Sony Xperia 5 II

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia 5 II (often referred to as the “Sony Xperia 5 Mark II”) is a part of Sony’s premium lineup for 2020. Positioned as a more compact alternative to the flagship Xperia 1 II, it packs many of the high-end features of its larger sibling into a smaller form factor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia 5 II:

Overview:

Introduced in 2020, the Xperia 5 II builds on the foundation set by the Xperia 5, offering a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and multimedia features in a more compact and pocket-friendly design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, supporting HDR10+, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 21:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The camera system benefits from technology and expertise from Sony’s Alpha camera series. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated shutter button for the camera.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: One of the few phones in the market to offer flagship-level specs in a compact form factor.
  2. High Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and a responsive touch experience.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The collaboration with Sony’s Alpha series brings professional-grade features to the camera system, including real-time Eye AF and Photography Pro mode.
  4. Audio Experience: Front-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack cater to audiophiles.
  5. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865, the device offers smooth and responsive performance.

Cons:

  1. Price: Positioned as a premium device, the Xperia 5 II comes with a relatively high price tag.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware is impressive, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Battery Life: While the 4000 mAh battery is decent, the high refresh rate and powerful internals might strain the battery with heavy use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia 5 II faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990), and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 12: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • OnePlus 8T: Featuring a Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 865, and a quad-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia 5 II was announced in September 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner Sensitivity: Some users reported occasional misreads or sensitivity issues with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
  2. Software Updates: As with other Sony models, some users expressed concerns about the speed and frequency of software updates.
  3. Camera Autofocus: Some users reported occasional autofocus inconsistencies, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia 5 II is a compelling option for users who desire flagship specifications in a more compact and manageable size. It stands out in the premium segment due to its unique features, such as the 21:9 display, professional-grade camera capabilities, and a focus on audio quality. While it does come with a premium price tag and has a few areas of improvement, it offers a balanced and premium smartphone experience, especially for multimedia enthusiasts and photography aficionados.