Sony Xperia 5 II Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia 5 II brings professional-grade photography capabilities into a compact flagship package. Released in October 2020, this device combines Sony’s imaging expertise with top-tier hardware from that era. The phone’s distinctive 21:9 aspect ratio and triple camera setup with Zeiss optics position it as a multimedia powerhouse for content creators and photography enthusiasts.
Built around the Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, the Xperia 5 II delivers flagship performance with support for next-generation connectivity. The 6.1-inch OLED display running at 120Hz offers smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. Sony equipped this device with premium materials throughout, including dual Gorilla Glass 6 protection and an aluminum frame that maintains durability while keeping the weight at just 163 grams.
What Makes the Sony Xperia 5 II Worth Buying?
The camera system stands as the Xperia 5 II’s strongest selling point. All three rear cameras feature 12MP sensors, avoiding the resolution variance found in many competitors. The main sensor uses a large 1/1.7″ size with 1.8µm pixels, capturing excellent detail in various lighting conditions. Both the main and telephoto cameras include optical image stabilization, reducing blur in photos and videos.
Sony’s partnership with Zeiss brings professional color science and lens coatings to mobile photography. The telephoto lens offers genuine 3x optical zoom, while the ultrawide camera captures a 124-degree field of view. Eye tracking technology borrowed from Sony’s Alpha camera lineup helps maintain sharp focus on subjects. Video capabilities impress with 4K recording up to 120fps in HDR, giving creators slow-motion options at cinema-quality resolution.
The display technology deserves attention for its Triluminos branding and X-Reality Engine, both derived from Sony’s Bravia television lineup. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid motion during gaming and everyday use. HDR support with BT.2020 color gamut means compatible content displays with enhanced contrast and vivid colors. The tall 21:9 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for multitasking and creates an immersive viewing experience for movies shot in CinemaScope format.
Performance remains strong with the Snapdragon 865 5G processor, which was Qualcomm’s top-tier chipset for 2020. The octa-core CPU configuration balances power efficiency and peak performance. Paired with 8GB of RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, apps launch quickly and multitasking feels responsive. The Adreno 650 GPU handles demanding games smoothly, particularly when combined with the 120Hz display.
Battery life benefits from the 4000mAh capacity, which Sony optimized through software management. The 21W wired charging reaches 50% capacity in 30 minutes, though this charging speed falls behind some competitors. The phone supports USB Power Delivery 3.0, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers and accessories.
Build quality reflects Sony’s attention to detail. The IP65/IP68 rating provides peace of mind around water and dust exposure. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrates into the power button, allowing quick unlocking without reaching for the back or dealing with slower face recognition. A dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack remains present, paired with 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio support and stereo speakers for exceptional sound quality.
Things to Know Before Choosing the Sony Xperia 5 II
Software support presents the most significant limitation. While the device launched with Android 10, official updates only extend through Android 12. This shorter update cycle means the phone won’t receive the latest Android features or security patches available to newer devices. Users concerned about long-term software support should consider this carefully.
The 4000mAh battery capacity sits below many competitors from the same period. Heavy users might need to recharge before the day ends, especially when using the 120Hz display mode and camera features extensively. The 21W charging speed, while adequate, takes longer to reach full charge compared to phones offering 30W, 65W, or faster charging technologies.
Display brightness reaches respectable levels for indoor use, but the specifications don’t mention peak brightness figures for outdoor visibility. Some users report the screen can be challenging to read in direct sunlight compared to phones with higher brightness capabilities. The OLED panel delivers excellent contrast and colors but may not compete with the absolute brightest displays available.
Storage options include 128GB or 256GB variants, both expandable via microSD card. However, the card slot shares space with the second SIM, forcing users to choose between dual SIM functionality and storage expansion. This trade-off can frustrate those who need both features simultaneously.
Camera performance, while excellent in many scenarios, requires patience to master. Sony provides extensive manual controls similar to their Alpha cameras, which appeals to enthusiasts but creates a steeper learning curve for casual photographers. The 8MP front camera resolution trails behind competitors offering higher-resolution selfie cameras, though image quality remains good due to the 1.12µm pixel size.
The phone lacks wireless charging, a feature many flagships from 2020 included. Users accustomed to wireless charging pads will need to rely solely on wired charging. Additionally, there’s no radio functionality for those who enjoy FM broadcasts.
Is the Sony Xperia 5 II Right for You?
