Sony Xperia 5 IV Review : Why Is It Not Popular?

[@danidarklord666]

This might be true. But seeing every other smartphone out there looking almost exactly the same, I'm happy that this smatphone exist.

[@Simplified360]

Design > practicality?

[@danidarklord666]

@@Simplified360Design + practicality

[@przemyslavpiotrovski]

Yeah, I am different too….what does it mean?

[@Simplified360]

@@przemyslavpiotrovski Different in what way?

[@abdullahmubarak6840]

Sony actually has found its target market and so far is sticking by it. And yes, for most people, I wouldn't recommend a Sony smartphone, but there is a reason to recommend a Sony smartphone to some people. In this day and age, where all smartphones are focusing on the same thing, I'm not really sure what to recommend anymore. The most popular phone is the iPhone and on android OS, would be a Samsung phone. If you want something like a Samsung phone but cheaper yet still packs the same SOC, then go for Xiaomi (for those in the US, maybe a Oneplus). Why should anybody recommend Oppo, Asus, ZTE, Vivo, Motorola, Nokia, Huawei, or any other brands as they do the same as Samsung/Xiaomi/Oneplus but do not have the same brand acknowledgment nor cheaper price? All in all, Sony still have more things to polish with their phones, but I don't think simply appealing to the masses would work in their favor as they definitely won't be able to compete in price. I love what they are doing with the Xperia 1/5/Pro series right now (not necessarily with their Xperia 10 series), and do hope they stick with this distinct aspect ratio + headphone jack + microSD + front-firing speaker design in the future.

[@amranibrahimrashidi]

Baru pakai 1iv syok sangat...

[@Simplified360]

Thanks for the unbiased opinion. Can agree that their angle is for a niche group who might be interested and aren't looking for something generic, but it's also just unfairly priced. This Xperia 5 IV might be the only "affordable" of the bunch and just doesn't really make sense to charge a hefty premium. Sony might not need brand acknowledgement due to their success in other sectors such as cameras, but that's also a contradiction to it's photo/footage outputs which aren't too great either as mentioned in previous Xperia reviews. It's obvious that we sound very negative in this video, but it's more of an observation than factual for some parts.. We're just trying to understand on its unpopularity and why their Xperia sales have dropped tremendously over the last couple of years.

[@abdullahmubarak6840]

@@Simplified360 I get where you're coming from, and it's a valid criticism on the phone. The price is too expensive and the camera does need some polish in certain aspects, especially coming from one of the best in mirrorless market. But if you have been following Sony's trend, they are improving the concerns that people have, though not at the pace that the mass market wants it. Sony's smartphone division was almost shut down last time, so I do think the slower and steady method for them is better. I just hope people don't simply dismiss smaller brands as competition is necessary.

[@flaziola]

There is one really popular Android model you overlooked, Pixel.

[@johanmarnfeldt5262]

For most people a wider phone does not mean a better grip.

[@Simplified360]

Hard to say. Most flagships are so big nowadays

[@Leilight]

@@Simplified360 agree , even not flagships phone are too big now a day.

[@Chorith77]

Thanks to this review, I just ordered my 5 iv today to replace my Samsung S10e. At first I thought S22 would be my sweet upgrade but I put it off due to non expandable storage and the fact that it doesn't have 3.5 audio jack. This phone has everything while other phones are trying to follow iphone path by removing everything like audio jack, SD card slot. S10e has been my best smart phone I've ever used minus battery life. Sony actually convinced me to upgrade my phone because it offers everything S10e offered, plus better battery life. Buying good phone these days is hard. Most of them are huge and wide, no SD card slot which is a must for me because I take lots of videos and tend to store lots of stuff on my phone. 256GB on board plus more storage on SD card makes me feel at ease. Headphone jack is a must too since I use external mic for video recording and still using my old beloved headphones. I prefer side finger print scanner than the one on the screen. Beside all of that, Sony phone has great built quality, great screen, and great speakers, plus good camera as I tried my friend 5 ii I felt in love instantly. All in all, it doesn't have to be better than other phones in every aspect, it just needs to be different in its own way, and offers what's important to the users without following iphone nonsense path. I also love the fact that I won't need to store the sim injecting tool under my phone case anymore. It's a pain everytime I want to take my memory card out on my S10e. The camera shutter button takes me back to those good old days using Sony Ericsson cybershot phones.

