Sony Xperia 5 Comprehensive Overview of Specs Pricing and Pros & Cons

Overview

The Sony Xperia 5 is a sleek and compact smartphone introduced by Sony in September 2019. Its release in October 2019 marked its availability to the public, embracing users with its cutting-edge features and high-performance capabilities.

Design and Build

The Xperia 5 boasts an elegant design, featuring a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. The aluminum frame adds to its robust construction, ensuring durability and a premium feel. Measuring 158 x 68 x 8.2 mm and weighing 164 grams, the Xperia 5 is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, offering ergonomic comfort for one-handed use.

Display

Equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, the Xperia 5 delivers vivid and sharp visuals. The HDR BT.2020 technology enhances the color and contrast, making it ideal for media consumption. With a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio, the display achieves a high pixel density of approximately 449 ppi, offering immersive viewing experiences.

Performance

At the heart of the Xperia 5 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, manufactured on a 7 nm process. This powerful octa-core processor, combined with the Adreno 640 GPU, ensures smooth and efficient performance, capable of handling demanding applications and graphics-intensive tasks. The Xperia 5 runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) and is upgradeable to Android 11, providing access to the latest Android features and security updates.

Memory and Storage

The Xperia 5 offers 6GB of RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking and smooth operation. Its internal storage capacity of 128GB provides ample space for apps, photos, and media. Additionally, the presence of a microSDXC slot, which shares a SIM slot, enables users to expand storage for added flexibility.

Camera System

Main Camera

The Xperia 5 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, featuring three 12 MP sensors. The wide camera, with an f/1.6 aperture, predictive dual pixel PDAF, and OIS, excels in capturing detailed images even in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom, enabling users to get closer to their subjects without sacrificing quality. The ultrawide sensor allows for expansive shots, ideal for landscapes and group photos. Features like LED flash, panorama, HDR, and eye tracking enhance the photography experience. Video capabilities include capturing 4K footage at 24/30fps with HDR, as well as 1080p resolution at various frame rates, supported by 5-axis gyro-EIS for stability.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera of the Xperia 5 is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of taking wide-angle selfies. The HDR feature ensures vibrant and balanced photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. Video recording at 1080p and 30fps is supported, complete with 5-axis gyro-EIS for steady captures.

Battery and Charging

Powered by a non-removable 3140 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Xperia 5 offers reliable endurance. Its 18W wired charging support, compliant with PD2.0 standards, allows for quick top-ups, minimizing downtime between uses.

Connectivity and Audio

The Xperia 5 provides a range of connectivity options, including support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac ensures fast and stable wireless internet access. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD ensures high-quality audio streaming to compatible devices. NFC support enables convenient mobile payments and device pairing. The USB Type-C 3.1 port supports OTG functionality, allowing for direct connection of peripherals.

The device features stereo speakers that deliver immersive sound, although it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, pushing users toward wireless or USB-C headphones.

Sensors and Additional Features

Sensors on the Xperia 5 include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and a color spectrum sensor. These features contribute to an enhanced user experience, offering a range of functionalities from secure unlocking to real-time environmental readouts.

Price and Availability

The Xperia 5 is available in several colors: Blue, Red, Black, and Grey. With models like J8210, J8270, J9210, SOV41, and SO-01M, it caters to diverse markets and users. Initially priced around 500 EUR, it positions itself as a premium yet affordable option in the market.

Network and Specifications

The Xperia 5 is designed to support a wide range of network bands across the globe, including various 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring widespread compatibility and reliable connectivity for users worldwide.

Performance Metrics

According to performance testing, the Xperia 5 achieves impressive scores: AnTuTu benchmark results of 334809 (v7) and 416601 (v8), GeekBench scores of 10941 (v4.4) and 2825 (v5.1), and a GFXBench rating of 33fps on ES 3.1 onscreen, indicating strong performance across a range of demanding applications and scenarios.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony Xperia 5 stands out as a compact and powerful smartphone that caters to a wide array of user needs, from photography enthusiasts and media consumers to everyday users seeking reliability and performance. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and robust functionality make it a compelling choice in the competitive smartphone market.