Photography enthusiasts will find tremendous value in the Xperia 5 II. The triple camera system with Zeiss optics, manual controls, and advanced video features rivals dedicated cameras for many situations. The eye tracking autofocus and color science produce professional-looking results that stand out from typical smartphone photos.
Content creators benefit from the exceptional video capabilities. Recording 4K at up to 120fps with HDR provides flexibility in post-production. The 5-axis gyro-EIS combined with optical stabilization on two cameras ensures smooth footage. The 21:9 aspect ratio naturally suits cinematic content, and the color-accurate display helps with mobile editing.
Mobile gamers get solid performance from the Snapdragon 865 and 120Hz display combination. The slim form factor fits comfortably in hands during extended play sessions. However, the 4000mAh battery might require mid-session charging for marathon gaming, and the lack of the highest-tier charging speeds means longer downtime.
Audiophiles appreciate the rare combination of a 3.5mm headphone jack and Hi-Res audio certification. The stereo speakers deliver impressive sound for a phone this size. The Dynamic vibration system adds haptic feedback synchronized with audio, enhancing the multimedia experience.
Compact phone seekers will love the 158 x 68 x 8mm dimensions. The narrow body fits easily in pockets and allows one-handed use more comfortably than wider phones. Despite the compact footprint, the 6.1-inch screen provides ample viewing area thanks to minimal bezels and the tall aspect ratio.
Business users requiring dual SIM functionality face a compromise due to the shared SIM/microSD slot. The IP68 water resistance and durable build suit professional environments. However, the limited software support timeline means the phone may become outdated for enterprise security requirements sooner than alternatives.
Budget-conscious buyers shopping in the current market can find the Xperia 5 II at significantly reduced prices compared to launch. The hardware remains capable for everyday tasks, though the aging software version limits appeal for those wanting the latest features and longest security support.
Best Alternatives to the Sony Xperia 5 II
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE from the same era offers similar flagship specs with a larger battery and longer software support. Samsung’s update policy provides extended Android version updates and security patches. The 120Hz display and Snapdragon 865 match the Xperia 5 II’s performance, though the camera system takes a different approach with a 64MP telephoto lens.
Google’s Pixel 5 emphasizes computational photography over hardware specifications. The smaller battery than Xperia 5 II is offset by exceptional power efficiency. Google’s direct software updates and exclusive camera features appeal to those prioritizing the latest Android experience and point-and-shoot photography over manual controls.
The OnePlus 8T delivers faster 65W charging and a larger 4500mAh battery. The 120Hz display and Snapdragon 865 provide equivalent performance. OnePlus includes 5G support across all models and offers a more affordable price point, though the camera system doesn’t match Sony’s professional photography features.
For those willing to consider newer releases, the Sony Xperia 5 III succeeds this model with upgraded specifications. It maintains the compact form factor while adding a variable telephoto lens, improved battery life, and extended software support. The 5 III represents a direct evolution of the 5 II’s concept with refinements across the board.
Sony Xperia 5 II Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sony Xperia 5 II support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Sony Xperia 5 II supports 5G networks through its Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset. The phone works with sub-6GHz 5G bands, providing faster data speeds in areas with 5G coverage. It also maintains full compatibility with 4G LTE, HSPA, and GSM networks for comprehensive global connectivity.
Can I expand the storage on the Xperia 5 II?
The Xperia 5 II includes a microSDXC card slot for storage expansion. However, this slot shares space with the second nano-SIM, meaning you must choose between dual SIM functionality and expanded storage. You cannot use two SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously. The base storage options of 128GB or 256GB with UFS 3.0 technology provide fast read and write speeds.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The 4000mAh battery typically lasts a full day with moderate use, including web browsing, social media, and standard app usage. Heavy users who extensively use the camera features, gaming, or keep the 120Hz display mode active may need to recharge before the day ends. The 21W fast charging restores 50% battery capacity in approximately 30 minutes.
Is the Sony Xperia 5 II waterproof?
The phone carries an IP65/IP68 rating, making it dust-tight and water-resistant. It can withstand low-pressure water jets and remains protected when submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This protection covers accidental splashes, rain, and brief submersion but doesn’t make the phone suitable for swimming or underwater photography.
What Android version does the Xperia 5 II currently run?
The Sony Xperia 5 II launched with Android 10 and received official updates through Android 12. Sony’s update policy for this model concluded with Android 12, meaning it won’t receive Android 13 or newer versions through official channels. The phone continues to receive occasional security patches, though these may also phase out as the device ages.