Sony Xperia 5 V Smartphone Review – A Companion on an American Journey

The Sony Xperia 5 V offers equivalent build quality in a more compact frame, matching performance, and even a similar battery capacity that performs notably better due to the more reasonable screen resolution compared to the Xperia 1 V. Additionally, the main camera has made the journey from its larger sibling, but this year, the zoom lens is missing (more on this in the camera section, read on to find out why). However, compared to its predecessor, the Sony Xperia 5 IV, there aren’t significant changes warranting an upgrade.

Meaningful improvements are felt by owners of the Xperia 5 III, who will appreciate the design changes, improved performance, enhanced main and selfie cameras, increased battery capacity, and the introduction of wireless charging. Pleasingly, for the second consecutive year, the initial price remains unchanged at $849.99.

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Technical Specifications of Sony Xperia 5 V

Sony Xperia 5 V Great Japanese Design

Sleek, elegant, devoid of unnecessary ostentation—this succinctly encapsulates the design of the Xperia 5 V. Compared to its larger sibling, the Xperia 5 V distinctly stands out due to its compact size. In reality, its size almost mirrors that of the compact Sony Xperia 10 V. However, compared to the standard aspect ratios of flagships, the difference is noticeable due to its elongated form.

The Xperia 5 V still employs a 21:9 aspect ratio screen, resulting in a narrower yet elongated phone compared to its competitors. For instance, when compared to the compact Samsung Galaxy S23, the Sony Xperia 5 V is 8mm longer, 3mm narrower, and 1mm thicker. Nonetheless, compactness remains one of its design hallmarks. The phone is genuinely easy to handle with a single hand, with no issues even reaching the upper corner of the screen with a thumb. However, for enthusiasts of larger handsets, the Xperia 5 V might feel a tad too delicate.

This time, the same design language as seen in the Xperia 1 V has been maintained, albeit with slight differences. For instance, the back is simply matte, devoid of relief, which some found appealing. Also, the aluminum frame is crafted simply flat, lacking the grooves seen in its larger sibling. While competitors strive to highlight camera islands to the maximum, the Sony Xperia settled for a very modest aluminum island. It’s unobtrusive, fitting seamlessly into the austere rear, yet adequately protruding to prevent the phone from lying flat on a table.

The Sony Xperia 5 V boasts a flat aluminum frame with intricacies that form the Sony signature. For instance, the 3.5mm headphone jack at the top and the nail-accessible card slot at the bottom. Most interestingly, the right side houses the volume buttons, a fingerprint reader/power button, and below them, a camera switch. These latter additions contribute to the nuances that form Sony’s distinctive signature.

The only flaw noticed in the design is the slight protrusion of the volume buttons. Otherwise, everything else is meticulously designed, ergonomic, exuding serious elegance and a sense of robustness. Of course, the IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance is not forgotten, and only premium materials are used in the construction, exactly as expected for its price. As always, excellent workmanship that proves Japanese design excels in our midst too.

A Tasty and Pleasant Screen

Sony Xperia screens are characterized by their technical specifications and unique form. To explain it all systematically, this device differs in size and resolution from its more expensive flagship counterparts. To achieve a compact body, the screen diagonal measures 6.1 inches. Don’t be discouraged by the number “6” if you’re a bit apprehensive, as the Xperia 5 V adopts a cinematic aspect ratio. This truly facilitates one-handed screen navigation. However, be prepared for a noticeably compressed keyboard. While this posed no issue for the user, individuals with larger fingers might find it less convenient to hit the right keys.

With a resolution of 1080 x 2520, it doesn’t set records against its competitors and pales in comparison to the Xperia 1 V’s exaggerated resolution. Yet, at 449 pixels per inch on a compact screen, it’s more than adequate to render pixels imperceptible. This year, Sony employs a different screen matrix, achieving significant brightness and enhanced energy efficiency. The brightness is indeed sufficient; there were no issues viewing content even under the bright Californian sun.

