the Galaxy S23's 3900 mAh. If you often use your phone for long periods away from charging, the Xperia 5 IV may better suit your needs with its extra battery capacity.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and the amount of data you can keep on your device.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is a generation newer than the Xperia 5 IV's Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This can offer smoother performance and efficiency for demanding apps or multitasking.
Memory and Storage
Both phones come with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy S23 offers more storage options, from 128GB up to 512GB, suitable if you keep lots of files or apps. The Xperia 5 IV is stocked only with 128GB, which fits typical everyday use.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV screen
Screen quality influences how you experience media, games, and everyday use. Both devices have similar refresh rates but differ in screen type and resolution.
Screen Resolution and Size
Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen and a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly taller resolution at 1080 x 2520 pixels, which provides a bit more vertical screen space, useful for reading or browsing.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S23 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the Xperia 5 IV uses an OLED panel. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X is known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, suitable if you want a bright and colourful display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and front-facing sensors, affecting photography and video calls.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23 has a 50-megapixel main camera, which captures more detail compared to the Xperia 5 IV's 12-megapixel main camera. This suits you if taking high-resolution photos is important.
Camera Setup
Both phones have triple rear cameras and 12-megapixel front cameras, offering flexibility for different types of shots and clear selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV size and design
Miscellaneous differences include physical dimensions, ports, network compatibility, and extra features that affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Ports and Expandability
The Xperia 5 IV includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful if you prefer wired headphones without adapters. It also supports microSDXC cards for extra storage, ideal if you want to expand storage beyond the built-in capacity. The Galaxy S23 uses USB-C only and does not have a microSD card slot.
Physical Size and Weight
The Xperia 5 IV is taller at 156 mm and slightly thicker at 8.2 mm, weighing 172 g. The Galaxy S23 is more compact at 146.3 mm tall, 7.6 mm thick, and weighs 168 g. If you prefer a smaller phone that fits more easily in one hand or pocket, the S23 is a good choice.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G networks and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM. Both are unlocked, so they work with any UK network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Sony Xperia 5 IV: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £183.71 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 172 g)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a headphone jack
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers choosing the Galaxy S23 appreciate its fast performance and strong battery life. Many say it looks and works like new, with a perfect screen and a battery lasting more than a day. Users mention smooth running of apps and travel needs, and some find the camera impressive. Several customers mention the phone feeling like new despite being refurbished. The Galaxy S23 suits those looking for a reliable, stylish device with plenty of storage options and good overall speed.
Owners of the Sony Xperia 5 IV value its long battery life and compact design. Some mention the headphone jack and SD card slot as useful features. There are reports of the phone starting in Japanese or Chinese due to imported models, which requires a factory reset or language change. A few customers note overheating or fingerprint scanner issues, but many are pleased with the phone's value and screen quality. The Xperia 5 IV fits well for users who want a smaller phone with longer battery and expandable storage, and who don't mind managing language or software differences.
Both phones suit different priorities: the Galaxy S23 works well for those wanting software updates, a high-resolution camera, and options for storage, while the Xperia 5 IV appeals to people wanting bigger battery capacity, a headphone jack, and microSD support in a compact form.
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £419 for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV in 128GB.