[@Simplified360]

Hey thanks for the great feedback. Glad to know some genuine users out there who take full advantage of the Xperia-experience. Hope your new daily driver serves you well.

[@trudyannbuckley]

Sounds like you have the same needs in a phone that I have. Trying to upgrade from a Samsung S7, and it's between the Samsung S23 and this phone. I hate the idea of not having expandable storage and a headphone jack, so the Xperia is winning, but the one thing that's really holding me back is: I've heard the Xperia 5 IV's image quality when taking pictures is way more difficult to master, especially in low light. It seems like Samsung's camera software is more user-friendly for someone wanting a quick and pretty picture without messing around on all the dials. If I may ask, how do you feel about your phone's camera?

[@armondcooper1548]

Currently using an S10.. thinking about getting the 5 IV. Have you had any issues with the phone overheating?

[@iamchampchannel]

In fact your finger no need to reach on top to pull down notification or shortcut bar.. you may do it in any area at home screen

[@Simplified360]

True. But thats just one of the many examples

[@dharmeshmistry167]

Why can’t Sony offer more os updates instead of just two, increasing the software support will be a game changer for me

[@Simplified360]

It will be a game changer for all of us indeed as consistent software update do provide that sense of security during purchase.

[@mr.watermelon3415]

I just loveeeeeee the form factor! Hoping xiaomi or vivo are making those Xperia line up design

[@Simplified360]

Glad you like it. Think it's more of a Sony move. Might be their unique selling point. Thanks for watching!

[@pumekeshi]

bought it for nearly 1.5month. love this phone 😊

[@Simplified360]

good to know. Thanks for watching!

[@armondcooper1548]

Currently using an S10.. bought a LG v60..too big. The only thing holding me back from buying this Xperia is the phone getting hot. At the current price point heating issues should be non-existent.

[@Simplified360]

totally agree! Not a kind of problem customers should be getting in 2023.

[@SailingVinderla]

I got one for 550 USD on sale. Happy with it so far!

[@gefingeerdbetweenthedots6092]

id buy 1 for that

[@gefingeerdbetweenthedots6092]

i so wanna buy a sony. but their pitcure came last in a blind camera test. yes you can eddit, but give users options for that price, i like the placing of the finger print sensor

[@Simplified360]

Yes, Sony’s smartphone camera are definitely designed for those who are more familiar with DLSR/Mirrorless settings. And not many brands do their fingerprint sensors on the side like they do so there is definitely compromises to be made:(

[@css124]

What I'm looking for in a phone: Physical SIM + eSIM microSD Wireless charging Activity LED All day battery Not wider than 70mm 3.5" audio jack You think there would be plenty of choice out there but no. Only one phone exists on the planet. Xperia XQ-CQ54. Also, I appreciate no SIM extraction tool required & stock Android has a ridiculous 2 button push screen shot. What's with a fingerprint sensor at some random spot on the screen? Once you are familiar with the physical fingerprint reader it is a bundle of joy to use. I've got a fantastic silicone case from the internet. My only gripe is no VoLTE so cannot use on Telstra network

[@jimjam_the_wong_and_only1942]

i had this phone for a while now, do u think its worth it to switch to 120 hz refresh rate?, i know it consume some battery, but im not that much of a heavy user of the phone

[@Youtubeuseritis]

Can the Japanese version be used in USA? On 5G? On LTE?

[@flat-out]

Xperia phones are more popular in Europe I think. Here in Canada there are no Xperia phones on sale at the cellular carrier stores here.

