Galaxy S23 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S23 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 78.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2023

Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23
79/ 100
Launch price$799
Sony · 2022

Sony Xperia 5 IV

Sony Xperia 5 IV
79/ 100
Launch price$999
Head-to-head

Galaxy S23 wins 4 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
4 wins
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 5 IV
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S23Sony Xperia 5 IV
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    80
    80
  • CameraGalaxy S23
    91
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    60
    60
  • BatterySony Xperia 5 IV
    58
    86
  • DisplayGalaxy S23
    88
    86
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S23
    88
    83
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueGalaxy S23
    68
    55
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia 5 IV has the bigger battery5,000 mAh vs 3,900 mAh
  • Sony Xperia 5 IV charges faster30W vs 25W
  • Galaxy S23 has a sharper main camera50 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S23 is lighter168 g vs 172 g
  • Galaxy S23 launched cheaper$799 vs $999
  • Galaxy S23 has newer Bluetooth5.3 vs 5.1
  • Galaxy S23 has the faster chipSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S23
  • ✓4 g lighter (168 g vs 172 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$200 cheaper at launch ($799 vs $999)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia 5 IV
  • ✓Bigger 5,000 mAh battery (+1,100 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S23Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Display & Screen🏆 Galaxy S23 Wins Display
Screen typeDynamic AMOLED 2XOLED
Screen Size6.1"6.1"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (425 ppi)2520x1080 (449 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz
Brightness1,750 nits peak800 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsAdreno 740Adreno 730
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 12
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR8 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S23 Wins Camera
Primary Camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS, Samsung GN312 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Sony Exmor RS
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS12 MP (3.5x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S23 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm156 x 67 x 8.2 mm
Weight168 g172 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Sony Xperia 5 IV Wins Battery
Battery Capacity3,900 mAh5,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W wired fast charging30W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.35.1
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$799$999
Our verdict

Galaxy S23 wins — BeastScore 78.8/100

The Galaxy S23 is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper main camera (50 MP vs 12 MP) and lighter body (168 g vs 172 g). The Sony Xperia 5 IV is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,000 mAh vs 3,900 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S23 if you want

Higher-resolution main camera: 50 MP vs 12 MP · Brighter screen: 1,750 nits vs 800 nits

Buy Sony Xperia 5 IV if you want

Larger battery: 5,000 mAh vs 3,900 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S23 or Sony Xperia 5 IV?

The Galaxy S23 is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper main camera (50 MP vs 12 MP) and lighter body (168 g vs 172 g). The Sony Xperia 5 IV is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,000 mAh vs 3,900 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S23 78.8/100, Sony Xperia 5 IV 78.7/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S23 and Sony Xperia 5 IV?

Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display and 3900 mAh battery. Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 6.1-inch display and 5000 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S23 and Sony Xperia 5 IV compare for speed?

Galaxy S23 scores 80/100 for performance; Sony Xperia 5 IV scores 80/100.

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