Sony Xperia 5 III review
The Sony Sony Xperia 5 III ranks as the #231 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 65. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #301-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the Sony Xperia 1 III or Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Sony Xperia 5 III boasts a premium build, blending a sleek aluminum alloy frame with durable Gorilla Glass 6, complemented by an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Its compact 6.1-inch form (68mm wide, 8.2mm thin, 169g) retains a 21:9 aspect ratio for immersive media, while a subtle camera bump houses a telephoto lens, hinting at its advanced imaging capabilities. The 81% usable surface area and minimalist design emphasize portability without sacrificing sturdiness. Available in black, green, and rose gold, the phone balances modern aesthetics with functional durability, making it a refined choice for users seeking a robust yet pocket-friendly flagship. If you're after top-notch design, consider Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Battery Life
The Sony Xperia 5 III features a 4,500mAh Li-Polymer battery with efficient power management, delivering all-day endurance for most users. While 30W wired fast charging is included, the absence of wireless charging and slower replenishment speeds compared to modern flagships remain drawbacks. The battery supports Bypass Charging for optimized performance during heavy use, though thermal throttling from the Snapdragon 888 may slightly impact longevity over time. Overall, it balances sufficient capacity with practical charging for daily tasks, though power-hungry users may seek faster alternatives. It’s worth checking out Sony Xperia 1 III, delivering remarkable battery.
Display
The Sony Xperia 5 III’s 6.1-inch OLED display delivers vibrant, accurate 10-bit color with a 21:9 aspect ratio optimized for immersive media and productivity. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling ensure fluid scrolling and responsive interactions, while HDR support and DCI-P3/sRGB color gamuts enhance cinematic visuals. Though the 1080p resolution (449ppi) lags behind competitors’ 2K+ panels, it retains sharpness for most content. The screen’s Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and minimalist design with no notch preserve usability and durability. While peak brightness and contrast may fall short of recent flagship standards, the display excels in color fidelity and multimedia performance, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing portability and visual quality in a compact form. Give Sony Xperia 5 IV a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Camera
The Sony Xperia 5 III’s triple 12MP rear camera system combines a standard lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 70mm-equivalent telephoto with 2.9x optical zoom and 4.4x digital zoom. The telephoto excels in sharpness and detail retention, aided by optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus. All lenses support 4K video, HDR, and advanced low-light performance, while the ZEISS-calibrated 8MP front camera offers hybrid zoom up to 12.5x. Though lacking a ToF sensor for depth optimization, the system delivers vibrant, well-balanced images with minimal distortion. The absence of a 4K display for playback is a minor oversight, but the cameras’ versatility and portability make them ideal for everyday photography and dynamic shooting scenarios. Get your hands on Sony Xperia 1 III if you're looking for better camera.
Price and Value
While pricing details are unspecified, the Xperia 5 III offers a premium compact design, advanced triple camera, and 120Hz display, balancing portability and performance. Trade-offs in charging speed and screen resolution may affect value for budget-conscious users, but its refined build and imaging capabilities make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing quality and versatility in a pocket-friendly flagship.
Performance
The Sony Xperia 5 III delivers robust performance via the Snapdragon 888 (2.84GHz X1 core, 5nm process) and 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. UFS 3.1 storage (128GB/256GB) offers swift app launches and file transfers. However, prolonged use may trigger thermal throttling due to the processor’s efficiency demands. While the system handles intensive tasks well, its performance is slightly tempered by compact thermal management. The lack of expandable storage and a non-replaceable battery may deter power users, but the balance of speed, efficiency, and portability makes it a capable, well-rounded flagship for most daily needs. You might prefer realme GT 2, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Pros
1. Premium build with durable aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 6, plus IP68 water/dust resistance.
2. Compact, lightweight design with a 21:9 aspect ratio for immersive media and portability.
3. Advanced triple-camera system with optical zoom, ZEISS calibration, and 4K video capabilities.
4. Smooth performance from Snapdragon 888 and 8GB RAM, ideal for multitasking and gaming.
5. 120Hz OLED display with HDR and vibrant color accuracy for a cinematic viewing experience.
Cons
1. 1080p resolution on the display lags behind competitors' 2K+ panels, slightly reducing sharpness.
2. 30W wired fast charging lacks wireless charging and slower replenishment compared to modern standards.
3. Absence of a 4K display for playback and no ToF sensor limits depth optimization in photography.
4. Snapdragon 888 may experience thermal throttling during prolonged heavy use.
5. Non-expandable storage (128GB/256GB) and non-replaceable battery may deter power users.
6. Limited 5G compatibility to sub-6GHz bands, missing out on advanced connectivity options.
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