Price and specifications of Sony Xperia M5 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Xperia M5 is equipped with versatile connectivity options, supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. The device can operate on multiple bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G, specifically designed for various regions with bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 for 2G, and options like HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 for 3G. The 4G bands include bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 20, supporting a maximum speed of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps.

Launch and Availability

The Xperia M5 was announced in August 2015 and subsequently released in September of the same year. Over time, the device has been classified as discontinued, but it originally positioned itself as a mid-range smartphone with certain flagship-like qualities

Body and Design

Designed with precision and elegance, the Xperia M5 measures 145 x 72 x 7.6 mm and weighs 142.5 grams, offering a sleek form that comfortably fits in the hand. It utilizes a Nano-SIM card and the build quality reflects the premium feel that Sony is known for, enhanced by a choice of Black, White, and Gold color options.

Display Features

The device boasts a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, providing clear and vibrant image quality with a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is around 66%, which, while not bezel-less by modern standards, offers adequate viewing space. The display is protected by scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear.

Platform and Performance

This smartphone operates on Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop) out of the box, with a possible upgrade to Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow). Under the hood, it is powered by a Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 chipset, featuring an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a PowerVR G6200 GPU. This combination allows for smooth multitasking and reliable performance across a variety of applications.

Memory and Storage

The Xperia M5 comes with 16GB of internal storage, coupled with 3GB of RAM, supporting efficient app management and data handling. For users needing additional space, the device includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot for expanded storage capabilities.

Main Camera

The Xperia M5 is particularly powerful in the camera department. It houses a 21.2 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities. The camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps, allowing users to capture high-quality videos and images under various conditions.

Selfie Camera

On the front, it features a 13 MP autofocus camera with an f/2.0 aperture, perfect for selfies and video calling. The front camera can record videos at 1080p@30fps, offering excellent clarity for video conferencing and social media content creation.

Sound Quality

The Xperia M5 is equipped with a loudspeaker for robust audio output, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for flexible audio experiences whether using earphones or speakers. The sound profile supports clear voice calls and immersive music playbacks.

Communications

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n across dual bands, with Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot features bringing versatility to wireless connectivity. It also includes Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, LE, and aptX support for compatible audio devices. For navigation, GPS and GLONASS are onboard, ensuring precise location tracking. NFC support allows for contactless transactions and connectivity, while the FM radio with RDS adds an additional multimedia experience.

Sensors

The Xperia M5 includes a suite of sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, each providing additional functionality and app compatibility to enhance the user experience.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, promising significant usage times with up to 671 hours standby on 2G (656 hours on 3G) and up to 11 hours and 49 minutes talk time on 2G (12 hours and 11 minutes on 3G). In addition, it supports music playback for up to 62 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring all-day use without needing frequent recharges.

Miscellaneous Features

The Xperia M5 has an SAR value of 0.32 W/kg for the head and 1.39 W/kg for the body, in compliance with safety regulations. The European version limits its SAR to 0.19 W/kg for the head and 0.40 W/kg for the body. Initially priced at approximately 110 EUR, it offers considerable value for its feature set.

Performance Tests

Performance tests show solid results for the Xperia M5. The device scored 860 in Basemark OS II 2.0 and 7780 in Basemark X. The display boasts a contrast ratio of 839 nominally, and 2.69 in sunlight, ensuring visibility even in bright conditions. Camera performance is established with a robust photo and video quality, while audio tests report a voice level of 65dB, noise at 64dB, and ring at 68dB. The audio quality is clear with noise at -94.1dB and crosstalk at -93.4dB.