Sony Xperia 5 III

Sony Xperia 5 III: Still a Compact Content Creation Powerhouse in 2024? My Honest Take.

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Sony Xperia 5 III through its paces, and it’s been a fascinating experience, to say the least. Launched back in 2021, this isn't the newest kid on the block, but it occupies a unique space in the smartphone landscape. At its current price point, it’s targeting a user who values a blend of premium features and a more manageable size. After thoroughly testing its camera, performance, and overall usability, I have a pretty clear picture of who this phone is for, and perhaps more importantly, who it isn't.

Navigating the Now: Where Does the Xperia 5 III Fit?

Why revisit a phone from 2021? Well, in a market dominated by ever-larger devices, the Xperia 5 III’s compact form factor immediately sets it apart. Sony has consistently carved its own path, often prioritizing features that appeal to specific niches, and the 5 III is a prime example. Their strategy seems to be about delivering a professional-grade experience in a smaller package, rather than chasing headline-grabbing specs in every category.

The current price point puts it in a competitive mid-range to upper mid-range segment. My personal take is that it offers compelling value if your priorities align with its strengths, particularly in photography and videography. However, it’s important to acknowledge the advancements in the market since its release and see how it stacks up against newer competitors.

Design & Hardware: A Familiarly Premium Feel

Picking up the Xperia 5 III, the first thing that strikes you is its slimness and the unusual 21:9 aspect ratio. It feels distinctly different from most modern smartphones. In my hand, it’s comfortable and easy to grip, a welcome change from the increasingly bulky competition. The build quality is undeniably premium, with a glass back and a solid-feeling aluminum frame. While the narrowness took a little getting used to initially, I appreciate how easily it slips into a pocket.

While not the most visually groundbreaking design, it exudes a subtle sophistication. Durability-wise, the Gorilla Glass 6 on both the front and back offers decent protection against everyday scratches, and the IP65/68 rating provides peace of mind against water and dust. For practical daily use, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button is fast and reliable, a placement I personally prefer.

Display: A Visual Treat for Content Consumption

The 6.1-inch OLED display is where the Xperia 5 III truly shines. In my experience, the colors are vibrant and accurate, making photos and videos pop. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating the interface buttery smooth – it's a genuinely pleasurable experience, especially for media consumption. Watching movies in the 21:9 aspect ratio is immersive, filling the screen without distracting black bars.

Gaming also benefits from the smooth refresh rate and excellent color reproduction. Even under bright sunlight, I found the display to be adequately bright, although it might not be class-leading in peak brightness. For practical daily use, reading text and browsing the web are comfortable on this sharp and well-calibrated display.

Performance: Still Holding its Own

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 888 chipset, while not the latest, still packs a punch. In my real-world testing, the Xperia 5 III handled everything I threw at it with relative ease. Gaming sessions on demanding titles were generally smooth, although I did notice the phone getting a bit warm during extended play. Multitasking between various apps was seamless, and I didn't encounter any significant lag or slowdown.

While it might not benchmark at the very top anymore, the performance is more than adequate for most users. I didn't experience any notable quirks, although the thermal management could be slightly better under heavy load. One strength I noticed is the consistent performance even after extended use, suggesting good optimization.

Camera System: Where Sony's Expertise Shines

The camera system is arguably the highlight of the Xperia 5 III and where Sony's pedigree is most evident. My actual photo-taking experience was overwhelmingly positive. The triple-lens setup – a 12MP main, a 12MP ultrawide, and a unique variable telephoto lens – offers incredible versatility.

I tested it in various scenarios, from bright daylight to challenging low-light conditions. The main sensor captures images with excellent detail and natural-looking colors. The telephoto lens, with its two focal lengths, provides impressive zoom capabilities without significant loss of quality. Even the ultrawide produces sharp and distortion-free images.

Video recording is another strong suit. The footage is smooth and stable, thanks to the optical image stabilization (OIS). I was particularly impressed with the Real-time Tracking feature, which kept subjects in focus even when they were moving erratically. Compared to some market alternatives, the Xperia 5 III's camera might require a bit more manual input to get the perfect shot, but the results are often worth the effort. It's a camera system geared towards those who appreciate the nuances of photography.

Battery & Charging: A Solid Day's Performance

The 4500mAh battery provided solid, albeit not groundbreaking, endurance in my testing. On a typical day with moderate usage, I comfortably made it through a full day without needing to reach for the charger. However, with more intensive use, including gaming and heavy media consumption, I occasionally needed a top-up in the late afternoon.

The 30W fast charging is decent, taking the phone from empty to around 50% in about 30 minutes. However, it's not the fastest in the market, and the absence of wireless charging is a notable omission at this level. Power management seems effective, and I didn't notice excessive battery drain in standby. For real-world endurance, it's a dependable performer, but those who frequently push their phones to the limit might find themselves wishing for faster charging.

Software: A Clean and Customizable Experience

The software experience on the Xperia 5 III is refreshingly clean, very close to stock Android. My daily usage was smooth and intuitive. The interface is uncluttered, and Sony's additions are generally useful rather than intrusive. Features like Side sense, which provides quick access to frequently used apps and settings, can be quite handy.

The update policy, while not always the fastest, has seen the phone updated to Android 13, which is a positive. For users who appreciate a minimal and customizable Android experience without excessive bloatware, the Xperia 5 III's software is a definite plus.

Value Analysis: Is It Worth Considering Now?

My personal take on the Xperia 5 III's value is nuanced. At its current price, it presents a compelling option for a specific type of user: someone who prioritizes a compact design, an excellent display for media consumption, and a versatile, high-quality camera system. If photography and videography are high on your list, and you prefer a phone that isn't overly large, the Xperia 5 III offers significant value.

However, those seeking the absolute latest processor, the fastest charging speeds, or wireless charging might find better options elsewhere. Competitively, phones in this price range might offer newer features or slightly better performance in certain areas. But the Xperia 5 III's unique blend of features and form factor remains attractive.

Conclusion: A Charmer with Specific Strengths

Ultimately, my recommendation for the Sony Xperia 5 III comes with a caveat: know what you're looking for. It's not a phone for everyone, but for those who appreciate its particular strengths, it's a fantastic device. The compact design, stunning display, and impressive camera system make it a compelling choice, especially for content creators and photography enthusiasts who prefer a smaller footprint. If you value these aspects and are comfortable with a phone that's a couple of years old, the Xperia 5 III is still a charmer that holds its own in today's market. It’s a testament to Sony's commitment to delivering a unique and focused mobile experience.