[@Montfortracing]

Do the carriers in Europe sell Sony phones? I think TMobile stopped selling them here in the US

[@ERRR-bp9go]

Yours is the only review which praised this phones low light performance, while every other reviewer says how terrible the shots are compared to how the phone works in daylight. Then again your whole vid might be a joke given how nearly every criticism comming from you is contrary to most popular reviews of this unit. There is only one storage option (128 gb). This isn't a review nor journalism, this is fiction xD

[@Simplified360]

Thanks for calling it a joke despite the research and for simply trying to understand why the majority of people don't even know Sony still made phones. It's a claim made based on Xperia phones in the last few years which had also been dropping in number of sales --- not Sony as a brand, because they have been doing great in everything else. 2017-2018 showed 13.5mil unit sales globally of their Xperia phones, from 39.1mil in 2014-2015. Sales from 2020 -2021 is at 2.9mil globally. There's a clear downtrend. You can find these stats on Sony's official portal. The criticism might be harsh, but imagine buying something that costs about the same as a flagship android or iPhone, for mid-range results at best. It's just not playing it smart and Sony could put their resources elsewhere or do something about it while they still can. It's feedback for them as much as it's a job for us to share a different angle.

[@ERRR-bp9go]

@@Simplified360 You missed the point. This whole vid is riddled with mistakes and non-truths to the point the viewer doubts everything. Mkbhd made a better video about the unpopularity of sony phones Ps. Stop pinning your own comments, if someone wants to read it they will

[@stephaned3072]

@@ERRR-bp9go bro just dont get the sony. The night shots are decent if you are shooting on manual. But i think all smartphones shoot better night photo than it with their night modes. Basically the sony rely on the hardware like it does on its bigger camera but sadly there is not enough hardware to make it enough. Other phones use software to back up those hardwRe and does a better job. The sony is overhyped and defo not worth it. Thats my take from owning the xperia 1iv and switched to the 14 pro max. Before the sony i had an s21 ultra

[@ERRR-bp9go]

@@stephaned3072 My rant isn't about the phone exactly. (I was torn between this and the zenfone 9, gonna buy the zenfone probably, much cheaper with a newer soc) The problem is how the review borders between reality and fiction by making things up (Had to edit, my keyboard changed reality into really)

[@stephaned3072]

@@ERRR-bp9go so you are searching for a compact phone i see?

[@samuelwee9323]

Can you do a review of the Sharp Aquos R9 handphone. This was recently released in SG. But hardly any review of this handset.

[@BrightShadow13]

Perhaps this review was a little too simplified. While I agree with what was said, it fails to recognize what is a Sony phone. Sony don't follow mainstream trends, nor it plans to have huge market share. Sony is the only company that fillls the void that LG left in audio. 3.5mm on these sonys, anything mark ii onwards has pretty strong audio capabilities. also Sony has almost stock android with minimal changes, feels like AOSP, and stays pretty snappy. It has great battery as well. And the most important to me is the display, and how well it works in very dim environment. Samsung is leading the display tech, sure, but take a Galaxy S20 and Sony xperia 5 ii in dim settings, and look at grey uniformity, you will know why xperia is so expensive. Also I got pretty good cellular reception at places where other phones did not get any at all. Small things like this stack up. I am living in Japan now, and I understand why Sony is so stubborn at some things, instead of just following the trend. Sony is a Japanese brand and it shows. Like Fujitsu, Sharp, NEC doesn't even care about outside world, they only make phones for Japan. Sony has their own standard, and they won't change it. And it serves them well. I don't think they plan to be a mainstream smartphone maker. They have a very niche market, and to us, Sony is a blessing. Sonys are expensive, yes, but they are impeccably made. After using LG V series for years, I was left with no choice for a while until I found Xperia 5 mark ii, now using 5 mark iv. Yes, the heating issue, Sony addressed in mark v.

[@inSaNe_44]

The true is in everyone's own user experience! Thank you for your work.

