Sony has provided the Xperia 5 collection for a number of years now, bringing a extra compact and inexpensive flagship expertise in comparison with the Xperia 1 vary. Xperia 5 telephones normally launch within the second half of the 12 months, and the brand-new Xperia 5 V is not any completely different, taking some cues from the sooner Xperia 1 V. Right here’s every little thing it’s good to know in regards to the new cellphone.

Sony launched the Xperia 5 V on September 1, though there’s no phrase on an precise launch or sale date simply but. We’re anticipating the cellphone to be accessible within the US, UK, Europe, and elements of Asia.

The Xperia 5 collection is usually cheaper than the Xperia 1 vary, and this time is not any completely different. Count on to pay €999 (~$1,084) for the Xperia 5 V in Europe, whereas shoppers within the UK might want to pay £849 (~$1,076). There’s no phrase on US availability simply but.

In saying so, the Xperia 5 V does make a few compromises. So it’s not a complete slam dunk right here.

It isn’t a shock to listen to that the Sony Xperia 5 V brings a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, very similar to the Xperia 1 V. That is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, consistent with the Xperia 5 IV.

In any other case, Sony is sticking with the identical 6.1-inch display screen as final 12 months’s mannequin, bringing an FHD+ OLED panel (21:9). This permits a extra pocket-friendly design than typical flagship telephones.

The Sony Xperia 5 V additionally brings a 5,000mAh battery with 30W wired charging speeds and 18W wi-fi speeds.

The Xperia 5 collection normally provides a lot of the similar options because the Xperia 1 household in a smaller package deal, and that holds true in 2023 (for probably the most half).

You’re getting a multimedia-focused proposition from the Xperia 5 V. This is because of options just like the Sport Enhancer suite, a Video Creator app, one 12 months of limitless streaming on Bravia Core, and a 3.5mm port.

Talking of audio, the Xperia 5 V additionally brings options like twin stereo audio system, LDAC codec assist, 360 Actuality Audio capabilities, and Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE).

Cameras

Sony lastly adopted a high-resolution predominant digicam with the Xperia 1 V earlier this 12 months, bringing the handset consistent with the greatest digicam telephones. That change carries over to the Xperia 5 V, because it packs a 52MP Exmor T predominant digicam (1/1.35-inch, OIS) with an efficient 48MP decision.

You’re additionally getting a 12MP ultrawide digicam right here (16mm), however the firm has determined to ditch a telephoto digicam altogether. As an alternative, Sony says it provides a 2x zoom possibility by way of the primary digicam. We’re undecided how nicely this can work, nevertheless it actually brings to thoughts the cropped 2x zoom on the Pixel 7 Professional and iPhone 14 Professional vary. In any other case, you’ve acquired the identical 12MP 1/2.9-inch selfie digicam because the Xperia 1 V.

The Japanese producer can be bringing its fair proportion of software-related digicam options to the desk. These additions embrace its Inventive Look coloration filter modes, S-Cinetone coloration profile, a product showcase setting for vloggers, and extra. And sure, the cellphone is supplied with a devoted digicam shutter button too.

Efficiency

The Xperia 5 V brings the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, consistent with different flagship telephones in 2023. You’re additionally getting 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage right here.

We thought the Xperia 1 V did a very good job usually when it got here to efficiency, including that it coped nicely below sustained load too. Compact telephones do run the danger of poor sustained efficiency, however Sony says it’s elevated the scale of the warmth diffusion sheet by 40%. So we’re eager to see how the cellphone copes below load.

It’s value noting that the Xperia 5 V is working the usual Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 somewhat than the overclocked model. However you’ll be getting top-flight efficiency in apps and video games nonetheless.

In any other case, Sony is providing a lackluster software program replace coverage right here. Count on simply two main Android updates, whereas the corporate isn’t agency on safety updates. That’s a joke when Apple, Google, Samsung, and others are providing three or 4 main OS updates and no less than 5 years of safety patches.

Show

These anticipating a serious show improve for the Xperia 5 V can be sorely upset. You’ve nonetheless acquired a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display screen right here, consistent with earlier fashions.

The display screen provides a 120Hz refresh charge, however this isn’t actually dynamic as we’ve seen with rival manufacturers. As an alternative, it solely drops all the way down to 60Hz. That’s an actual disgrace when Google, Xiaomi, and others provide LTPO screens able to dropping all the way down to 10Hz and even 1Hz to eke out extra juice.

In any occasion, the 6.1-inch dimension means the cellphone may be very pocket-friendly. And we’re undoubtedly glad that Sony resisted the temptation to extend the general dimension.

Design and construct high quality

The brand new Sony cellphone brings extra of the identical so far as design and construct high quality are involved — not that this can be a unhealthy factor. Count on a glass again right here, accessible in Black, Blue, and Platinum Silver coloration choices.

Sony has additionally seen it match to supply Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the entrance, so it is best to be capable to relaxation simple with regards to on a regular basis drops. In any other case, the Xperia 5 V provides an IP68 ranking for water and dirt resistance.

Battery

The Xperia 5 V has the identical 5,000mAh battery as final 12 months’s mannequin. In saying so, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset touts as much as 20% higher energy effectivity in comparison with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 utilized in final 12 months’s cellphone. So it is best to count on improved battery life nonetheless.

As for charging capabilities, you’re nonetheless caught with 30W wired speeds and 18W wi-fi speeds. Sony particularly touts the power to hit 50% after half-hour of charging, which isn’t precisely quick by any measure. However those that care about battery degradation will seemingly be proud of this.

Talking of degradation, Sony claims this battery ought to final for as much as three years. The battery presumably degrades to 80% of its authentic capability thereafter. We’re not fairly certain what this implies by way of charging cycles, however we’re guessing 1,000 to 1,200 cycles.

Eager on shopping for a compact Sony flagship cellphone? Then the Xperia 5 V can be accessible in Europe and the UK. There’s no phrase on retailers as of writing, however Sony usually provides telephones by way of its web site.