Sony Xperia 5 V Review: Is It A Stunning Comeback For Sony?

Sony Electronics Inc. signed a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to harness Snapdragon for building smartphones. It became clear that the Japanese tech giant was not backing down without a fight, even after struggling to match the ferocity of competition like Apple and Samsung. And after donning the hat of Xperia a decade ago, the much-awaited Sony Xperia 5 V has been unveiled and it promises to be a game-changer for visual jonesing. 

The all new Sony Xperia 5 V. (Image Courtesy – Sony)

Packed with cutting-edge features and an impressive camera setup, the specs of the Sony Xperia 5 V aim to revolutionize the way people capture and consume media on their mobile devices. Comprehending all the available information, Technowize brings you Sony Xperia 5 V’s release date, price, specs, and key features – a detailed insight into what the new smartphone has to offer.

Sony Xperia 5 V Review

To kickstart our Sony Xperia 5 V review according to Sony’s announcement of the smartphone, we have curated the Sony Xperia 5 V’s specs and the highly-awaited Sony Xperia 5 V’s release date as well.

Sony Xperia 5 V Specs

As a strong contender in its ‘Sony Ericsson’ era, Sony is privy to what consumers are looking for in the new lineups of smartphones. Without further ado, we have listed down all the innovative features of the new smartphone in our in-depth Xperia 5 V review.

Sony Xperia 5 V Design and Display

The Sony Xperia 5 V sports a sleek and stylish design. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, ensuring durability and protection against scratches. The smartphone will be available in three color options.

The Xperia 5 V features a 6.1-inch 21:9 FHD + OLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. This display, with its cinematic aspect ratio, allows for immersive video playback without any black bars, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Sony Xperia 5 V Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia 5 V is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, delivering lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. Equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (which is expandable via a microSD card), the smartphone flaunts ample space for all kinds of apps, media, and files.

The Xperia 5 V runs on Android 13, offering a user-friendly and intuitive interface. Sony has committed to providing two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, ensuring that you stay up to date with the latest software enhancements and security features. While this may not match the software support offered by competitors such as Samsung, it is a step in the right direction for Sony.

What Are Xperia 5 V’s Camera Capabilities?

One of the standout features of the Sony Xperia 5 V is its camera setup. While it may have lost the variable optical zoom lens found in its predecessor, it still offers impressive photography capabilities. The main camera boasts a 52MP (48MP effective) sensor with an aperture of f/1.35, allowing for stunning detail and clarity in every shot. Additionally, there is an ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes and a 12MP front-facing sensor for high-quality selfies.

Sony has indulged in advanced camera features for the Xperia 5 V, including real-time eye autofocus and tracking – a feature borrowed from their renowned Alpha cameras. These features ensure that your subjects are always in focus, whether you’re taking photos or recording videos.

But, the Xperia 5 V is not just a smartphone for photography enthusiasts; it also shines in videography. Sony has included an S-Cinetone mode, inspired by their Alpha cameras, which gives videos a cinematic feel with rich colors and enhanced dynamic range. This feature allows you to capture professional-looking videos right from your smartphone.

Sony Xperia 5 V: Battery and Charging

Powering the Xperia 5 V is a substantial 5,000mAh battery, ensuring that you have enough juice to get through the day without constantly reaching for your charger. The device supports 30W wired charging, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed. Additionally, wireless charging capabilities are also present, providing a convenient and cable-free charging experience.

Sony Xperia 5 V Release Date

Although Sony officially announced the Sony Xperia 5 V on September 1st, the release date is yet to be confirmed. The electronics company has stated that the Xperia 5 V will be available for purchase from late September. As typical of Sony, leaving fans waiting for the official launch of the smartphone.

The Sony Xperia 5 V includes several additional features that enhance the overall user experience. It boasts an IP65/68 rating, making it water and dust-resistant, giving you peace of mind when using your device in various environments. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for wired audio connectivity, while Bluetooth 5.3 enables wireless Hi-Res audio playback.

Sony Xperia 5 V Price

With a price tag of €999 in Europe and £849 in the UK, the Sony Xperia 5 V offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price point compared to its predecessor, the Xperia 5 IV. 

This puts it in direct competition with the iPhone 14, making it an attractive option for those in search of a high-end smartphone without breaking the bank. In the US, Sony Xperia 5 V’s price is expected to hold at $1,085.  

With its impressive camera setup, cinematic video capabilities, and top-of-the-line performance, the Sony Xperia 5 V offers a compelling option for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience. While the software support may lag behind some of its competitors, our Xperia 5 V review believes that the smartphone makes up for it with its innovative features and attractive price point. Keep an eye out for the official release of the Sony Xperia 5 V in late September, as it promises to be a device that will leave a lasting impression.