However, the matrix’s only drawback lies in its viewing angles, which are notably better in competitors’ screens. There’s also an option for a 120Hz refresh rate, but for complete satisfaction, a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) matrix allowing dynamic refresh rates down to 1Hz would be desirable. Hopefully, this enhancement can be expected next year.

On one hand, one might complain that the Xperia 5 V features a somewhat old-fashioned thick bezel and borders around the screen. On the other hand, this is also part of Sony’s signature, a justification the user can understand. Specifically, the Xperia 5 V offers two qualities not found in its competitors—a screen devoid of notches, cutouts, camera piercings, and forward-facing stereo speakers. The excitement about the latter will be discussed shortly. Frankly speaking, the Japanese design is so organic that the relatively thicker borders quickly become inconspicuous and don’t disrupt daily use.

Additionally, the 21:9 aspect ratio offers several advantages—multiple apps fit comfortably, wider viewing angles in shooting games, instant access to more content in scrolling apps, and enjoying cinematic format videos is a splendid experience. However, there are drawbacks. For instance, the scarcity of stretched content often leads to watching videos with thick black borders or disproportionately cropped content. Another downside is the overly delicate keyboard, which might not be comfortable for heavier typists. The last issue pertains to software, as not all apps adapt to the screen’s format. Previously, such shortcomings weren’t noticed, hence, the hope for an update to improve the situation.

The software offers various customization options, a provision from Sony’s Bravia division. It not only considers the screen format but also the color calibration, honoring the content creator’s intent. The creator mode supports BT.2020 color gamut and HDR, ensuring higher brightness for automatic brightness adjustments. Overall, the screen is excellent, continuing the quality Sony has accustomed users to. The main drawbacks lie in the viewing angles, which are better in competitors’ screens, and the lack of dynamic refresh rates. However, these seem minor compared to the screen’s quality it offers.

One Reliable Unlocking Method

It was Sony who conceived the idea of embedding the fingerprint reader in the power button. While a more modern placement would be beneath the screen, the manufacturer steadfastly adheres to this standard. Another detail contributing to Sony’s signature. The reader is swift and reliable, despite cutting against the grain of more contemporary solutions. However, its placement seems slightly low, as the thumb naturally rests against the volume buttons.

Once accustomed to the positioning, complaints about the reader’s functionality are nonexistent. Nevertheless, left-handers may find the asymmetric placement less than ideal. Xperia 5 V doesn’t offer face unlocking, with the manufacturer citing security risks. While additional sensors would likely be needed to make this option sufficiently secure and functional in darkness, it appears to be an untapped opportunity, especially given the forehead space above the screen that could accommodate a TOF sensor.

Sony Loves Audio, You Can Feel It

Sony’s audio products have always captivated users with their quality, a sensation evident in the Xperia 5 V as well. Right away, the front-facing speakers remain the best placement, delivering sound directly towards the face. Moreover, they’re not obstructed by hands when the phone is used horizontally; both speakers are equally sized and perfectly balanced. The speakers have acquired a new amplifier, ensuring loud, rich sound where neither bass nor high frequencies are lacking. Yes, they might not be the loudest speakers, yet Sony’s dedication to quality over quantity is commendable. Everything checks out here, and even amidst the loud San Francisco nights, the volume didn’t disappoint.

Software adjustments aren’t lacking either. Particularly noteworthy is the Dolby Atmos support noticeably enhancing the sound. However, the audio delights don’t end there. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, despite the prevailing trend of wireless headphones. Sony ensures that higher-quality headphones without latency issues can be used here. The jack also means the Xperia 5 V can connect to an external microphone, a super convenient tool for content creation. And of course, let’s not forget the wireless audio codecs (A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive), allowing the use of top-quality Sony wireless headphones.

The vibration motor is finely calibrated, capable of delivering strong vibrations to ensure notifications aren’t missed. It’s handy for detecting the activation of the camera with a double-click of the power button while in the pocket. Sony still offers dynamic vibration, simulating extra bass, but this feature has always felt like a curious gimmick to the user, one that’s never left turned on. Otherwise, the Xperia 5 V is almost an audiophile’s dream.

