OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£240RAM capacity:6 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.1 inchesMain camera megapixels:48 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP

Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

90%

6.1

Technical score

10%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 65% of smartphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 64%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

25%

4.8

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.4

Camera

15%

5.5

Display

15%

5.5

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

7.3

Connectivity

4%

5.8

Audio

3%

7.7

Design

â–¼Worse than 69%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

â–²Better than 77%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

25%

4.8

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.4

Camera

15%

5.5

Display

15%

5.5

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

7.3

Connectivity

4%

5.8

Audio

3%

7.7

Design

6.1
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

8.4
Popularity
Popularity
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 8.1 points, which is higher than 77.3% of smartphones.
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

7.2
Brand name
Sony
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor model which is slower than processors in 69.9% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2.4% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
6 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 6 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 71.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 10.8% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.2 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 68.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 14.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
48 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 48 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP which is lower than that of 78.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.2 which is wider than that of 64.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
94.1 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 94.1 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 98.1% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.4 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.4 µm which is larger than in 92.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 4% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.1 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.1 inches which is smaller than the screens of 92.1% of smartphones and equal to those of 2% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2520 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2520 px which is higher than that of 70.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Pixel density
449 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 449 ppi which is higher than that of 80.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
?
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
158 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 158 mm which is shorter than 86.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Width
69 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 69 mm which is narrower than 98% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.2 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.2 mm which is thinner than 51.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
164 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 164 g which is lighter than 95.7% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.3% of smartphones.
Device volume
87,216 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 87,216 cm³ which is smaller than 76.1% of smartphones.
Show more

Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 2.94x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (94.1 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    94.1 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 13.7% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (449 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    449 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2520 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2520 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 3x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (768 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    768 vs 256
  • 16.4% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (164 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    164 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 5.1% higher user score
    User score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony Xperia 5
    the average smartphone
    Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.41 vs 8).
    8.41 vs 8
  • 48.7% more popular
    Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (8.09 vs 5.4).
    8.09 vs 5.44
  • 3x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (768 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    768 vs 256
  • 2.94x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (94.1 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    94.1 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 13.7% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (449 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    449 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2520 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2520 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass 6 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 6 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 16.4% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (164 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    164 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 7 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (69 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    69 mm vs 76 mm
  • 5.6 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (158 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    158 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 0.57 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 33.3% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (4 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    4 W vs 6 W
  • 1.7% worse value for money
    Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.21 vs 7.3).
    7.21 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • 33.3% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (4 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    4 W vs 6 W
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (6 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    6 GB vs 8 GB
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 8.3% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 33.6% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (17 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    17 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 20.5% lower 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (3,039 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    3,039 vs 3,825
  • 28.4% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (878 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    878 vs 1,226
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.7 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.7 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 7.6% lower PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone has a lower PassMark score than the average smartphone (4,056 vs 4,389). The average smartphone scores 4,389 in PassMark.
    4,056 vs 4,389
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 20.8% lower DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (95 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    95 vs 120
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • 19.4% lower DxOMark Selfie score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Selfie score than the average smartphone (79 vs 98). The average smartphone scores 98.
    79 vs 98
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No gyroscope
    This smartphone does not have a gyroscope, the average smartphone does. 84.4% of smartphones feature a gyroscope.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 0.57 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (96 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    96 vs 99.5
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • 5 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2019 vs 2024). 5.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2024
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    Japan vs China

