Sony Xperia 5 vs Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G
Our Verdict: These are two phones from the same range, with the Xperia 5 IV 5G sitting above the Xperia 5. Only the IV 5G is a 5G phone; the 5 maxes out at 4G, and there's more battery in the IV 5G, 5000mAh to 3140mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 5 has the sharper display at 685 PPI to 449, and the 5 is the lighter phone at 164g against 172g. The IV 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the 5 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 5 is the cheaper buy at £399 SIM-free.
Prices updated 6 July 2026
Sony Xperia 5
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Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | OLED | OLED, 1B colors |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2520 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 685 | 449 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 |
| Battery | 3,140 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 158 x 68 x 8.2 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 172 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 | £750.00 |
| Prices updated 6 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 IV 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 the Sony Xperia 5 uses a OLED panel while the Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G has a OLED, 1B colors.
Which has the better camera, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Sony Xperia 5 IV 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 IV 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.00.
What storage options are available for the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G?
The Sony Xperia 5 is available in 128GB, while the Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G use?
The Sony Xperia 5 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855, while the Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G?
It's a trade-off: the Sony Xperia 5 is lighter but the Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G is more compact. It's 8g lighter at 164 grams, though the Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G is actually the more compact phone at 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Sony Xperia 5 or Sony Xperia 5 IV 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 IV 5G is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Sony Xperia 5 and Sony Xperia 5 IV 5G run?
Both phones run Android.