Sony Xperia 5 V: Battery with a Touch of Magic

Firstly, it’s surprising that the more compact version has received the same capacity battery as the Xperia 1 V. The 5000mAh capacity significantly outperforms compact flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and ASUS Zenfone 10. While the capacity is impressive, it doesn’t tell the whole story, considering the balancing act with components and software.

In this regard, Sony seemingly employs some kind of magic, as the Xperia 5 V offers the best battery performance I’ve tested among this year’s flagships. This time, it allows for two or even three days of light use. The only model surpassing this impressive performance is the mid-range Sony Xperia 10 V with its stellar battery life. While my usual routine drains others by 6-11%, the Xperia 5 V only dropped by 3-4%.

Sony adheres rather conservatively not to the principle of fast charging but to the slow one. Don’t expect miracles akin to what Xiaomi or OnePlus offer. However, this seems insignificant this time around, given the outstanding battery performance and the overnight charging routine. The Xperia 5 V supports 30W wired charging, which slows down further if the phone, while performing tasks, heats up slightly. The concept of slow charging ensures a gentle process, preserving the battery’s life for a good three years. A typical example of Japanese green and sustainable thinking. Therefore, the manufacturer hasn’t included a charger in the package, not even the cable.

Sony offers the most minimalistic packaging in the industry. Yet, to justify the manufacturer, this time it’s genuinely an ethically green step, without a doubt, as the packaging is made from recycled materials, void of any decorative labels, wraps, or plastics. Both wireless and reverse wireless charging are available. During travel, the Xperia 5 V’s battery excelled in moments when charging the phone wasn’t possible.

Even though it can be done on a plane, the Xperia 5 V comfortably endured 24 hours of travel with time zone changes. In this regard, the Sony Xperia 5 V coped far better with jet lag than I did. However, while wanting to charge a bit at the airport, a significantly faster charging process would have been preferred. Nevertheless, for daily use, this performance is excellent, something competitors could learn from.

This Year’s Performance With One Significant Shortcoming

The Sony Xperia 5 V operates on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, found in most flagship devices this year. The processor has already proven itself with power and better thermal regulation, as before. Sony has specifically addressed this issue this year, no longer presenting dramatic warnings of overheating that might lead to burns. While occasional warming occurs, it doesn’t impact performance, maintaining the screen refresh rate, and prolonged use is far more stable than last year. Synthetic performance tests might show competitors slightly ahead, yet this isn’t noticeable in daily use. Apps open instantly, and handling extensive gaming poses no problems.

But what about the highlighted shortcoming? Internal memory. In our latitudes, only a 128/8 GB version is available. It’s catastrophically low for a device boasting content creation capabilities. Such memory capacities are found in the budget range and are unjustifiable for a flagship device. Consider that the Android system alone takes up 30 GB. Even before reaching America, where I planned to test the camera, almost half of the memory was already filled.

How could it manage with daily apps? The 128 GB version also means that it doesn’t utilize the latest UFS 4.0 memory because it’s simply not produced in this version. Slightly mitigating the situation is Sony being the last one offering memory card support for flagships. So, additional gigabytes can be acquired quite affordably, yet they’ll be essential this time. This is a considerable disappointment, significantly lowering the overall rating of an otherwise very good performance and daily operations.

Although significant, this is the only performance shortcoming. All the latest connections are available and function properly. It’s pleasing that the USB Type-C 3.2 standard is used. Chinese competitors and even the iPhone 15 tend to err with the USB 2.0 version. The positioning also works accurately and calmly guided me through the hilly streets of San Francisco.

Usual, Concise Interface

If you appreciate nearly stock Android 13, then Sony won’t disappoint you this year either. They’ve made extensive software customizations in the display, audio, and battery departments, but the graphical interface itself remains largely unchanged, creating a very pleasing sense of cleanliness.

The experience of pure Android is still concise, logical, pleasant, and organized. Hence, it’s interesting to explore the “unclean” side of the interface. These are small additions introduced by Sony that prove to be quite useful. The most noticeable is the sidebar. It allows access to shortcuts, multi-window mode for simultaneous app usage, and pop-up windows. It’s functional too, offering not only activation by double-tap (making it easier to avoid accidental touches) but also swiping up or down, each assigned with specific functions. Only the original placement interfered with the “back” gesture, so it was moved upward.

