Sony Xperia 5 IV perfect choice for compact enthusiasts.

Introduction of Sony Xperia 5 IV

For those who prefer a flagship-level smartphone that doesn’t feel like a brick in your hand, the Sony Xperia 5 IV stands out as a compact powerhouse. With its 6.1-inch 21 : 9 display, premium build, and top-tier specs, the Xperia 5 IV delivers a premium experience in a comfortably sized form factor. In this blog, we’ll explore why the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a perfect choice for compact enthusiasts in India—covering its price, specs, camera, battery, and unique features. We’ll also examine how it fits into the Indian market in 2025 and answer top FAQs at the end.

Premium Compact Design & Display

One of the strongest appeals of the Xperia 5 IV is its compact size: measuring 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm and weighing only about 172 g. The tall 21 : 9 aspect ratio contributes to a narrow-and-tall form that is easy to grip with one hand—rare in today’s large-phone era.

The 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 240 Hz touch sampling rate, and covers 100 % of the DCI-P3 color gamut. For content consumption, gaming and daily use, this means fluid visuals, vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The compact form combined with such a display makes the Xperia 5 IV a top pick for users who dislike oversized phones.

The compact design also brings premium materials: Gorilla Glass Victus protection, metal frame, IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance. All in all, for fans of “smaller footprint” flagships, the Xperia 5 IV strongly hits the mark.

Performance & Core Specs

Under the hood, the Xperia 5 IV packs serious performance: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, 8 GB RAM paired with 128 GB or 256 GB storage, and microSD expansion in many regions. For day-to-day use, this means seamless multitasking, heavy-duty apps, gaming, and future-proofing.

In India, while the flagship smartphone market is crowded, compact flagships remain niche—and the Xperia 5 IV fills that niche incredibly well. Benchmarks, real-world usage and premium features (like side-fingerprint sensor, full-stage stereo speakers, headphone jack, Hi-Res audio) further strengthen its appeal. 

If you value the feel of a smaller handset but don’t want to compromise on horsepower, the Xperia 5 IV delivers. The only caveat: flagship chipsets generate heat, and in a smaller chassis that can matter—users should keep ventilation and usage patterns in mind.

Camera System – Photography & Videography Powerhouse

The Sony Xperia 5 IV’s camera setup is another major highlight—especially for compact phone enthusiasts who don’t want to trade in photography capabilities for size. It features three 12 MP rear lenses: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto (approx. 24 mm / 16 mm / 60 mm) with Zeiss-calibrated optics, dual-pixel PDAF, OIS, and high-end video features. 

On the front, a 12 MP selfie camera also delivers strong output. The rear camera supports 4K video up to 120 fps, HDR, “Cinematography Pro” mode inspired by Sony’s Alpha cameras, real-time eye AF and tracking. 

In India, where many users capture content for social media, vlogging or creative projects, these camera credentials make the Xperia 5 IV a compelling choice—especially given its compact size. While some competitors may offer higher megapixel counts, the real-world performance (especially in video and telephoto) is strong. One caution: Sony’s camera tuning is more natural/realistic rather than oversaturated, which some users prefer, but others may miss punchy filters.

Battery, Charging & Overall Endurance

Despite its compact body, the Xperia 5 IV packs a 5,000 mAh battery—which is unusually large for a “compact flagship”. Coupled with Sony’s software optimizations (Battery Care, STAMINA mode, adaptive charging) the phone offers reliable performance for a full day (in many usage scenarios) and even longer for moderate users.

Charging: While not the fastest in class, it offers 30W wired charging (and in some markets wireless and reverse wireless charging) which is decent for the segment. 

In the Indian context, where battery and endurance matter (especially for power users and travelers), having this large battery inside a compact build is a major advantage. The user experience of a smaller phone and good battery life is rare.

Features That Matter – Audio, Connectivity & More

Sony has retained a few features that many flagships are dropping: a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack with Hi-Res audio support, front dual stereo speakers, microSD expansion (in some markets), and IP68 dust/water resistance. 

