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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 5 IV Comparison

A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right phone.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
9.0 / 10
Compass Score
From 107 critic reviews
Full review →
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony
Sony Xperia 5 IV
8.5 / 10
Compass Score
From 26 critic reviews
Full review →
Verdict

Pros & cons

Galaxy S23 Ultra

A powerhouse phone featuring a versatile triple-camera system and enduring battery life.

+
Good
+ Impressive 200MP camera
+ Long-lasting battery
+ Built-in S Pen
+ Fast performance
+ Durable design
−
Not
− High price point
− Bulky design
− Charging not included
− Slight shutter lag
− Color saturation issues

Xperia 5 IV

A versatile phone with advanced features offering a solid experience for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

+
Good
+ Compact size
+ Durable build
+ Great camera quality
+ Music playback features
+ Battery life
−
Not
− High price
− Overheats under load
− Limited app support
− No wireless charging
− Complex interface
Spec data

How they compare

Choosing the cheaper Xperia 5 IV means giving up most on: Wired charging

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Xperia 5 IV
Price (MSRP)
$1,199
Price (MSRP)
$999
OS
Android
OS
Android
Processor
Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Octa-core
Processor
Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
45W
Wired charging
30W
Wireless charging
10W
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
234g (8.3 oz)
Weight
172g (6.1 oz)
Fingerprint
Yes
Fingerprint
Yes
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Third-party data

Testing & benchmarks

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Xperia 5 IV
DxOMark v5
140
photo 139 · video 137
DxOMark v5
—
AnTuTu v10
—
AnTuTu v10
—
GSMArena endurance
—
GSMArena endurance
—
iFixit repairability
—
iFixit repairability
—
Physical comparison

Size & weight

Footprint · to scale
Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.4" × 3.1"
Xperia 5 IV
6.1" × 2.6"
Thickness · to scale
Galaxy S23 Ultra
0.4"
Xperia 5 IV
0.3"
Height
6.4" (163.4 mm)
Height
6.1" (156 mm)
Width
3.1" (78.1 mm)
Width
2.6" (67 mm)
Depth
0.4" (8.9 mm)
Depth
0.3" (8.2 mm)
Weight
234g (8.3 oz)
Weight
172g (6.1 oz)
Screen
6.8"
Screen
6.1"

Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.

Common questions

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Xperia 5 IV: FAQ

Which is better, the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Xperia 5 IV?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the Galaxy S23 Ultra earns a Compass Score of 9.0 compared to 8.5 for the Xperia 5 IV. That 0.5-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Which phone is more affordable, the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Xperia 5 IV?
The Xperia 5 IV launches at $999, which is $200 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra at $1,199. Street prices shift after launch, so check current deals for both phones before deciding.
Should I buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Xperia 5 IV?
Our critics' take on the Galaxy S23 Ultra: "A powerhouse phone featuring a versatile triple-camera system and enduring battery life." On the Xperia 5 IV: "A versatile phone with advanced features offering a solid experience for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike." Both phones have clear strengths in different areas; scroll through the comparison above to see which trade-offs align with your priorities.

Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →