Sony, while not commanding the same audience as tech giants Apple and Samsung, has consistently produced stellar smartphones over the years, and their latest offering, the Xperia 5 V, is no exception. This device may not share the same price tag as the top-tier Xperia 1 lineup, but it still brings remarkable features, Sony’s legendary build quality, and a few noteworthy improvements.
Under the hood, the Xperia 5 V boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, accompanied by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Notably, it supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot, a feature increasingly rare in today’s market. The phone sports a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, maintaining Sony’s signature 21:9 aspect ratio for easier handling and pocketability.
One standout feature of the Xperia 5 V is its substantial 5,000mAh battery, coupled with 30W wired and 18W wireless charging capabilities, ensuring you won’t be constantly tethered to an outlet or dealing with rapid battery degradation.
Here’s a quick look at the key specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch HDR OLED FHD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSDXC support (up to 1TB) |
| Battery Capacity | 5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 30W |
| Wireless Charging | 18W |
| Main Rear Camera | 52MP primary (48MP effective), 1/1.35-inch sensor, OIS |
| Ultrawide Rear Camera | 12MP, 1/2.5-inch sensor |
| Front Camera | 12MP, 1/2.9-inch sensor |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, DSEE Ultimate, LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio, Music Pro |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth LE Audio, 5G support |
| Dimensions | 154 x 68 x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 183g |
| Software | Android 13 |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Platinum Silver |
| Durability | IP65/IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
One notable feature that sets the Xperia 5 V apart is its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it a convenient choice for audiophiles. Additionally, users can enjoy unlimited streaming via Bravia Core, dual stereo speakers, and LDAC codec support.
The most significant upgrade in this phone is its camera system, featuring a 52-megapixel primary Exmor T camera with OIS and an effective resolution of 48-megapixels. Handling the ultra-wide shots is a capable 12-megapixel camera. While there’s no dedicated telephoto lens, Sony claims that the primary camera can provide 2x zoom. The front camera offers a respectable 12-megapixel resolution.
As expected from a Sony device, the Xperia 5 V incorporates a range of software features to enhance photography and videography.
However, one aspect where the Xperia 5 V falls short is its software support. While it runs Android 13 with Sony’s custom skin, Sony commits to providing only two major Android updates, which might leave some users wanting more, especially given the expected price tag of around $1,000.
In a landscape where competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Google aim to ensure their phones receive long-lasting software support, Sony’s offering, while impressive in hardware and features, might leave some potential buyers weighing their options carefully.