It’s pleasant that there isn’t much bloatware. During setup, you can choose what to install and what not to. Somehow, LinkedIn still managed to sneak through, but this isn’t the kind of interface that will relentlessly try to shove apps you didn’t install. Google has taken care of a new weather widget, and the app itself is refreshed to resemble competitor apps rather than a webpage. Google’s original apps take care of everything else. They can also be extended by setting up the smartphone.

However, Sony introduced the option in the open apps window to access split-screen, allowing easier access to two concurrently open apps and preserving frequently used combinations in the shortcuts of the sidebar. Convenient! Additionally, you can access floating windows, but frankly, I didn’t get carried away with them, especially since the stretched format of the Xperia 5 V is more suitable for two app windows.

This time, I won’t count the manufacturer’s built-in apps, as most will be useful in the Sony ecosystem. There’s the Music Pro app, somewhat of an advanced voice recorder. If you’re willing to pay a subscription fee, Music Pro allows audio clips to use professional post-processing available in Sony’s cloud, which musicians, podcasters, or even radio correspondents will appreciate. Bravia Core is a replacement for Netflix, offering movies made by Sony’s film division for a year at no cost.

The Creators app facilitates easy connections with Sony Alpha cameras, allowing the Xperia 5 V to be used as an external monitor and instantly transfer DSLR files using the smartphone’s data transfer advantages. There’s also an External Monitor app that, in my opinion, duplicates the functions of the Creators app. This year’s novelty is the Video Creator, useful for social networks to quickly create collages with music or stitch together short videos from images.

The Sony Headphones app is also available, making it easy to connect and control Sony audio products. Overall, I’m delighted that Sony has thought about its ecosystem, especially with Bravia Core + 21:9 edge display + forward-facing speakers = an excellent combination. Such a set also fits perfectly on the shelves, explaining the Japanese choices.

Xperia also offers a very nuanced gaming mode. This time, the interface has changed. It has become more colorful but remains concise and avoids the cyborg-like appearance of the available ASUS ROG Phone. However, the functionality is equivalent. Microscopic-level adjustments are possible. This year, the option to map side physical buttons for specific game functions has been added.

Overall, the interface is simple and well-considered. I didn’t find an official statement on how long the software would be supported, but during the Xperia 1 V review, the manufacturer’s official representatives indicated support for 3 years. This is more than ASUS flagships in a similar price range, but less than Samsung, Apple, and Google competitors in similar prices or sizes.

Sony Xperia 5 V: Only Two, But Excellent Rear Cameras

Until now, the Xperia 5 series offered one of the most comprehensive rear camera systems, featuring an optical zoom camera alongside the main and ultra-wide lenses. The anticipation of changes in this regard was palpable in the previous model, which departed from the unique dual-step zoom camera, a feature of the Xperia 5 III. This year, these changes have gone even further by omitting the telephoto camera altogether.

On one hand, it’s regrettable as it provided one of the most complete camera setups in a compact body. On the other hand, the main sensor has been significantly improved, delivering a lossless 2x zoom. Here, it’s about real zoom. There are two ways to achieve a 2x zoom – digitally zooming in and stretching the respective pixels, which significantly compromises quality, or using the center portion of the increased resolution without losing quality. Sony has chosen the latter, softening the absence of a dedicated zoom camera, as it couldn’t match the superb capabilities of the main sensor in terms of quality.

This refers to the Sony ExmorT IMX 888 sensor, debuting in the Xperia 1 V. The new sensor technology allows a smaller sensor to perform like a larger one by capturing more light and delivering a cleaner image signal without graininess. In other words, the 1/1.35″ sensor (which is quite large) behaves like a one-inch sensor but actively utilizes 48MP out of the 52MP available to ensure better video stabilization with the remaining pixels. This new technology is not only seen in one flagship but has recently been adopted by OnePlus Open as well.