[@Simplified360]

Thank you. Appreciate your support

[@lifestream85]

I'm from the Middle East, and sadly, Sony Xperia is not listed in the market . But that doesn't stop me from buying xperia 😊. Im waiting for Xperia 2023

[@Simplified360]

Good to hear from a true Sony fan in the Middle East! Thanks for watching

[@janjamesramos247]

After seeing amazing results of the 1 V, I think Sony may once again be more popular. I think Sony should release a new series where phones have wider screens, maybe a 19.5:9 ratio? Also, looking forward to a variable aperture in the future.

[@Simplified360]

They did variable aperture with the Pro-i. Wasn't that great either but definitely agree a wider design might give it a slightly more comfortable grip and more screen real estate.

[@janjamesramos247]

@@Simplified360 Yes I know. But maybe it can be normalized and be added to the 1 and 5 series (?) although that's ambitious. 😅

[@creatorbydefault]

It's 2022 who swipes from the top down?! That's just weird 😅 you can swipe comfortably anywhere in the home screen. Furthermore there's one handed mode if you're lazy. I'm happy with my 1 Mark IV. Btw what the F is up with the Blackberry comparison? What about HTC? LG? Geesus someone's born yesterday. Sony has a vast portfolio in multiple sectors whereas blackberry wasn't. SMH. Whoever approved this segment should be let go

[@RS-of1om]

The next Pro I should have a native Anamorphic Lens, 16 gb ram and or allow sony lenses to added on.

[@Simplified360]

Definitely an interesting concept, its like a thin mirrorless that runs android and can call!

[@not_amanullah]

1 vi great size, headphone jack, square shape, natural colors and sd card slot 🖤🤍

[@jadeacegaming227]

I knew it's Melissa from AsNTM 3! 🖤

[@Afifmedia]

Curious where you’re based from and then saw that inked finger 😊

[@johncaban4310]

Will wait for the Xperia 1 Mark 5. See how much better it is

[@Simplified360]

Lets hope so!

[@CountJayeAndTheHardBeats]

I bought it and I love it.

[@Simplified360]

Great to know! Hope it serves as good daily driver

[@ibizenco]

I am thinking of "upgrading" my Xperia XA1 Plus, which is quite a few years old (Android 8, anyone?) and I have the "5 IV" in my sights. I love the audio jack (I have "wired" earphones - from Sony - which I find are very good) and the option for an SD card. I DON'T want what everyone else has - a Samsung or an iPhone 🙂- and it is a bit expensive and probably "overkill" for me, but I kind of like Sony as a brand. I don't game on smartphones, nor do I shoot videos, so I suppose the overheating thing won't be a problem. I am doubting (if it had been cheaper...).

[@ChordifyMusicLabel]

Sony Will be dominate soon knowing that people now a days are using AI Apps for edit soo its not about that color that comes straight to the camera but it all about detail, creativity and sony focus..As a begginner before, I always like what image that produces from Iphone and samsung but now everyone do the edit, I prefer true to life and details

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Someone needs to show you how to use a finger print reader 🤦

[@Simplified360]

Whats the correct way?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@Simplified360 You don't tap your finger on the sensor, you hold it there for half a second and it works everytime.

[@Simplified360]

@@VRFlightSimGuy Tried that too and it still doesn't work. Plus, capacitive sensors shouldn't take that long to read a fingerprint since they're more accurate and should work faster than optical sensors. But yes, they are more secure too. Just didn't expect it to be inconsistent with our attempts.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@Simplified360 Of all the phones I've had over the years, the Xperia's have the best readers to date. The way you show it in the video is nonsense. No one tries to unlock a phone like that unless you are purposely trying to confuse it.

[@Simplified360]

@@VRFlightSimGuy noted. Will unlock it your way next time we review an Xperia.

[@cssplayer91]

I have a samsung galaxy s24 but I'm buying this sony xperia 5 iv for the headphone jack alone 👌

[@elmaton04]

I just ordered one from Sony. I was considering the S24, but no way in hell would I want to give up the headphone jack and micro SD card reader. I hope the overheating problems are resolved, but I don't intend to use it for gaming or heavy video shoot.

