Sony Xperia 5 II The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros and Cons

Introduction to Sony Xperia 5 II

The Sony Xperia 5 II is a flagship smartphone that masterfully combines high performance, a sleek design, and cutting-edge technology. Announced in September 2020 and released in October of the same year, it has promising features that cater to photography enthusiasts, multimedia consumers, and power users. Let's delve into its detailed specifications and offerings.

Design and Build Quality

The Xperia 5 II boasts a premium design with its Gorilla Glass 6 front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame. This combination not only enhances the visual appeal of the device but also provides robust protection against scratches and drops. Its dimensions are 158 x 68 x 8 mm, and it weighs just 163 grams, making it relatively light and easy to handle. The phone supports a SIM configuration of either a Single Nano-SIM or a Hybrid Dual SIM, giving users flexibility in managing their cellular connections.

Display Features

One of the standout features of the Xperia 5 II is its 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels. With an aspect ratio of 21:9 and a pixel density of approximately 449 ppi, the display promises vibrant colors and sharp images. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced gaming experience, while support for HDR BT.2020 provides a wider color gamut for more lifelike image reproduction.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Xperia 5 II is powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, built on a 7nm+ process. It includes an octa-core CPU comprising a high-performance Cortex-A77 core running at 2.84 GHz, supported by three more Cortex-A77 cores at 2.42 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores that run at 1.80 GHz for efficiency. The Adreno 650 GPU complements this setup, providing top-notch graphical performance for gaming and multimedia applications.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with substantial memory options, packing 8GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and smooth operation of even the most demanding applications. It offers internal storage options of either 128GB or 256GB, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card using the shared SIM slot. This flexibility ensures that users can store a large amount of data, multimedia files, and applications without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The rear camera setup is a photographer’s delight, featuring a triple-camera system. It includes a 12 MP wide sensor with dual pixel PDAF and optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP telephoto lens with PDAF, 3x optical zoom, and OIS, and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with dual pixel PDAF. The advanced Zeiss optics and features like LED flash, panorama, HDR, and eye tracking further enhance imaging capabilities. Video recording support ranges up to 4K at 120fps, ensuring sharp and smooth footage.

Selfie Camera

On the front, the Xperia 5 II offers an 8 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, HDR capability, and a 1.12 µm pixel size. It’s capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, supported by 5-axis gyro-EIS to reduce shakes and blurs.

Audio Features

The Xperia 5 II comes with stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. Additionally, Sony has kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to audiophiles who prefer wired audio connections for high-quality sound.

Connectivity Options

The device supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, which ensures fast and reliable internet connections. It also features Bluetooth 5.1 for efficient wireless communication, NFC for contactless payments, and USB Type-C 3.1 for fast data transfer. Positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS ensure accurate location tracking.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable 4000 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Xperia 5 II offers significant endurance. It supports 21W wired charging using Power Delivery 3.0, capable of charging up to 50% in just 30 minutes as advertised, ensuring that you spend less time tied to a power outlet.

Additional Features

The Xperia 5 II integrates several sensors to enhance user experience, such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and a color spectrum sensor. These sensors contribute to both security and enhanced augmented reality applications.

Software and Operating System

Initially shipped with Android 10, the Xperia 5 II can be upgraded to Android 12, allowing users to enjoy the latest features and security updates from Google. This ensures that the phone remains relevant and secure in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

Market Availability and Pricing

Available in four color options—Black, Grey, Blue, and Pink—the Sony Xperia 5 II targets users who value style as much as functionality. With models like SO-52A, XQ-AS52, and others, the phone premiered at around 650 EUR. As a flagship device, it stands out in the premium segment with its balance of features, performance, and design.

Conclusion

Sony's Xperia 5 II is a testament to the company’s expertise in crafting smart devices that prioritize both form and function. Its balanced specifications, from the powerful Snapdragon processor to its versatile camera setup, make it a solid choice for users seeking an uncompromising flagship experience. Whether you're engrossed in photography, high-performance gaming, or simply need a reliable partner for everyday tasks, the Xperia 5 II stands ready to deliver.