Sony Xperia 5 V Acquires:

• 48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35″, 1.12µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS for the main camera
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 1/2.5″, Dual Pixel PDAF for the ultra-wide camera
• 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm, 1/2.9″, 1.25µm for the selfie camera

Sony still serves the dish with three sections, as the cameras serve three different applications. Here, the manufacturer’s intention to essentially promote its Sony Alpha division products becomes evident due to the very similar interface. This means that enthusiasts can appreciate nuanced manual adjustments, allowing them to achieve the precise results they desire rather than relying solely on post-processing by the manufacturer. However, it also means that the interface might not be as user-friendly as those provided by manufacturers that follow conventional notes and shoot methods.

This year, the Photo Pro app’s Basic mode has been improved. It finally acquired a night mode and a few other refinements. Additionally, the rest of the manual modes now enable vertical photography. Although Photo Pro offers video capabilities, Sony believes that two more apps – Video Pro and Cinema Pro – are necessary for this task. Cinema Pro will be useful for video content creators as it grants access to professional color calibration filters like Venice CS, Opaque/BU60YE60, Bright/BU20YE60, among others, while Video Pro takes care of color post-processing.

However, before delving into video projects, don’t forget to get an SD card as the internal memory might fall short. If you have experience with Sony’s professional cameras or aim to master photography at a higher level, this is the place to shine. Yet, for those who prefer avoiding fiddling with settings that competitors adjust themselves, the camera apps might prove to be a headache. Hence, further reading is suggested only for those comfortable with acquiring new knowledge!

But now, it’s time to embark on a journey and test what these cameras are capable of. Initially, selecting one of the professionally calibrated color filters is recommended. Later, these filters are adapted for night and portrait modes. A similar approach has been adopted this year by Xiaomi in collaboration with Leica and OnePlus in partnership with Hasselblad. This means that those finding Sony’s natural color interpretation somewhat dull can achieve a more vibrant image. As someone who appreciates the manufacturer’s natural interpretation, the ST filter, resembling an average between subdued and exaggerated colors, is preferred.

To test the Xperia 5 V’s zoom capabilities, a visit to the legendary Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was made – which, truthfully, doesn’t quite match its name as it’s painted in red. And while the bridge was visible, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the tool for zooming as the maximum digital zoom reaches only 6x, quite low compared to competitors. However, Sony does offer an MI zoom tool that enhances quality. Fortunately, the bridge, usually shrouded in mist, was clear this time; nevertheless, there’s a noticeable quality drop. Hence, relying on the usual 0.7x, 1x, and 2x sizes is recommended.

A similar story unfolded elsewhere. Capturing the iconic Hollywood sign was successful, yet using digital zoom above 2x results in increased graininess and digital sharpening, diminishing quality. These are moments where the absence of a third zoom camera, which Sony has abandoned this year, is felt.

Regarding the app for different zoom levels (0.7x, 1x, and 2x), everything is in excellent order. The main camera captures detailed images without graininess. The dynamic range is wide, recovering details in both overexposed and underexposed areas. However, contrasts are impressive, meaning slightly fewer details in shadows compared to competitors. This is because Sony has long been renowned for its precise white balance, striving to depict images as the human eye sees rather than artificially enhancing details beyond human perception.

This creates the Xperia’s natural image signature, which is quite pleasing. Especially noteworthy is that natural details are present without digital sharpening, unlike Samsung, Apple, and occasionally Google in their offerings. The story is similar with the ultra-wide camera, delivering some of the industry’s best images with high detail, low graininess, and highly accurate color reproduction. The only downside is its inability to capture quality macro shots, even though the ultra-wide camera has received autofocus.

To evaluate the camera’s performance, a visit to San Francisco’s Lombard Street was made; here are the results! This time, Sony’s marketing rhetoric can indeed be justified as the 2x zoom during the day truly matches the quality of 1x. Thus, three different sizes that are equally calibrated can be obtained.

