Sony Xperia 5 II
Sony aims to deliver premium audio and video performance in a compact, affordable package
Sony’s smartphone output seems somewhat erratic. The Xperia 5 II is the second Sony smartphone we’ve tested recently, following something of an extended hiatus. There have been Xperia phones in the preceding years, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing, as Sony hasn’t made much noise about them.
That has changed this year and the Sony Xperia 5 II follows the Xperia 1 II, which won our smartphone Product of the Year Award for its video and audio performance. On paper, it looks like this model can impress us in a similar way: it’s smaller, cheaper and similarly specified, so what’s not to like?
Unconventional names
We’re not entirely on board with Sony’s naming convention – “5 II” isn’t the clearest of model names, even before you realise that it’s smaller than the 1 II. Here, we have a 6.1in OLED screen with a 2520 x 1080 resolution, unlike the 4K screen on the larger model. But while we’re missing those extra pixels, we do get an upgrade to a 120Hz display.
Elsewhere, the spec sheet is almost identical. That means a 21:9 aspect ratio screen, which makes for a slimline handset. The bezel is ‘barely there’ thin and there are subtle curved edges to the frame. The camera bump on the back is less obtrusive than on other phones, such as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Sony opts to have the fingerprint sensor on the right-hand side of the phone. It’s reliable and fast, though easier to wake accidentally in your pocket. There are buttons below the fingerprint scanner for one-touch access to Google Assistant and the camera. Again, we find them easy to press accidentally, especially when on a call.
Sony’s LDAC technology, which allows for hi-res audio transmission and aims to maximise performance over Bluetooth, is present here. Connect an LDAC device and you’ll be asked to choose between the highest quality, “Sound quality preferred”, or “Best effort”, which adapts to your current network connectivity.
More welcome is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top, a microsd slot inside the SIM card tray and the now standard USB-C connection at the bottom of the phone. The Android 10 operating system is well integrated and while there are some apps in your way when you fire up the phone, they can easily be removed to leave a clean and quick interface.
The same 12MP f/1.7 wide lens, 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens and 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lenses are here, which means the same Sony Pro features, but also images that are natural and detailed when using the standard auto mode. Sony again uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and 8GB of RAM and operation proves fast and responsive. There’s the same 4000mah battery – fast-charging for 50 per cent power in 30 minutes – and support for wireless charging, too.
Blown away by 4K
We were blown away by the performance of the 4K screen on the Xperia 1 II, so we’re intrigued to see how this phone compares. Of course, it’s not just a smaller screen, it’s also a lower resolution. But the good news is that most of the time, you may not notice.
Watching standard-definition and Full HD content, we’re hard-pressed to discern any noticeable differences. This Xperia 5 II delivers sharp, detailed and colourful images. Motion is smooth and there’s little sign of noise. With 4K content, though, you will notice a difference. This is when the 4K resolution screen of the Xperia 1 II shines. You see more detail, sharper edges and a greater resolution – those extra pixels really making a difference.
That doesn’t make the Xperia 5 II screen a bad one, but for the ultimate UHD experience on a mobile, you need a phone with a true 4K screen.
The Xperia 1 set a new benchmark for sound quality, so we’re hopeful this model can replicate that success. And it almost does. Using the headphone jack or via Bluetooth, we are treated to a musical, clear and dynamic sound.
The Xperia 5 II successfully delivers something akin to a hi-fi performance, offering scale and authority with the stirring strings and deep bass of the Inception OST, while sounding upbeat and light on its feet with Atlas by Bicep.
But, as we listen to Blonde by Roger Eno and Brian Eno and compare it on the Xperia 1 II, it’s clear this phone is missing a layer of detail. The larger smartphone manages to peel back one more layer of texture to the track. Playing Chromatics’ Famous Monsters, the Xperia 1 II delivers more punch alongside that extra clarity. That’s not to say we’re disappointed by what we hearing, but the 1 II does pip it.
For many, a smartphone choice is a straight battle between Apple and Samsung. But if you value music and video performance, you should consider these latest Sony phones. While its pricier sibling still edges it for 4K video performance and ultimate sound quality, the more compact and affordable Xperia 5 II is a terrific choice.