Sony Xperia 5 II vs Xperia 5: The Ultimate Showdown

Sony's Xperia line consistently delivers a unique blend of premium features and a compact form factor. The Xperia 5 II and Xperia 5 are both excellent choices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 5 II offers a noticeable upgrade in performance thanks to the Snapdragon 865 and improved camera capabilities. However, the Xperia 5 remains a compelling option, especially for budget-conscious buyers who appreciate its sleek design and solid performance. The 5 II is the clear winner for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 5 II Sony Xperia 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66
5G bands1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, September 172019, September 05. Released 2019, October 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, October 12Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 68 x 8 mm (6.22 x 2.68 x 0.31 in)158 x 68 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 2.68 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight163 g (5.75 oz)164 g (5.78 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density)1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020OLED, HDR BT.2020
 Triluminos display X-Reality EngineTriluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, predictive PDAF, 2x optical zoom, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
Video4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p, 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Ion 3140 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Grey, Blue, PinkBlue, Red, Black, Grey
ModelsSO-52A, XQ-AS52, XQ-AS62, XQ-AS72, A002SO, SOG02J8210, J8270, J9210, SOV41, SO-01M
PriceAbout 650 EURAbout 500 EUR
Pricing
128GB 6GB RAM-$ 409.99
128GB 8GB RAM$ 695.00-
RENEWED£ 239.00$ 674.00
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -89.4dB
Battery life Endurance rating 102h Endurance rating 96h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.3 LUFS (Average) -27.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 532655 (v8) GeekBench: 3301 (v5.1) GFXBench: 41fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 334809 (v7), 416601 (v8) GeekBench: 10941 (v4.4), 2825 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 5 II

  • Faster Processor (Snapdragon 865)
  • Improved Camera Performance
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate Display
  • Longer Battery Life
  • 5G Connectivity

  • Higher Price
  • Slightly Less Bright Display (measured)

Sony Xperia 5

  • More Affordable
  • Compact and Lightweight Design
  • Excellent Camera (still very good)
  • Good Battery Life

  • Older Processor (Snapdragon 855)
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate Display
  • Slower Charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate (Xperia 5 II) and a 60Hz refresh rate (Xperia 5). The Xperia 5 II boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 600 nits compared to the Xperia 5's 630 nits, though the difference is minimal in real-world use. Both offer excellent contrast and color accuracy, typical of Sony's displays. The Xperia 5 II's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling experience.

Camera Comparison

The Xperia 5 II features an improved camera system with faster autofocus and better low-light performance. While both phones have a similar triple-lens setup (main, ultrawide, telephoto), the 5 II's image processing is noticeably better, producing more detailed and vibrant photos. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the 5 II.

Performance

The Xperia 5 II's Snapdragon 865 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the Xperia 5's Snapdragon 855. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 8GB of RAM in the 5 II also contributes to its improved responsiveness. The Xperia 5, while still capable, will show its age more quickly with demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Xperia 5 II edges out the Xperia 5 in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 102 hours compared to the Xperia 5's 96 hours. Both phones support fast charging, but the Xperia 5 II utilizes PD3.0 for slightly faster charging speeds (50% in 30 minutes vs. slower charging on the Xperia 5).

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Sony Xperia 5 II? Users prioritizing performance, photography, and 5G connectivity. Who should buy the Sony Xperia 5? Those seeking a more affordable, compact flagship with a great camera and a premium feel, and who don't need the absolute latest processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 5 II worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a smoother display, the Xperia 5 II is a worthwhile investment. However, if you're on a budget and happy with a still-excellent camera and solid performance, the Xperia 5 remains a great value.
❓ Does the Xperia 5 II have 5G?
Yes, the Xperia 5 II supports 5G connectivity, while the Xperia 5 does not.