Sony Xperia 1 V vs Sony Xperia 1 IV: What’s changed?
Sony Xperia 1 V and Sony Xperia 1 iV are both flagship smartphones from Sony, offering high-end features and advanced technology. While they share a similar naming convention, there are some notable differences between the two models.
Let’s explore the changes and how these two devices differ.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony Xperia 1 series has maintained a consistent design language across its iterations, and this trend continues with the fifth iteration. While the design has remained largely unchanged, this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, as the Xperia 1 stands out from its competitors by not following the trend of incorporating large camera systems on the rear.
The Xperia 1 V, as well as its predecessor, the Xperia 1 iV, feature Sony’s familiar OmniBalance design, which has become an expected characteristic of Xperia handsets. This design includes flat edges, a flat front and back, and slightly larger bezels at the top and bottom of the display.
Fans of Sony Xperia devices will be pleased to know that the dedicated camera shutter button, a long-standing feature, is retained in the Xperia 1 V. However, the Xperia 1 iV and Xperia 1 V have both omitted the Google Assistant button.
Both the Xperia 1 V and the Xperia 1 iV offer an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Sony refers to it as IP65 and IP68, specifying different levels of protection. Both devices have a glass front and back, but the Xperia 1 iV benefits from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, while the Xperia 1 V further enhances this protection with Victus 2. Apart from these slight tweaks, the two handsets share almost identical measurements and weights, as indicated in the specifications table.
So, while the Sony Xperia 1 series has maintained a consistent design across its iterations, the devices differentiate themselves from their competitors with their sleek and minimalistic approach, avoiding the trend of bulky camera systems. Fans of the Xperia lineup will appreciate the familiar design elements and features, while the subtle improvements in protection demonstrate Sony’s commitment to delivering a reliable and durable smartphone experience.
Display
Both the Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia 1 iV feature a 6.5-inch OLED display with the same 4K HDR resolution of 3840 x 1644 pixels. This resolution delivers an impressive pixel density of 643ppi. Unlike other Android manufacturers that have delved into Quad HD+ resolution, Sony made a significant leap from Full HD+ to 4K several years ago with the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium, and they have stuck with this resolution since then.
Both devices also boast a 120Hz refresh rate, which has become increasingly common among flagship smartphones in recent years. Although it may be challenging to discern the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz in everyday use, the higher refresh rate offers a smoother experience, particularly for gaming. It’s worth noting that Sony does not provide adaptive refresh rate like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, so you’re limited to either 60Hz or 120Hz depending on your activity.
Furthermore, the Xperia 1 V and Xperia 1 iV share a 21:9 aspect ratio, a signature feature that Sony has consistently offered across its Xperia 1, Xperia 10, and Xperia 5 series since their introduction in 2019. This aspect ratio is ideal for enjoying a cinematic movie-watching experience on your smartphone. If you’re someone who enjoys consuming multimedia content on your phone, either of these devices would be well-suited for that purpose.
So, both the Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia 1 iV impress with their 6.5-inch OLED displays featuring 4K HDR resolution and a high 120Hz refresh rate. The 21:9 aspect ratio enhances the movie-watching experience, making these devices an excellent choice for multimedia enthusiasts. While Sony may not have followed the Quad HD+ resolution trend, they have remained committed to delivering a visually captivating display technology on their flagship Xperia devices.
Performance and Hardware
While the Sony Xperia 1 V and Sony Xperia 1 iV share similar design and display characteristics, there are notable differences under the hood, particularly in terms of processing power and camera capabilities.
The Xperia 1 iV is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, accompanied by 12GB of RAM. The UK model offers a base storage of 256GB, while the US variant provides 512GB. Both models support microSD cards for storage expansion up to 1TB, which is a rare feature in today’s smartphones. Notably, this storage expansion option is absent in devices from Samsung or Apple.
On the other hand, the Xperia 1 V introduces an upgrade in the form of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, promising a 40% improvement over its predecessor, the Xperia 1 iV. This chipset is also paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, at least in the UK model. Once again, microSD support is available for expanding the storage up to 1TB. Interestingly, the rest of the specifications, including the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, remain unchanged from the 2022 model.
These upgrades in processing power and chipset technology in the Xperia 1 V indicate improved performance compared to the Xperia 1 iV. The boost in processing capabilities may offer a smoother user experience, faster multitasking, and better overall performance. Additionally, the presence of expandable storage and the inclusion of a headphone jack provide added convenience for users who value these features.