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Ryan-Thomas
≈ estimated
12/08/2021
Hands-on review · camera software, battery and value
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is good overall, especially the cinema video app, but camera software and battery life hold it back.
5.0
VoloKin Project
≈ estimated
16/03/2020
Camera test · low light, macro, HDR and selfie samples
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 takes strong low-light shots, but its weak macro, HDR and selfie camera make it a poor holiday pick.
7.6
VoloKin Project
✓ explicit
12/02/2020
Long-term review · one month of ownership and scoring
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is worth it for buyers who want a smaller phone, but not for those needing full flagship camera performance.
9.0
TK Bay
≈ estimated
20/12/2019
Long-term test · about 3 weeks of daily use
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is strong overall, with better gestures and fingerprint sensing, though some apps don't fit the tall screen.
8.0
Tech Spurt
≈ estimated
17/12/2019
Long-term review · three months of daily use
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is a compact flagship with strong performance and media features, but its camera falls short and the price is steep.
6.0
TheUnlockr
≈ estimated
04/12/2019
Real-world test · full-day battery and camera use
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 has a premium feel and gives hope for Sony, but battery drain and price make it hard to recommend.
7.0
TechMagnet
≈ estimated
03/11/2019
Hands-on test · DSLR lens adapter and cinematic video
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is heading in the right direction for cinematic video, but stabilization and compression still hold it back.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
16/10/2019
Hands-on review · battery tests and camera tests
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is a compact flagship with strong performance, but clunky camera software and an unreliable fingerprint scanner hold it back.
8.0
TechEdit
≈ estimated
08/10/2019
Camera review · photo, video and cinema app tests
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 produces very good video, but it suits photography purists more than casual shooters.
8.0
GSMArena Official
≈ estimated
04/10/2019
Full review · battery, camera, performance and software tests
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is a strong compact flagship, but it has no clear edge over cheaper rivals.
8.0
CinemaSpace4K
≈ estimated
11/06/2023
Retrospective review · camera, gaming and battery use
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 is still a strong budget pick for its class, despite a dated display and missing headphone jack.
8.0
J TheAndroidFreak
≈ estimated
14/12/2019
Unboxing · first impressions and setup
Verdict
Sony Xperia 5 looks like a very solid phone, with one-hand use as its standout feature.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
20/03/2020
Hands-on review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 has a flagship build and a sharp OLED screen, but middling cameras, average battery life and a 21:9 format leave it feeling incomplete.
techradar.com
12/11/2019
Hands-on review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a smaller, easier-to-hold Xperia 1 that suits movie fans, but it keeps the Xperia 1's dim screen and unreliable fingerprint sensor.
toptenreviews.com
27/02/2020
Hands-on review · Entertainment phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a strong pick for gamers and movie lovers, but its average camera and battery keep it from being a top all-rounder.
consumerreports.org
No Date
Lab test · Drop and water tests
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a tough phone with a bright screen that passed drop, rain and submersion tests, but its battery is among the shortest tested.
uk.pcmag.com
No Date
Full review · Tall OLED phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is sturdy and sounds good on calls, but its middling camera, mediocre battery and 21:9 screen make it poor value against the Pixel 4.
techadvisor.com
22/10/2019
Hands-on review · Cinema-screen phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 has a superb cinematic screen, great speakers and solid battery life, but weak fingerprint scanning and an odd design make it a tough sell.
tomsguide.com
17/04/2020
Hands-on review · Camera tests
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 has an elegant design and reasonable price, but hit-and-miss photos, a dim screen and an older chip leave it weak against rivals like the Galaxy S20.
S
scmp.com
29/10/2019
Summary of the review
Xperia 5 review: Sony's best phone for some time, uniquely designed, hard to ignore - South China Morning Post
androidauthority.com
10/10/2019
Hands-on review · Tall 21:9 phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 suits only die-hard movie fans, with strong audio and a sleek build, but its weak camera and poor fingerprint scanner hold it back.
notebookcheck.net
15/11/2019
Lab test · Connectivity and build
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a slim, waterproof phone that is easy to hold and streams HD well, but Wi-Fi speeds and indoor GPS trail most rivals.
lesnumeriques.com
08/10/2019
Full review · Compact cinema screen
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a compact cinema-style phone that feels good in the hand and performs strongly in games, but its camera and software need work.
frandroid.com
02/11/2019
Full review · Tall, powerful phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a powerful, slimmer take on the Xperia 1 for buyers who want a tall screen, but its battery and camera fall short.
01net.com
06/11/2019
Full review · Compact 21:9 phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a smaller Xperia 1 that suits movie lovers and has a comfortable grip, but its battery and camera still trail rivals.
journaldugeek.com
07/10/2019
Full review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a compact, fast phone with a strong screen and good photos, but it lacks a night mode and falls short of top rivals' cameras.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
23/11/2019
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 5 Lab Test: What is the 'compact' version of the Xperia 1 worth?
(Translated)Show original
android-mt.ouest-france.fr
22/12/2019
Full review · Compact 21:9 phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 suits people who want a one-handed phone with a good screen, but it struggles with photos in tough light.
xavierstuder.com
18/11/2019
First impressions · Design and screen
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a slim, pleasant-to-hold phone with an eye-catching 21:9 screen and quick performance, though its low-light photos are weaker.
lecafedugeek.fr
17/12/2019
Full review · Design and battery
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a compact Xperia 1 with a two-day battery, but its slippery back, slow fingerprint reader and photos that need tweaking disappoint at this price.
elespanol.com
29/10/2019
Full review · Compact Android phone
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 5 is a compact, powerful phone with an excellent OLED screen and sound, but a small battery and a weak fingerprint reader hold it back.
A
andro4all.com
22/03/2021
Summary of the review
Sony Xperia 5 review: features and opinion
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB)

  • Compact and narrow form factor makes it easy to hold with one hand and pocketable.
  • Excellent overall performance with the Snapdragon 855 processor, handling multitasking and gaming smoothly without lag.
  • High-quality, crisp 21:9 aspect ratio OLED display with great color depth and brightness.
  • Solid build quality and durability, including an IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
  • Camera system capable of taking great photos in good light, featuring Eye Autofocus and the Cinema Pro app for advanced video control.
  • Good sound quality from the stereo speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos support.
  • Expandable storage via microSD card slot is a major advantage for many users.
  • Physical camera shutter button is a well-liked feature.

What customers don't like about Sony Xperia 5 (6GB + 128GB)

  • Mediocre and often short battery life compared to other flagships of its time.
  • Fingerprint sensor is frequently described as clumsy, unreliable, and not very sensitive.
  • No wireless charging support.
  • The 21:9 aspect ratio display results in large black bars when watching standard 16:9 content like YouTube or TV shows.
  • Camera performance suffers in low-light conditions, with photos appearing muddy and noisy.
  • Comes with some pre-installed bloatware apps that cannot be uninstalled.
  • Overheating issues reported by some users, even during normal use or video calls.

Verdict

The Sony Xperia 5 (6GB RAM + 128GB storage) is a compact flagship smartphone featuring a 6.1-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio, Full HD+ HDR OLED display and is powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. A key characteristic is its versatile triple-lens 12MP camera system, developed with expertise from Sony's Alpha camera line, which includes wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses with Eye AF (autofocus) technology for sharp photos and 4K HDR video recording. Pros include excellent build quality with IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, and a durable Gorilla Glass 6 construction. Cons often mentioned by reviewers are a mediocre 3,140mAh battery life compared to some rivals, no wireless charging capability, and a sometimes clumsy or inconsistent side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

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