[@gamingwithkev8208]

Which Sony phones are popular?

[@Simplified360]

None so far. Its a very niche market but avid Xperia users seem to like the exclusivity. Are you one of them?

[@singlesideman]

I disagree with every criticism so far.

[@Simplified360]

would you buy it?

[@singlesideman]

@@Simplified360 I'm very seriously considering it.

[@Simplified360]

@@singlesideman Good to know. Do weigh out other options first though. Overheating is still an issue

[@singlesideman]

@@Simplified360 if you record more than 8 minutes of 4K video at 120 fps it does, which is about right for a device this small. The only other phones that record more without overheating actually lower the frame rate. I've seen benchmark tests on it.

[@Stomping-On-Roses]

@@Simplified360 Yeah, lets not act like overheating is not a thing in ALL phones through the years.

[@NLMusique]

I think you just Sony hater. You just don't know what quality is or the meaning of the word quality.

[@Simplified360]

Not a Sony hater. Just seeing things in a different angle as to why it may not be popular is all. They're more speculation that fact and point of view. Have mostly made positive reviews about Sony Xperia phones on the channel in the past so do check them out :D. Thanks for watching!

[@svetoslavalexandrov3533]

Because its too expensive...

[@amranibrahimrashidi]

Ya saya dah pakai Sony 1iv sangat suka...

[@Simplified360]

1 iv lebih berbaloi

[@amranibrahimrashidi]

@@Simplified360 sangat berbaloi...

[@ThanatosMaguma]

Just trying to find out faults that doesn't even exist, a typical "reviewer" groaning about the usual garbage, in the very USUAL way. Seriously, get something new to talk about, all of these self proclaimed faults are old news.

[@Simplified360]

We've always appreciated Xperia phones! Just might sound negative in this video as we're just trying to see why it's not popular is all. They're not necessarily facts, but more of an observation. Do check out our other positive reviews about Xperia phones. :D

[@BrutallyHonestDave]

Ready for this? Take out that ugly white search bar in the app drawer and I’d buy it. Won’t buy until the fix that. 3rd party launchers are too buggy so that’s not an option

[@Simplified360]

Interesting view but good to know. Thanks for watching

[@khuenep]

Tôi đang dùng con Sony Xperia 10iv phải nói là đẹp

[@mycatisaslayqueen9778]

I'd buy it just for the headphone jack😂😂😂

[@nickandro127]

because of price

[@Silverado-b5e]

Your fingers are damn pretty

[@rinkashi101]

Overheating problem, that's why.

[@Simplified360]

Yup. One of the many unsolved issues.

[@inSaNe_44]

​@@Simplified360does the overheating problem has been fixed after the last update? Thank you

[@badgerattoadhall]

I am typing this on an xpheria 5 IV. it is awful.

[@NONAME-hh1uc]

Nice phone👍

[@Simplified360]

thanks for watching!

[@GeorgeYajima]

You’re so beautiful 😍

[@kheankimhong]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@user-gv5pp6iw5i]

Xperia 5 IV is perfect But only complaint is - no aftermarket phone cases. Can take months to get quality cases. (Using a 5m3 case = shutter button covered & stereo mics = 5m2 case fits but both stereo mics are covered) *others complain about* - the screen speed and sensitivity (default is too fast = must avoid flick gestures when reading) - FULL retail (must preorder for best prices)

[@Simplified360]

That’s a good point, lack of aftermarket cases is definitely a deal breaker for some phones. Without popular brands like Spigen or dBrand, it’s really a hit or miss, imagine waiting a month plus for a case to arrive only to find that it’s not up to standard. Real bummer.

[@tecemdia9759]

👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷👏👏

[@wattstofreedom2745]

👌

[@Simplified360]

thanks for watching :D

[@danulagaff3876]

Worst phone

[@Simplified360]

Good to know you see it that way. Sony has some serious enthusiasts

[@Imasheep_baa_baaa_baaaa]

will you marry me????

[@Simplified360]

lets