Sony has long been renowned for its quick and precise focus solutions developed by the Sony Alpha division. Sony Xperia 5 V is no exception, boasting Dual Pixel phase-detection autofocus and eye tracking that work equally well with both humans and pets. Occasionally, an object is mistakenly kept in focus, but such moments are rare. The best assessment of precise focus performance can be made in burst mode, capturing 60 sharp frames per second in various qualities.

To demonstrate this, a visit to San Francisco Bay to observe pelicans, dolphins, and other ocean creatures was made. Overall, the camera capabilities of the Sony Xperia 5 V surpass the average by a significant margin. With enough knowledge of manual settings, these cameras can work wonders. However, for the average user, this approach might prove to be too complex. Yet, the addition of a third zoom camera would be helpful for complete satisfaction. Nonetheless, these cameras make for great companions in travel and more.

Lastly, onto the video capabilities. It’s impressive to see the Xperia 5 V capturing 4K 60fps videos with all three cameras, including the selfie camera. Both rear cameras can produce 4K 120fps videos. Yes, competitors can record 8K videos, a feature Sony lacks. However, the manufacturer offers a “lower” resolution but polishes it considerably beyond the average. The result is genuinely good, and both video recording apps allow access to professional manual settings, which content creators will appreciate.

Exploring video capabilities led to Monterey Bay, where a boat ride was taken to watch whales, dolphins, and other ocean dwellers. In summary, the Sony Xperia 5 V’s camera capabilities are significantly above average. With a good understanding of manual settings, these cameras can perform miracles. However, for the average user, this approach might be too intricate. A third zoom camera would add to complete satisfaction. Nevertheless, these cameras make for great companions in travel and beyond.

Competition

The Samsung Galaxy S23 has significantly dropped in price but is also considered a complete compact flagship. Samsung offers more storage and a separate zoom camera, while Sony surpasses it with a much larger battery and various details found only in Sony devices.

The ASUS Zenfone 10 is one of this year’s most compact flagships, boasting equivalent performance, an almost clean interface, similar specifications, and gimbal-type stabilization for the main camera. However, the Xperia 5 V excels with significantly better camera performance and a larger battery.

The Xiaomi 13, not yet tested, falls into the category of complete compact flagships. Both Xiaomi and Xperia 5 V exhibit similar performance, but Xiaomi offers more capacious and faster internal memory. Xiaomi’s cameras, developed in collaboration with Leica, also feature an additional 3.2x zoom camera.

The Sony Xperia 1 V, albeit pricier and larger, holds its own in the smartphone market. Its greatest advantages include a 4K resolution screen, uncompromising storage capacity, and a unique optical periscope zoom camera. The Xperia 5 V outperforms its larger sibling with battery life and, of course, a more compact body.

Conclusion

When embarking on a journey, comfortable shoes are a must (especially when visiting San Francisco), while the rest can be taken care of with a smartphone. In any case, the Sony Xperia 5 V proved to be an outstanding ally while traversing California. The Xperia 5 V is a niche product that fits superbly within the realm of compact flagships, carrying on the legacy of the once-beloved Sony Xperia Compact series. It is a classically elegant, compact smartphone with the manufacturer’s characteristic elongated format, a great screen, powerful performance, excellent battery life, and fantastic cameras.

However, it’s not without its shortcomings. The screen’s viewing angles seem narrower compared to competitors, the internal memory capacity doesn’t match the price point, lacking the fastest memory, there are moments when a separate zoom camera is missed, and the camera interface might not be easily accessible for everyone. But that’s part of Sony’s signature style, which forms a small base of Xperia fans. Moreover, the Xperia 5 V has certainly reached a level where it’s worth considering for fans of other manufacturers too.

Pros and Cons of Sony Xperia 5 V

Pros

Classic, compact, sturdy build

Full-screen display + front-facing speakers = excellent multimedia experience

One of the best battery performances in the flagship class, all in a relatively compact body

Excellent camera performance

3.5mm headphone jack, memory card slot, dedicated camera button

Cons

Narrower screen viewing angles, LTPO matrix would have been beneficial

Only 128GB storage for this year’s flagships is unreasonably low

Previously, there was an additional zoom camera in this series; the camera interface is too complex for the average user

No face unlock