Connectivity includes 5G, WiFi 6/6E (depending on region), NFC, USB-C (USB 3.2 in some variants) and more. In India, though the phone may be an import or grey market piece (since official Indian presence may vary), it still works with major carriers—though users should check band compatibility and VoLTE/5G readiness. Reddit users have noted that international Xperia variants can work well in India—but with caution. 

For compact enthusiasts who want high-end even in connectivity and audio, the Xperia 5 IV ticks many boxes.

Price & Availability in India

According to recently published specs & price data, the Sony Xperia 5 IV shows up in India at around ₹55,000(approx.) (for 8/128GB) as per listings in 2025. Since it is a niche device (compact flagship) and possibly imported/not widely distributed in India, buyers may have to pay a premium or consider grey-market imports.

For many Indian buyers, that price positions it against larger screen flagships (6.1″) that offer similarly powerful specs. But the differentiator here is the compact size. If that matters to you more than screen size, the price becomes justified.

Who Should Buy & Who Should Wait

Ideal for:

• Users who dislike large phones, prefer one-hand usability, or have smaller hands.

• Compact enthusiasts who still want flagship specs (fast chip, high-end camera, good battery).

• Users who care about audio features (headphone jack, Hi-Res), premium build, water/dust resistance.

• Power users seeking camera/creative tools in manageable size.

Might wait or consider alternatives if you:

• Priorities ultra-high-refresh 144Hz+ displays, or 6.1″+ screens for gaming/media.

• Need the absolute highest charging speeds (5W).

• Want brand/service/support as strong as mainstream Chinese/Indian brands in India. Sony’s support network in India is smaller; grey imports may have limited support.

• Are heavily price-driven and care more about value-for-money than compactness—then alternatives may offer more specs per rupee.

2025 Verdict – Is the Sony Xperia 5 IV still a strong compact flagship?

Yes—particularly for buyers who value size and premium feel. In 2025, smartphones are getting larger and larger; the Xperia 5 IV stands out by maintaining flagship hardware in a small footprint. Its camera capabilities, performance, and battery still make it relevant. The trade-offs (price, support, brand traction) are real—but if you priorities the unique combination of compactness + power, it’s among the very few options available in India.

Conclusion of Sony Xperia 5 IV

If you’re a smartphone user who dislikes oversized devices but refuses to compromise on flagship performance, build quality, camera sophistication and premium features, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a top-tier choice in India in 2025. Its compact form factor, high-end specs, and camera prowess make it particularly suited for “compact enthusiasts” who want a serious phone that fits comfortably in the hand, not just a smaller phone without soul. While the price may be higher than more common large-screen flagships, the uniqueness of the offering justifies it—if you value what it stands for. For all these reasons, the Xperia 5 IV is indeed the “perfect choice for compact enthusiasts”.

FAQs of Sony Xperia 5 IV

Q.1. Is the Sony Xperia 5 IV available officially in India?

It has limited official presence; many units are imported/grey-market, so check warranty, bands and support before buying.

Q.2. What is the approximate price of the Sony Xperia 5 IV in India (2025)?

Around ₹55,000(approx.) for the 8/128GB variant as per current listings—but may vary by import status and availability. 

Q.3. Does the Xperia 5 IV have a good camera system?

Yes—it features three 12 MP sensors (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) with Zeiss optics, 4K video up to 120 fps, and advanced features like real-time Eye AF and CineAlta mode.

Q.4. Is the 6.1-inch size of the Xperia 5 IV too small for media/gaming use in 2025?

It depends on your preference. While 6.1″ is smaller than many modern phones, it offers better one-hand usability and still has a high refresh display. If you watch lots of video or play high-FPS games, you might prefer a larger screen—but for many users this size is ideal.

Q.5. How is battery life on the Xperia 5 IV? Will the compact size compromise endurance?

The device packs a 5,000 mAh battery—which is excellent for the size—and delivers solid endurance for daily use. The compact chassis doesn’t significantly hurt battery life thanks to efficient hardware and software.