Sony Xperia 5 V Review: Compact, Creative, and Powerful

Introduction

Sony's Xperia 5 V is a smartphone that proudly boasts of being compact, creative, and powerful. In this review, we'll delve into its features and see if it lives up to these claims. Compared to its flagship sibling, the Xperia 1 V, the Xperia 5 V may be more compact, but it retains most of the features that make Sony smartphones stand out, with the exception of the 4K display and the zoom camera.

Design and Build

The Xperia 5 V maintains Sony's tradition of delivering a compact form factor, making it one of the most compact Android flagships available when it was released. Its design features two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels and a flat metal frame, combining elegance with durability. One notable aspect is its bright 21:9 120Hz OLED display without any distracting cutouts.

Sony prioritizes user-friendly features, evident in the inclusion of front-facing stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a rare microSD card slot, all without compromising its IP65/IP68 ingress protection. These inclusions make the Xperia 5 V stand out in a market where such features are increasingly rare.

Display

The Xperia 5 V boasts a distraction-free display experience, a rarity in the current smartphone landscape. Its 6.1-inch OLED screen offers vivid colors, HDR10 support, and a 1080x2520px resolution, all in a 21:9 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of 449ppi, it delivers sharp visuals and an immersive viewing experience.

Camera

Sony's reputation for high-quality cameras extends to the Xperia 5 V. It features the same camera setup as the Xperia 1 V, including a 48MP primary camera, a 12MP autofocus ultrawide, and a 12MP selfie camera. While it lacks a dedicated zoom camera, Sony compensates with a 2x lossless zoom capability on the main camera. Additionally, the Xperia 5 V introduces improvements such as an enhanced Portrait mode, a upgraded PhotoPro app with 4K at 60fps and 120fps recording modes, and slow-motion capabilities. Content creators will appreciate the new Video Creator app tailored for their needs.

Specifications

Here's a quick look at the Xperia 5 V's specifications:

Dimensions: 154.0x68.0x8.6mm, 183g

Display: 6.1" OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, 1080x2520px resolution

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Memory: 128GB storage, 8GB RAM, microSDXC support

Operating System: Android 13

Cameras: 48MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP selfie

Battery: 5000mAh, 30W wired and wireless charging

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, 3.5mm audio jack

Miscellaneous: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, stereo speakers

Overall, the Xperia 5 V offers a comprehensive set of features, even though it lacks a dedicated zoom camera. Sony's decision to focus on a 2x lossless zoom on the primary camera showcases their commitment to innovation.

Design and Build Quality

The Xperia 5 V inherits the timeless design language of Sony, characterized by a tall aspect ratio display and high-quality cameras. Its compact form factor, measuring 154.0x68.0x8.6mm and weighing 183 grams, combines elegance with portability. The device is constructed using Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels and a sturdy metal frame, ensuring durability and resilience. Notably, the flat frame and back panel with a matte finish provide a sleek and modern look.

The Xperia 5 V maintains its IP65/IP68 rating, guaranteeing resistance against water jets and submersion in clean water. This level of durability enhances its suitability for various environments.

Display

The Xperia 5 V features a 6.1-inch 21:9 OLED display that minimizes bezels and offers an immersive visual experience. With a resolution of 1080x2520 pixels and support for HDR10, the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. The absence of notches or cutouts ensures a distraction-free viewing experience.

Camera

Sony's dedication to camera quality is evident in the Xperia 5 V, which carries over the camera setup from the Xperia 1 V. This includes a 48MP primary camera, a 12MP autofocus ultrawide lens, and a 12MP front-facing camera. While it lacks a dedicated zoom camera, the 2x lossless zoom on the primary camera compensates for this omission. Moreover, the Xperia 5 V introduces improvements such as an enhanced Portrait mode, a revamped PhotoPro app with 4K at 60fps and 120fps recording options, and slow-motion capabilities. Content creators will appreciate the newly introduced Video Creator app tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia 5 V offers a compelling package, blending a compact form factor with powerful features. While it may lack a dedicated zoom camera, Sony's implementation of 2x lossless zoom on the primary camera showcases their commitment to delivering high-quality photography. Its design, build quality, and user-friendly features make it a standout choice among smartphones. Sony continues to prioritize innovation and user satisfaction, making the Xperia 5 V a noteworthy addition to their lineup.