Sony Xperia 5 vs Sony Xperia 5 III 5G
Our Verdict: These are two phones from the same range, with the Xperia 5 sitting above the Xperia 5 III 5G. Only the III 5G is a 5G phone; the 5 maxes out at 4G, and the III 5G packs the bigger battery, 4500mAh against 3140mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 5 has the sharper display at 685 PPI to 449. Only pay up for the 5 if you'll use what it offers; if not, the III 5G makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the III 5G is the cheaper buy at £149 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.1
7 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Sony Xperia 5
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Sony Xperia 5 III 5G
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
4.1 7 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2520 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 685 | 449 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 8 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 |
| Battery | 3,140 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 68 x 8.2 mm | 157 x 68 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 168 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £399.00 | £149.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", the Sony Xperia 5 has the sharper display at 685 pixels per inch versus 449, and both use OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 III 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.00.
What storage options are available for the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 is available in 128GB, while the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 III 5G use?
The Sony Xperia 5 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855, while the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
It's a trade-off: the Sony Xperia 5 is lighter but the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G is more compact. It's 4g lighter at 164 grams, though the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G is actually the more compact phone at 157 x 68 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 III 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the Sony Xperia 5 III 5G is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 III 5G run?
Both phones run Android.