The Sony Xperia 5 III is the latest addition to the company’s flagship lineup, and it promises to deliver an exceptional mobile experience with its compact design, impressive camera capabilities, and powerful performance. As a follow-up to the highly-regarded Xperia 5 II, the new model aims to build upon its predecessor’s strengths while introducing some exciting new features.

Design and Display

The Sony Xperia 5 III boasts a sleek and compact design that’s perfect for those who prefer smaller smartphones without sacrificing too much screen real estate. The device measures in at 158 x 68 x 8.2mm, making it slightly larger than the previous model but still remarkably compact considering its feature set.

The display on the Xperia 5 III is a highlight of the device, with a 6.1-inch OLED panel that offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high contrast ratio. The screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, which provides crisp visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Sony’s X1 for mobile engine also helps to enhance image quality and reduce motion blur.

Camera Capabilities

The Xperia 5 III is primarily designed with photography enthusiasts in mind, and it boasts an impressive triple-camera setup that includes a 12-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The device also features a 3D iToF (interval of time) sensor for improved autofocus performance.

The camera app is intuitive and feature-rich, with support for advanced modes like manual focus, exposure compensation, and RAW image capture. Sony has also included its AI-powered predictive camera features, such as Eye AF and Smile Shutter, which help to optimize camera settings based on the scene in front of you.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia 5 III is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The device also supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

In terms of performance, the Xperia 5 III delivers seamless multitasking and gaming experiences, thanks to its powerful hardware and efficient cooling system. You can expect smooth performance even in demanding applications like video editing or gaming.

Battery Life

The battery on the Xperia 5 III is a respectable 4500mAh unit that supports fast charging via USB-C (up to 30W). Sony claims that the device can last up to two days with moderate use, and our testing suggests that this is a realistic estimate. However, heavy users may need to top off their battery more frequently.

Additional Features

The Xperia 5 III also boasts some interesting additional features, such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP65/68 water resistance, and support for wireless charging (up to 10W). The device also includes stereo speakers with DSEE HX audio processing, which helps to enhance the overall listening experience.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia 5 III is an exceptional smartphone that excels in various areas, particularly camera capabilities. Its compact design, impressive display, and powerful performance make it a compelling option for those who value photography, gaming, or productivity on-the-go.

While the device may not be perfect – the lack of a headphone jack and high refresh rate are notable omissions – Sony has clearly prioritized its strengths to create an exceptional mobile experience that’s hard to match in this price range.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
• RAM: Up to 12GB
• Storage: Up to 512GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card slot
• Display: 6.1-inch OLED panel, 1080 x 2520 pixels resolution
• Camera: Triple-camera setup with 12-megapixel primary sensor, 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera
• Battery: 4500mAh, fast charging (up to 30W), wireless charging (up to 10W)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C, NFC