Sony has just unveiled its latest compact flagship, the Xperia 5 V. This phone boasts a revamped camera system that ditches the telephoto unit but gains a much larger main sensor.
The Xperia 5 V retains its familiar 6.1-inch FHD+ 120Hz 21:9 OLED display and comes with front-firing stereo speakers for an immersive audiovisual experience.
Under the hood, Sony has packed the Xperia 5 V with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage through a microSD card slot.
Sony Unveils Xperia 5 V: Compact Flagship with Enhanced Camera and Powerful Specs
What’s noteworthy in today’s world is that the 3.5mm headphone jack has managed to hold its ground for another year. Making the Xperia 5 V a rare find in this regard.
Turning to the rear camera setup, Sony made a significant change by moving from a triple camera setup to a dual one. However, the main sensor now boasts an impressive 52MP with a 1/1.35-inch size, similar to the Xperia 1 V. This sensor delivers 12MP default shots at 24mm and even the 2x zoom option (effectively 48mm) offers better light gathering than the Xperia 5 IV’s telephoto camera.
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The second camera is a 12MP 1/2.5-inch ultrawide with a 16mm focal length, providing dual-pixel autofocus capabilities. Selfies are handled by a 12MP front camera with a 1/2.9-inch sensor.
Despite these improvements, the phone maintains its compact size, thanks to its 6.1-inch screen and tall aspect ratio. It’s only slightly thicker and shorter than its predecessor. Making it a pleasantly diminutive device in a market of shrinking compact flagships. Competing with the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, the Xperia 5 V faces a tough battle.
The battery remains unchanged at 5,000mAh, but Sony promises better endurance due to the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. With a 30W charger (sold separately), you can expect to reach 50% battery in just 30 minutes.
The Sony Xperia 5 V is set to hit the market in late September with a price tag of €999/£849. It’s a promising addition to the compact flagship scene, offering a blend of powerful performance and an impressive camera system in a smaller form factor.
