The Sony Xperia 5 Plus and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range 5G market. The Xperia 5 Plus, released with a flagship Snapdragon 855, aimed to deliver a compact, high-performance experience. The Pixel 5a 5G, conversely, focused on delivering a clean Android experience and excellent camera capabilities at a more accessible price point, utilizing the Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and a more feature-rich experience, the Sony Xperia 5 Plus is the better choice. However, the Google Pixel 5a 5G offers exceptional value with its excellent camera, long battery life (rated at 122 hours endurance), and clean software experience, making it ideal for everyday users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 168.2 x 71.6 x 8.1 mm (6.62 x 2.82 x 0.32 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| | IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 101.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR BT.2020 | OLED, HDR |
| | Triluminos display
X-Reality Engine | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 12 MP, (wide), 1/1.5", predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS
8 MP, (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
2 MP, TOF 3D, (depth) | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@24/30/60fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Dynamic vibration system | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red, Black, Grey | Mostly Black |
| Models | - | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | - | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 291303 (v8)
GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Sony Xperia 5 Plus
- More powerful Snapdragon 855 processor
- Greater customization options in software
- Potential for better color accuracy on display
- Battery life is less defined than Pixel 5a 5G
- Software updates may be less frequent
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Exceptional battery life (122h endurance)
- Excellent camera with Google’s image processing
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Less powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
- May struggle with very demanding games
Display Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 861 nits, which will provide superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Xperia 5 Plus (brightness data unavailable). Both phones utilize OLED technology, offering excellent contrast ratios – the Pixel 5a 5G is rated as 'Infinite (nominal)'. While the Xperia 5 Plus’s display specs are less defined, Sony historically focuses on color accuracy, potentially offering a more calibrated viewing experience for content creators. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones aim for a relatively compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are capable, the Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography expertise. Although sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range and detail, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Xperia 5 Plus, while offering a wider range of manual controls and video recording options, relies more on hardware capabilities. The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens on either phone means digital zoom will be the primary method for long-distance shots. The Pixel 5a 5G’s strength lies in its consistent, reliable image quality, while the Xperia 5 Plus caters to users who prefer more control over their camera settings.
Performance
The Xperia 5 Plus’s Snapdragon 855 chipset, built on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (also 7nm) in raw CPU and GPU power. The 855 features an octa-core configuration with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz, while the 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime peaks at 2.4 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games on the Xperia 5 Plus. However, the 765G’s integrated 5G modem offers comparable 5G connectivity, and its efficiency may result in slightly better sustained performance under heavy load due to potentially lower thermal throttling.
Battery Life
Both the Sony Xperia 5 Plus and Google Pixel 5a 5G support 18W wired charging with PD2.0, meaning similar charging speeds. However, the Pixel 5a 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting superior battery optimization and potentially a larger battery capacity (specific mAh not provided). The Xperia 5 Plus’s battery life is less defined, but the more powerful Snapdragon 855 could consume more power during intensive tasks. For users prioritizing all-day battery life, the Pixel 5a 5G is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 Plus if you need a more powerful processor for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, and appreciate a more customizable Android experience. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize battery life, a consistently excellent camera, and a streamlined, bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed software updates. The Pixel 5a 5G is the better option for those seeking a reliable daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 765G is capable, it won't deliver the same level of performance as the Snapdragon 855 in the Xperia 5 Plus. Genshin Impact will be playable on the Pixel 5a 5G, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Xperia 5 Plus will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Xperia 5 Plus and the Pixel 5a 5G?
The Pixel 5a 5G offers a stock Android experience with guaranteed software updates directly from Google. This means a clean, bloatware-free interface and timely security patches. The Xperia 5 Plus runs Sony’s customized Android skin, which offers more customization options but may receive fewer updates and includes pre-installed apps.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed on both phones considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W, 65W, or even 120W charging speeds found on many modern smartphones. However, both phones support Power Delivery 2.0 (PD2.0), which ensures efficient charging. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