Battery
The Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia 1 iV share the same battery specifications, with both devices housing a 5000mAh battery. They also offer support for fast charging and wireless charging, as well as Battery Share functionality, allowing you to charge other wireless devices using your Xperia 1 V or Xperia 1 iV.
Sony devices have a reputation for delivering excellent battery life, thanks to various features, including Stamina mode. Therefore, users can expect similar battery performance from the Xperia 1 V. However, Sony claims that the Xperia 1 V offers improved heat distribution, boasting a 60% enhancement compared to its predecessor, the Xperia 1 iV. This improvement is noteworthy, as the Xperia 1 iV had received complaints about running slightly warm during use.
In addition to enhanced heat distribution, the Xperia 1 V also features dedicated speaker modules. These modules are designed to provide more spacious sound compared to the Xperia 1 iV, delivering an improved audio experience for users.
Camera
The Sony Xperia 1 V retains the periscope lens that was introduced with the Xperia 1 iV, offering the same 85-125mm Optical Telephoto Zoom lens. This lens has a 12-megapixel resolution and features autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS) capabilities.
However, the main sensor has received an upgrade in the Xperia 1 V compared to its predecessor, the Xperia 1 iV. Instead of a 12-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and 24mm focal length, the Xperia 1 V boasts a 52-megapixel main sensor. It utilizes pixel binning technology, combining four pixels into one to create 12-megapixel still photos. Notably, the sensor in the Xperia 1 V is 1.7 times larger than the main sensor in the Xperia 1 iV.
The new main sensor in the Xperia 1 V is a stacked CMOS sensor with two-layer transistor pixels. This design places the photodiode and transistor on separate layers, which helps reduce noise levels. Sony claims that the main sensor in the Xperia 1 V performs twice as well as the Xperia 1 iV in low-light shooting situations, although independent testing is required to validate this claim. The ultra-wide sensor remains the same on both devices, with a 12-megapixel lens offering an f/2.2 aperture and 16mm focal length. As for the front-facing camera, both the Xperia 1 V and Xperia 1 iV feature a 12-megapixel sensor, so there are no changes in that aspect.
So, the Xperia 1 V maintains the periscope lens introduced in the Xperia 1 iV, providing an 85-125mm Optical Telephoto Zoom lens. The main sensor in the Xperia 1 V has been upgraded to a larger 52-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, offering improved low-light performance compared to its predecessor. The ultra-wide sensor and front-facing camera remain the same as the Xperia 1 iV. These camera enhancements in the Xperia 1 V aim to deliver an enhanced photography experience for users.
Conclusions
The Sony Xperia 1 V bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Xperia 1 iV, with minimal differences in terms of design. However, there are notable upgrades and improvements in several areas, such as the chipset, speakers, and heat distribution. Despite these enhancements, Sony places the greatest emphasis on the camera, introducing a new main sensor in the Xperia 1 V specifically designed for improved low-light photography and reduced noise.
To fully assess whether the camera improvements in the Xperia 1 V justify an upgrade from the Xperia 1 iV, a comprehensive review is necessary. It is important to consider that many other aspects of the devices remain similar. However, if you are choosing between the Xperia 1 iV and the Xperia 1 V, opting for the newer model would future-proof your device for a longer duration and provide you with the best features that Sony currently offers.
It is worth noting that the Xperia 1 iV has significantly decreased in price since its initial release, making it more affordable compared to the Xperia 1 V. If you are on a budget and have a preference for a Sony phone, the Xperia 1 iV still remains a solid choice. It appeals to photography enthusiasts who prefer minimal AI processing and to those who do not heavily rely on extensivephotography. Additionally, the Xperia 1 iV is a powerful device with a great display and is also capable of delivering a satisfying gaming experience.
Price and Availability
Sony has recently announced the upcoming release of the Sony Xperia 1 V, their latest flagship smartphone. While detailed information regarding availability, pricing, and specific features is yet to be fully disclosed, the company has shared some initial details.
According to Sony, the Xperia 1 V is expected to be available for purchase in late June. As for the pricing, it is estimated to be around £1299. However, final pricing details and availability information are still awaited. It is worth mentioning that Sony is aiming for a price point below $1500 in the United States, indicating their intention to offer a more competitive price compared to previous flagship models.
Regarding color options, the Sony Xperia 1 V will be launched in three different choices.
These options include Black, Khaki Green, and Platinum Silver, providing users with a range of stylish options to suit their preferences.
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